My goal is to be able to donate money and time to organizations I care about; time is all I really have for now, but eventually I’d like to make monetary donations. I hope I remember to engage with my local community no matter where I am 🙂
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
- Spring
- 2025
I want to be in a position where early on in my career I can donate 10% of my salary a year. After, that I would like to be able to increase the percentage as I get further and further into my career.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I hope to give to an organization that I’m involved with, consistently volunteering at. I care less about how my money is used, but I want to put both my financial and temporal resources into an organization I care about.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal is to be in a financial position where I can freely and consistently support a nonprofit in St. Louis that empowers women and families enduring domestic violence. I want to give without hesitation, knowing that my contributions provide shelter, resources, and hope to those in crisis. My goal is to make philanthropy a natural and intentional part of my life, ensuring that survivors have access to safety, legal assistance, and the support they need to rebuild. By giving generously, I hope to stand in solidarity with those seeking a future free from violence and fear.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I have seen firsthand how inaccessible and isolating the world can be, how systems meant to support people often end up failing them instead. But I have also seen the power of advocacy, community, and care in creating meaningful change. My giving goal is to support those whose lives are shaped by their experiences with disabilityâ whether that means pushing for workplace inclusivity, funding accessibility initiatives, or simply making sure people get the resources they need. Right now, I may not have the financial means to give, but I can always give my time, my energy, and my voice. In the future, I hope to give back in even greater ways, using whatever resources I have to build a more just and accessible world.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I plan to donate 10% of my income annually after my first 10 years in the workforce.