In the next couple of years I see myself working in cybersecurity or law enforcement. I hope to donate around 3-5% of my yearly income to non-profits in my community. I know the importance of providing shelter to the homeless in Wisconsin. The winters are cold and unbearable here.
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
Search for Giving Goals
Over 4,200+ course participants have written giving goals in a demonstration of leadership!
Pooja Bhatt
- Spring
- 2025
In the future, I envision myself contributing to the world in meaningful ways by giving my time, resources, and skills to causes that resonate deeply with my values. I aim to make a positive impact on the lives of others and the environment. Areas of Focus: Equity: Support initiatives that promote social justice and equal opportunities for all. Environment: Participate in and fund projects aimed at environmental conservation and sustainability. Sustainability and Climate: Advocate for and support efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable living. Goals for the Next 10 Years: Try to volunteer approx 100 hours annually with local non-profits focused on equity and environmental issues. Donate to selected charities working in these areas. Mentor young individuals in my field of expertise, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Support and participate in environmental clean-up drives and sustainability projects. Long-Term Vision (20+ Years): Work with a foundation that supports equity, environmental, and sustainability initiatives. Consider creating a scholarship fund for students from low-income families, with a focus on those pursuing studies in environmental science and social justice. Advocate for policies that promote environmental sustainability and social equity. Continue to mentor and inspire the next generation of leaders and change-makers. Reflection: Revisiting this vision in the future will remind me of the ideals and passions that drive my desire to give. It will help me stay aligned with my values and adapt my actions to continue making a meaningful impact.
Piper Davis
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal has been shaped by my faith and love for animals. No matter how much money we had, my mother always made sure to give what she could in the offering plate. This act of giving and generosity has impacted me since. That no matter how much money I am bringing I will give to my church 10% of my income. I also am a huge animal lover shaped by the pets I had growing up. This has made me want to volunteer more with my local animal shelter back at home and wherever I end up living full-time. I like to see my words be put into action and so instead of my money, I will be putting in my time volunteering. Trying to make a difference in the lives of animals around me in the community. I think time is so valuable and can do so much more than money can. So even just volunteering an hour a week makes a difference to the ones you are serving. I really am going to try to stick to this goal and accomplish this.
Peter Oh
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal is to support youth empowerment inside and outside of the classroom by working with students in need. I also pledge to contribute financial resources to ensure that students have a well-rounded childhood—not only through education but by having support at home and in extracurricular activities. By combining mentorship, advocacy, and financial contributions, I hope to play a role in breaking down systemic barriers that prevent young people from reaching their full potential.
Peter Fox
- Spring
- 2025
I hope to be able to dedicate both my time and my resources to the nonprofit sector. I think it would be exciting to work for a nonprofit and contribute my professional skills. I’m particularly interested in solving local, community-level problems – I think it is important for nonprofits to fix issues politicians aren’t resolving. My future giving is probably going to reflect that belief.
Payton Tyner
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal is to continually look into issues that I may not fully understand, and learn about the need, the potential causes behind them, and ultimately aim to serve as may people as possible disregarding the size of the issue. I hope that when getting a full time job starting off, I am able to give 10% of my income to issues I care about, those being international development, domestic violence, and human rights. Although I am extremely passionate about those issues, I hope throughout my life I am able to broaden my scope and gain passion and appreciation for all areas that can better our world. Ideally I would love to devote my life’s work to the philanthropic space, but if not possible I hope to maintain the ability and selflessness to give what I don’t need away and devote time to helping those who cannot help themselves. I want to at least have three non-profits I frequently donate to, as well as involve myself in a multitude of volunteering opportunities. Overall, my goal is to give my heart, soul, time, effort, and funds to the non-profit space in order to hopefully create a better tomorrow.