My giving goal is to give a percentage of my income to charities that resonate with me, such as True Friends. I want to make an active effort to support organizations that support children and family matters, especially. I also intend to serve on the board for an organization in this realm.
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!
Ben Anmuth
- Spring
- 2025
After securing a full-time job, I hope to be in a financial position where I can donate at least 8% of my earnings to a nearby animal shelter or veterinarian. I have loved animals all my life, and it hurts me to see so many on the street and not get the care they need. I hope the shelter will keep in contact with me so I know that the money I donate saves the life of an animal, purchases food for an animal, or even allows them to hold more animals.
Barbara Uzoma
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal is to give at least 5% to different organizations involving food or children and even churches over the years.
Bailey Johnson
- Spring
- 2025
I plan to commit 5% of my income, after beginning a full-time position, and 8 hours per month of my time toward improving children’s health through direct service or nonprofit support within the next year. Over the next ten years, I will increase my financial giving as my resources grow and seek leadership or advisory roles in organizations dedicated to children’s physical and mental health. This giving goal feels both purposeful and attainable. It acknowledges where I am now and allows for growth as I gain more experience, insight, and resources. It also reflects my desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of children by addressing the foundational need for good health, something that touches every other area of life, from education to self-esteem to future opportunities.
Bailey Bass
- Spring
- 2025
May my mind and body be used to uplift the people around me and the communities I call home. May I lead with kindness and graciousness to promote goodness for positive change and impact.
Ava Taylor Burke
- Spring
- 2025
I hope to give at least 2% of my income every other year for the rest of my life and dedicate some of my time each year to serving others.