My giving goal is to be able to spend some amount of time each week doing volunteer work for a non-profit I support (e.g. teaching in the Petey Greene program) and/or to offer some of my educational services to high-need, low-income school districts and individuals for low-to-no cost. While I may one day earn a high enough income, and find an organization that I trust to put my donation towards what I think needs that support most, that I will decide that my money would make the most impact out of my hands, that day is far off and uncertain. However, if I am able to successfully found and maintain a business or non-profit providing consulting services, trainings, and resources to institutions in special education, I would put aside some of my organizations revenue from our paying partners to afford the provision of these supports to institutions that are unable to afford our rates. Doing more volunteer work is something that I hope to achieve in the more near future, as the only requirement for doing so is a few hours, ideally 5-10 eventually, a week of time and effort. I mentioned the Petey Greene program because I work in education and have always believed that the high rates of incarceration throughout the US are deplorable and do much more long-term harm to society than most people acknowledge. Being able to provide incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to learn new career skills and support them in their transitions back into “free society” would not only be personally-gratifying, but would help to rectify some of the harm these people have suffered at the hands of a corrupt institution. Overall, I think that I will be able to do more good organizing initiatives like the Petey Greene program than in participating in them, but as an overworked college student, educator, and researcher, participation is more within my current capacity for time.
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 info@thephilanthropylab.org
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
Search for Giving Goals
Over 4,200+ course participants have written giving goals in a demonstration of leadership!
Taylor Thigpen
- 2025
- Fall
I commit to giving 5% of my income while in University.
Sofia Nazeer
- 2025
- Fall
I want my future giving to stay focused on impact, especially for communities where even a small amount of support creates real change. As I grow, I hope I can look back on this moment and remember the values I have now: wanting to give intentionally, listen to communities first, and use whatever resources I have to make someone’s life a little easier.
Sarah Carr
- 2025
- Fall
My Long-Term Philanthropy Commitment Five-Year Goal: Give at least 5% of my annual net income to organizations that strengthen the social fabric of my community, using my JD/MBA training to evaluate impact and support effective, well-governed nonprofits. Ten-Year Goal: Serve on a nonprofit board and provide pro bono legal and strategic guidance, while using my professional network to support fundraising and organizational growth. Twenty-Year Goal: Increase my giving to at least 10% of my annual net income and continue offering pro bono services, while also mentoring others in developing thoughtful, community-centered giving practices.
Paige Baumann
- 2025
- Fall
Looking ahead, I want my giving to go beyond money and extend into how I show up for people and communities. I hope to continue offering my time and skills to organizations that create access, equity, and joy for others, especially for children and people with disabilities. I want my giving to be rooted in connection, whether that’s through volunteering in direct service, using my education to strengthen nonprofits, or building relationships that inspire others to give as well. Financially, I plan to give what I can at each stage of life, starting small but consistently, with the hope that one day I can commit larger gifts that support causes I care about for the long term.
Nayancie Matthews
- 2025
- Fall
Commit to allocating 5–10% of my post-tax annual income to philanthropy, focused on organizations that advance health equity, education access, and wealth-building.