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

My giving goal is to commit to be educated about where my money is going, and to know that I am giving to organizations that fit my interests and passions. Philanthropy Lab has taught me a lot about what it means to donate my money, and why it is important to research the organization before you donate. I want to commit to contributing 10% of my income to charities and organizations that correlate with the values that are important to me.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

In my future, I hope to continue to give my time, talent, and treasure to organizations that support mental health. As my career grows, I hope to give more of my treasure and never stop volunteering my time, even if my everyday job is with a nonprofit.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

I will give a minimum of 10 to 15 percent of my income to nonprofit organizations that work for justice and rights for marginalized people in this country, especially organizations that are small and local. I will also support them with my time, whether that’s through a job or volunteer work.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

I pledge to give 10% of my income yearly to an animal rights organization of my choosing.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

I plan to commit 10% of my future income to organizations that support those effected by diseases in mental health. I also plan to not only go into the field of working with mental health, but also would volunteer my time to whatever organization I can find when I settle.

Anonymous

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2016

Although I am unable to commit to an income percentage, I will continue to understand the importance of philanthropy in my adult life after graduation. I plan to continue on giving my extra time by volunteering in organizations that have made a difference in my life and others around me.