Open a donor-advised fund in 5 years contributing 1 percent of my salary. Increase to 2 percent when I surpass over $150,000.
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 believe art and culture has the power to embolden and empower youth. In the future, and starting with giving my time, I plan to get involved with non-profits that support the exploration of art in young people. Long term, I plan to support museums in my community to bring groups of kids to see and appreciate art, as well as fund people to travel around the world and study the great works of art.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
I want to give to organizations that I have vetted that align with the things I am passionate about.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
My giving goal is to give 10% of my pre-tax income to my church and various charities of my choosing. I think 10% is a good place to start. My plan is to donate stock instead of cash, so a 501c3 can liquidate it tax free. I also want to donate 10% of my time to a non-profit. With a business degree, I know I can help a non-profit in my community.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
My giving goal is to build a consistent and intentional approach to philanthropy as I transition into a full-time corporate role. I plan to support causes focused on children, women, and animal welfare through both financial contributions and by volunteering my time and skills, especially in operations and supply chain where I can add practical value. Ultimately, my goal is to support initiatives where I can see meaningful, lasting change and stay engaged over time.