Donate minimum 2% of post-tax income beginning 3 years after graduation. Volunteer at least once every two months at a local nonprofit post graduation.
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!
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
As someone passionate about enacting social change, I aspire to embody the values and principles that can transform society throughout my career and adult life. Whether through working for a non-profit organization or donating to organizations I value, I aim to contribute to the communities that are oppressed. Specifically, I hope to dedicate my efforts to educational causes, ensuring that every individual has access to education.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
Upon graduation, I plan to allocate at least five percent of my income to organizations that provide opportunities for people to explore their artistic selves. If my income increases to a level where I have a substantial surplus, I will increase my giving and consider organizations focusing on making systemic change.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
My giving goal is to stay engaged with organizations working on food insecurity in the Ithaca area and to contribute in ways that are consistent and meaningful. I hope to build habits now that will make philanthropy a regular part of my life after graduation. Over time I want to increase both my financial support and my hands-on involvement as my career develops.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
My giving goal is to start donating at least 2% of my income post-law school graduation to nonprofits contributing to environmental justice, women’s rights, and any other causes that I find worthy. As I become more financially stable, I hope to increase this amount. I also hope to be able to contribute legal advice or expertise to nonprofits by sitting on at least one board in my life. When I retire, I want to spend a lot of my time giving back to my community through talent and/or treasure.