My goal is to give by creating opportunities that empower others to build meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Whether through entrepreneurship, education, or social innovation, I want my resources to help people move from survival to self-actualisation. This doesn’t mean just improving their circumstances, but reshaping how they see their own potential.
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
My Goal for the first 5 years out of college is to give at a minimum $150 per year. Every 5 years I would like to re-evaluate and hopefully double my contributions. Ideally, I will increase the amount I am able to give sooner than 5 year benchmarks.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
My giving goal is to make philanthropy a regular and sustainable part of my life. I am committing to giving a minimum of 2 to 3 percent of my annual income, with the aim of increasing that to 5 percent as my financial situation changes. In addition to financial giving, I also want to volunteer my time and skills, especially with local nonprofits and community organizations that can benefit from extra hands or professional support. My focus will be on groups that expand healthcare access, support education equity, and strengthen community well-being. I want my giving, both financial and personal, to grow alongside me and stay rooted in consistency, care, and showing up for the people around me.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
One of my yearly giving goals is to give 18% to philanthropic organizations. I hope to discover and hone in on specific causes and organizations I admire, and as time continues, I hope to expand my yearly giving goal to eventually become 25%. In addition, I want to incorporate philanthropy into my career, be it law, government, the arts, or other.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
I aim to give back to the mental health community. The community that cannot afford access to resources that help in mindset stability, tools on how to help heal disorders, that provide full DBT therapy. I hope that through these goals, I am able to help shape a more affordable mental health care system.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
My goal is to dedicate time to help volunteer at the Dane County Humane Society throughout the semester to help improve the lives of animals in any way I can.