I have always been inspired by the story of the starfish story by Loren Eiseley, in which a man questions a boy who is throwing starfish back into the ocean. The man doubts the boy’s ability to make a difference, but the boy persists, saying he can make a difference to one starfish at a time. The story’s moral is that even if an individual’s actions only make a difference to one person or one thing, it is still important to try and make a positive impact. Like the little boy, I want to impact people’s lives by making a difference, whether small or not.
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
- 2024
I am comfortable with the following giving bracket for corresponding annual income levels: 2% if making less than 100k a year 3% if between 100k and 150k a year 5% for 150-200k 10% if for 200-300k 15% if more than 300k
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2024
It is very easy to be careless with your money when donating and end up doing the opposite of what you intended. Similarly, it is easy to mindlessly follow the crowd and donate to a trending cause, but it is important to do your own research on whether or not your money is going to the right place. Overall, I believe that at the heart of giving is caring. When you are motivated to learn about the cause you are giving to, you will be much more equipped to be effective with your donation. In the future, I hope to give time and effort doing volunteer work for reliable organizations. When I am financially equipped, I hope to donate food and other resources locally, and money internationally.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2024
I vow to give 10 % of my income and always be active in volunteering efforts near me. I also would want to make people around me more involved in the community.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2024
I aim to contribute more to the world than what I have received in my lifetime. Achieving this is undoubtedly challenging, considering my education and lifestyle have largely been shaped by the kindness of others. Thus, my primary focus is to help foster equal educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities worldwide.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2024
Giving goes beyond intentions. Giving is an opportunity, but given this opportunity, how does one know if they have done it well? Despite if one has good intentions, one’s money, time, and effort could end up having negative effects or even no effects at all if done in the wrong ways. A large belief of mine is that money can source aid in many ways, but it is much easier to mess up where you decide to give your money versus where you decide to lend your time and help. It is sincerity that reflects the impact of your investment, which truly defines the success of your charitable actions.