I strive to consistently support causes that align with my values and address the needs of those who are lacking in some capacity, creating meaningful impacts, alleviating burdens, and bringing joy to my fellow men. My goal is to enhance the well-being of others and to expand my contributions as my socioeconomic status improves, guided by the principle: “To whom much is given, much is required.”
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!
Lilla Fleischmann
- Fall
- 2024
By the time I am earning a steady wage, I would like to commit to donating a small percentage of my money to different causes annually. Simultaneously, I am committing to giving not only money, but of my time and skills through volunteer work. Since I do not know how much I will be able to give, I think volunteer work would compliment monetary gifts, and make my giving feel more personal.
Lennon Aragon
- Fall
- 2024
My giving goal depends heavily on where I am in my career. I want to be able to retire as soon as possible so I can focus on just enjoying myself. In finding meaning in retired life, I want to use that time to donate both my time and money to issues within the community I am in. I am very passionate about contributing to efforts of equity, but that looks very different for every place. As such, I first want to ensure I am involved in the community, and then align myself with an organization, using the giving philosophy developed in this course to meaningfully contribute to the capacity I can give.
Leah Christenson
- Fall
- 2024
I‘d like to donate 10% of my income and increase that as my pay increases. I want to be very cognizant of lifestyle creep and give more as I’m able while supporting myself and those I care about.
Lauryn Biondi
- Fall
- 2024
My Giving Goal is threefold: to give of my time, talent, and/or treasure at least monthly for as long as I live—to truly embrace my servant heart, in the mundane and sublime.