Upon obtaining a steady income after graduation, I commit to donating 7% of my annual earnings to support initiatives focused on improving the lives of children. Specifically, I will prioritize organizations with a focus on those demonstrating measurable impact in at least one of the following areas: 1) early childhood education programs in underserved communities, 2) initiatives providing access to quality healthcare for children in developing nations, and 3) advocacy and policy work aimed at protecting children’s rights and well-being. I believe that investing in children is crucial for building a better future, and I aim to make a significant contribution to this cause through consistent, strategic, and evidence-based giving.
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
After securing a full-time job, I hope to be in a financial position where I can donate at least 8% of my earnings to a nearby animal shelter or veterinarian. I have loved animals all my life, and it hurts me to see so many on the street and not get the care they need. I hope the shelter will keep in contact with me so I know that the money I donate saves the life of an animal, purchases food for an animal, or even allows them to hold more animals.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
After getting a full time job, I pledge to give 10% of my income annually to nonprofits that align with my values and beliefs. For me personally, giving to the church is important so part of that will go towards this and the rest will go towards organizations that are working to help those in lower economic communities. In addition, I pledge to not just donate funds but my time because that can be just as valuable towards creating change as money.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
When I have a steady, full-time job, my goal is to give 10% of my income to various nonprofit organizations. I plan to choose various ones that align with my values, as well as participate in monthly volunteering with the organizations I choose to give to.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I would like to give 5% of my full time salary to non profits that support the people in my community. This would include low income support, youth support, disabled adult support, as well as spending time myself within my community to uplift others. Another 5% would go towards low income communities around the world to create a larger impact to people who have the ideas but not the support systems in place to innovate.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal and hope is to support and uplift the marginalized communities, more specifically, the communities I’m a part of. I want to be able to give financially to the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities. I want to help organizations and mutual aid funds and aid the efforts made that create opportunities and provide essential resources. I am committed to advocating for greater access to education, healthcare, and community support services. My goal is to be active with my giving by supporting causes that reflect my identity, values, and desire for equity. In the future, I will continue to contribute to efforts that empower people like me and promote visibility, justice, and lasting change!