What is a Giving Goal?

Often, the idealism of youth is lost as one achieves success and acquires material possessions later in life. What was originally considered to be “enough” or even “beyond my wildest dreams” can become just another milestone on one’s quest…

Capturing your current vision of how you wish to give of yourself and your resources in the future could help you plan to give more meaningfully. Revisiting this vision in ten or twenty years could provide a reminder of the ideals of your youth that may shape or re-shape your future actions.

If you have already posted your Giving Goal and would like to update your email for future reminders, please contact [email protected]

Step 1

Have a healthy and vigorous dialogue in your class on the general idea of having a personal Giving Goal as a college student.

Step 2

Set a Giving Goal concerning your future giving plans.

Step 3

Share a brief statement of your Giving Goals on The Philanthropy Lab’s portal as a way to inspire others to do the same. You may post anonymously to the public if you wish.

Step 4

Share your permanent email address and phone number with The Philanthropy Lab, for the sole purpose of the reminder mechanism, so we can remind you of your goal in 5 year increments for 20 years into the future.

Alumni Reflections

"What a sweet reminder of this pledge! I've definitely given and volunteered in the last 6yrs. It's been a joy to continue the journey of generosity since graduating from undergrad. I'm back in grad school and I am looking forward to finishing my MSW. There will be new ways I give back to the community!"

"Thank you so much for this valuable reminder of my Giving Pledge. I'm proud to say I've dedicated several hours of volunteer time & services to Arts Education non-profits and will continue to live out this pledge"

“Thanks for reaching out––I'm actively still volunteering at two non-profits now in NYC (one free food service called "Wellfare" and a neighborhood homeless shelter)”

"Thank you for your email! The Philanthropy Lab was a life changing experience for me. I ended up joining the board of Malawi Children's Village to run the women empowerment program, which is what the Philanthropy Lab grant was for. In August, I am going to Malawi to see the project in action!"

"I was so happy to see this email pop into my inbox, it feels like a lifetime ago I was in this course. I appreciate all that I learned in this class and have taken its messages with me through these past 5 years. I do plan on maintaining the promise I made in this class"

"Thanks for this reminder. I actually still have a handwritten version of that note on the magnet board in my home office."

Search for Giving Goals

Over 4,200+ course participants have written giving goals in a demonstration of leadership!

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2017

I will give my money, time, and skills, to non-profit organizations in compassionate and effective ways, with a generous hand, and to the best of my ability. Regardless of changing interests or incomes, I pledge to let my heart lead my philanthropy above all else.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2017

I will donate at least 10% of my income and volunteer weekly to support predominantly Christian-based organizations that aid in poverty relief, missionary funding, and adoption services, as well as investing heavily in the mission and vision of the local Christian church.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2017

I pledge to commit time volunteering at organizations that benefit youth development and well-being. Additionally I would like to donate at least 5% of my annual salary to organizations that support families in need, especially during the holiday season.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2017

I pledge to thoughtfully donate my time and talents as a non profit professional to organizations that align with my personal values and address root causes of societal or national issues. In addition, I will will give 5% of my income for the first 10 years after graduation to these organizations. At that point I will evaluate the plausibility of donating a larger percentage.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2017

I pledge to spend as much time as I am able working with organizations dedicated to ending gender-based violence & other forms of oppression while I am an undergraduate student. Upon graduating, I pledge to donate at least 5% of my income to such organizations in order to help create healthier and safer communities.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2017

I pledge to make a social impact in the world and to donate time, resources, and money to educational nonprofits as my time as an undergraduate. I would like to donate 3% of my income towards a mission that works towards making an equal playing field for all.