My giving goal for the future is to volunteer for at least one nonprofit once a week, whether it be locally or internationally, to further their mission, starting 3-5 years after graduating college. On top of that, I plan to donate at least 4% of my total yearly income to NGOs during that same time frame. In this, I hope to center social justice campaigns, such as disability rights, accessibility through policy, and other organizations that focus on intersectional and inclusive initiatives.
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!
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
My giving goal is to commit at least 5% of my future income to organizations working at the intersection of civil rights and systemic justice, particularly the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP. In addition to financial contributions, I plan to engage in sustained, in-kind service by volunteering with community-based providers and offering pro bono legal work as I advance in my legal career.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
In the future I want to donate 10% of my income to international communities where the impact of my dollar will make the most impact. I also want to volunteer in my local community and get really involved in organizations that align strongly with my beliefs and desires to make the world a better place.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
My giving goal is to make a meaningful impact by volunteering with grassroots and community-based organizations that create immediate, measurable change. As I build financial stability, I plan to contribute monetarily as well, with a goal of donating approximately 10% of my annual income. Professionally, I intend to pursue a career that enables me to dedicate both my time and resources to expanding access to legal support for individuals and communities who might otherwise not have access.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
My giving goal is to build a lifelong commitment to giving that evolves with my financial situation and stage of life. As a pre-law student planning to attend law school following my gap year and the next three years, I recognize that my ability to give financially will be very limited. During this time, I will likely be taking out loans and using my income to support my basic needs. Because of this, I will prioritize giving through service rather than money. Over the next several years, my goal is to consistently volunteer with organizations that focus on justice, equity, and access to resources. I want to contribute my time in ways that are meaningful and aligned with my future career in law. Once I graduate from law school and begin working as an attorney, my goal is to incorporate financial giving into my life. While I am not setting a fixed percentage at this time, I intend to donate a portion of my income in a way that is realistic based on my salary, financial obligations, and economic conditions. In addition to monetary contributions, I plan to engage in pro bono legal work throughout my career, using my legal education to support individuals who cannot afford representation. Overall, my giving goal is to remain flexible but consistent, making sure that I am contributing to others in some way, whether through time, money, or professional skills, at every stage of my life.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
My goal is to dedicate more of my time in the future to volunteer at organizations that reflect what I am passionate about and will make a positive impact on my community. I’d ideally like to volunteer weekly for particular causes like food insecurity and immigration.