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
2016

I pledge to dedicate my time to supporting nonprofit organizations that align with my passion to better children’s lives whether this is through my future career or donating a portion of my annual income to a charity I have thoroughly researched and volunteered with.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

I plan on giving between 10-15% of my annual expendable income to nonprofits that work to empower youth. Additionally, I plan on giving 10-15 hours a month to volunteer my time with organizations that serve my community.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

Besides working for a non profit organization, I hope to commit time monthly to volunteer at organizations that align with my values. Additionally, I pledge to donate 10% of my income to organizations that benefit education, youth development and health.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

Being the first person in my family to go to college has made me grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. Giving back to the community is a huge part of who I am, and I pledge to do that in any way I can. I challenge myself to continue volunteering on a weekly basis and supporting good causes. Once I have paid off my student debt, I plan to further my involvement by giving at least 10% of my income to local nonprofits.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

After graduation, my goal is to continue volunteering at least once a week at local nonprofits. After I am established in my career, I want to give at least 10% of my income to organizations that support restorative justice or criminal justice reform, social justice, and animal rights.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

– Contribute 5% of my income to organizations after graduation. – Find at least 3 organizations that tackle issues I care most about (environment & conservation, youth development, social justice) and donate to each organization quarterly.