My goal is to be actively engaged in philanthropy through both volunteering and monetary giving throughout my life. Although I understand that the ways and amounts that I am able to contribute will likely change throughout different seasons in my life, I want to maintain a commitment to serving organizations that make a real impact. Ideally, when I have a long-term, full-time job and am financially stable, I will contribute 10% of my annual income to charitable giving and will volunteer at least once a month. I also want to use the lessons I’ve learned in this class throughout my life to make informed choices about where I want to allocate my time and money. I imagine that focus areas of the organizations that I choose to support will change along with my interests as I age, but my goal is to support organizations that demonstrate effective work towards lasting change for causes that I care about.
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
- 2026
I will find where my help and support would most appropriated. Upon completion of that, I will do my best for philanthropy activity including donation, charity activity.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
Giving shouldn’t just be reactive or emotional. My goal is to be more thoughtful and consistent in how I give, focusing on organizations that align with my values but also demonstrate real impact. I also want to stay open to getting more involved over time, not just by donating, but by contributing my time or skills where I can.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
My giving goal is to expand access to quality education for underserved communities. I aim to support initiatives that remove financial, geographic, and social barriers so that more students can learn, grow, and thrive. This includes funding scholarships, investing in scalable education models, and supporting organizations that innovate in digital and community-based learning. I also hope to contribute my time and skills to mentorship and strategic guidance. Over the long term, I want my philanthropy to create sustainable pathways to opportunity, empowering individuals through education and helping build more equitable and resilient societies.