After getting a full time job, I hope to pledge at least 10% of my income annually to philanthropic purposes. For myself, I know that my giving goals will shift depending on where I live and what I’m going through but overall I am most passionate about racial equities and hope to donate my time and money to that cause.
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!
Sophia Hamilton
- Fall
- 2024
I plan to Volunteer for a minimum of 6 hours every year. Once I make over a living wage, I plan to donate at least 3% of my earnings to whichever organizations I see fit for the year.
Sophia Flores
- Fall
- 2024
I pledge to be conscious of continuing my giving impact in the future. I pledge to plan a portion of my salary for the giving needs and research those needs within the community I am a part of throughout different stages of my life.
Sofia Mullen
- Fall
- 2024
I wish to give 20% of my future income to nonprofit organizations that support victims of child abuse and neglect. I hope to utilize my skills and time to work with people who are undergoing recovery from trauma as a result of abuse, physical or emotional, or neglect.
Shree Kodavatiganti
- Fall
- 2024
5 Years: I aim to be deeply involved in initiatives that promote sustainable practices in healthcare, particularly by integrating telehealth to improve access and efficiency. I hope to combine my technical skills and passion for service by contributing to underserved communities, possibly through volunteering or mentoring. I’ll also start exploring ways to address food insecurity through sustainable food systems. 10 Years: I see myself working in a social venture or non-profit at the intersection of healthcare and environmental sustainability. My focus will be on advancing initiatives that promote healthy, eco-friendly food production while driving systemic change. I also want to mentor future leaders and advocate for sustainable policies in healthcare and food systems. 15 Years: I hope to influence policies around healthcare, food security, and environmental sustainability through strategic philanthropy and advisory roles. By this time, I hope to have built a strong network of professionals and community leaders, enabling me to drive large-scale, sustainable initiatives that address these critical challenges and create lasting impact for future generations.
Sean Hanley
- Fall
- 2024
For my Giving Goals, I hope to ensure that I give at least $100 per month. I’d like to primarily give money to philanthropic organizations. When giving my time, I’d like to donate my time to people within my community, especially to groups, formal or informal, that work towards a brighter future for children and young adults.