$50,000
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
I want my future giving to reflect a commitment to expanding opportunity and dignity for others. My focus is on improving mental health support, strengthening access to education, and empowering young people at critical moments in their lives. Over the next decade, my goal is to give consistently through financial contributions, mentorship, pro bono work, and by applying my skills to help mission-driven organizations operate more effectively. As my resources grow, I hope to support or create programs that help people navigate challenges with confidence and access the support they deserve. I want my giving to be an authentic expression of who I am becoming and a lasting commitment to helping others build stronger and more hopeful futures.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
Part 1 Growing up, the most influential person in shaping my values has always been my mom. As a doctor, her work directly impacts people’s lives, and watching her dedication and passion for what she does has inspired me to pursue a career in science. I have always been fascinated by how curiosity and research can uncover surprising, unconventional solutions to big problems. To me, science is the most powerful tool for making the world a better place. Alongside this, I believe that access to education is critical, especially for marginalized groups and young girls, so they too can be encouraged to take part in discovery and change. Core values and passions: Engaging with the world around me Open-mindedness, curiosity over judgement Agency / drive Microbiology, genetics Public health, infectious disease Girls in STEM Access to education and sports Supporting research When I think about my career path and personal choices, my values are always present. I have been fortunate to grow up in an environment that has supported my curiosity and encouraged me to pursue my interests fully, whether in science, sports, or education. I plan to pursue a career in research – ideally in gene editing or infectious disease – with the goal of helping people on a large scale. Philanthropically, I believe that talent is the most important contribution one can give. While money and time are undoubtedly valuable, I think the impact of using our unique skills to solve problems and share knowledge is far greater. It’s personal and purposeful. My passion for science and desire to encourage others make me feel responsible to give back. I hope to use my education and career not only to achieve my own goals, but also to limit barriers and create opportunities for people who might not see themselves in STEM. I see great importance in building others up and helping them discover their own passions. Whether it is encouraging young girls to pursue science, supporting access to education, or creating opportunities in sports, I believe that empowering others leads to long-term change. What matters most to me is helping others find what excites them – because when people are inspired and curious, they are more driven to use their own talents to make the world a better place. In this way, my goals are not only about advancing my own career, but also about helping to create a culture where curiosity, persistence, and service to others are valued and encouraged. Ultimately, I hope to live out my values by combining curiosity, science, and service. My career aspirations, lifestyle, and how I hope to contribute philanthropically all tie back to a core vision: using science as a force for good, and making sure others feel empowered to do the same. Part 2: Giving Goals What am I passionate about in changing the world: I want to strengthen trust in science and help reduce the suffering caused by preventable disease. Preventable deaths and lack of access to basic healthcare trouble me deeply, and I hope to change this by supporting public health and science education. What I think can help improve or change the issues I care most about: Better science communication, policies that prioritize scientific literacy, and leaders who recognize the value of research. Making science more accessible, less intimidating, and more inspiring is key. What I am doing or will do through my giving: I plan to use my career to advance public health research and lead others to care about these issues. Beyond my own work, I want to support innovation, education, and mentorship in these areas. Time period for my actions ahead: My entire career, over the next several decades. Letter to My Future Self Dear Future Me, I hope you are still as curious and passionate as you have always been! It is what makes you you. Your goal has always been to use your talent and curiosity for good – through research, innovation, and a commitment to health. Keep focusing on the causes that matter most to you: advancing science, improving healthcare access, and encouraging young people, especially girls, to see themselves as future scientists. Remember that philanthropy is more than money. It is how you spend your time, treasure, and talent. You’ve always believed that talent is the most valuable resource you can give, so continue to use your skills to push boundaries in research and to inspire others. As your career grows, consider setting aside a part of your income to support causes you care about, whether in education, STEM opportunities, or healthcare access. Above all, stay committed to building trust in science and making it more accessible to everyone. If you can continue to spark curiosity in others and help reduce preventable suffering, you’ll be honoring the values that first inspired you. With love! Deanie
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
Ten years from now when I turn 32, I aim to continue faithfully tithing on my household income and to be approaching a point where I can transition from work in the for-profit sector to something in public service or an adjacent area where I can give back more of my time and effort. I’ve often toyed with the idea of – if Lord-willing I am in the financial position to do so – becoming a police officer or working for a government organization once I’m financially stable enough to retire from whatever career I’m in. Quantitatively, I hope to be giving 15% or more, ideally 20%+, of all earned income. By this time, I hope to have identified a few potential candidates for nonprofits I can work with or start from the ground up. Currently on my heart are the above issues of stewardship and abortion. By the former, I mean helping nonprofits deploy their capital efficiently and manage their financial resources as best as possible. For the latter, I am passionate about ensuring the birth of as many children as possible by providing support systems for expectant mothers. Although most nonprofits for this cause positively help in the sense they proactively discourage abortions, I’d like to be positioned upstream where I can work in the negative sense, to promote the nuclear family and the importance of men being strong, faithful leaders for their families that empower their spouses to confidently bring children into the world.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
My giving goal is to donate 10% of my income to women’s shelters, helping to support their futures. I would also love to donate any of my extra time and resources to the shelters as well.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
To empower underrepresented youth through financial literacy and creative opportunity, giving both resources and mentorship that open doors for the next generation.