I hope to be in a position where I can give 10% of my earnings each year to causes and organizations that will make a difference in the world. I hope to give back to communities and organizations where my impact will help those in the generations after me. Through volunteer work and service, I can also leave a lasting impact on organizations that are deeply rooted in my values. Additionally, I hope to continue my work, in the Jewish community, combating antisemitism and working to better Jewish life. I want to ensure that a portion of my estate is donated to Jewish charities.
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
- Fall
- 2024
Philanthropy of time: I pledge to dedicate my life to a career centered on furthering the common good in some form. In addition to my work life, I pledge to dedicate at least one to two hours weekly to philanthropy in my personal life (e.g. volunteering at a nonprofit, calling a loved one going through a difficult time, or writing a thank you note to someone who’s fostered good in my life). Philanthropy of money: I pledge to make a $500 yearly donation to Camp Kesem, a nonprofit that has been incredibly impactful in my college experience, once I begin generating an income. I also pledge to update this goal by reserving a set percentage of my income for philanthropic causes once I have a sense of what my salary and living expenses will look like.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2024
I will build as much income as possible and give so that I only retain what is necessary to live well. I will give this money to relieve homelessness and other high-priority issues in my community. I will also volunteer at least a couple of hours a week. I hope to one day influence policy so that billionaires have less influence over the lives of everyday American’s.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2024
I plan on giving up to 10% of my yearly salary to charity every year.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2024
Donate or give away all of my fortune at the end of my career and leave enough for me to retire comfortably with family
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2024
My giving goal is to donate at least $20 a month and then 3-5% of my annual income once I get a job!