I want my giving to grow in proportion to my success. As I move forward in life, I hope to contribute to organizations that clearly work to break the cycle of dependency and help people become independent. My goal is to donate at the very least $25,000 over my lifetime, but I also want to give through active involvement, sharing my time, knowledge, and skills in ways that go beyond financial support. I believe giving should not only meet needs but also help others build lasting strength and self-reliance.
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!
Ella Ruffell
- 2025
- Fall
Once I am employed full-time, my giving goal is to donate at least 8% of my income to organizations that I feel most connected to and passionate about, yearly. In particular, animal sanctuaries such as the Green Bay Humane Society and food security organizations such as Feeding American will be top of my list. Additionally, I would love to donate to and volunteer for organizations that work to improve education opportunities for children and teens living in marginalized and poverty stricken areas.
Ebony Bogui-Akinyi
- 2025
- Fall
In 5 years, I will donate 5% of my annual income to causes focused on education, entrepreneurship, and mental health access. In 10 years, I will contribute 10% of my income and support at least 20 african or diaspora founders through mentorship, scholarships, or catalytic grants. In 15 years, I will create or fund programs that empower women and youth in emerging markets through venture building, capacity development, and wealth building pathways. My goal is to build a legacy where giving is not occasional.
Christopher Archer
- 2025
- Fall
My goal centers around service, many charities are great and have majority support. I am interested in supporting ‘slam-dunks’ causes with 99% approval from reasonable people. Things like Animal well-fare, community service like volunteer fire fighters or EMTs. I want to support great organizations that have messaging problems, especially veteran organizations like the American Legion and VFW. I also value my time at Cornell and West Point I would like to give back to these schools as well.
Bradley Matican
- 2025
- Fall
I plan on committing 2% of my annual income starting year 2 after the completion of my graduate degree programs. My donations will go to organizations that support education, mental health, first-generation college students, LGBTQ+ services and personal development. I plan to increase that amount to around 5% of annual income starting year 6 or 7. In addition, I plan on volunteering a minimum of 100 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) hours per year. I am dedicated to giving back to LGBTQ+ services, career development services, food banks and few other organizations that align with my vision. I hope to demonstrate that anyone can be a philanthropic leader with both my time and contributions.
Bela Avila
- 2025
- Fall
My giving goal is to allocate at least 5% of my annual income to non profits that contribute to a more just and equitable world by addressing both the symptoms and root causes of systemic injustice. I will support organizations that provide immediate, life-saving aid to those in crisis, while also supporting groups dedicated to challenging oppressive policies and reforming corrupt systems. My giving will be centered on gun reform, immigration and refugee resources, and the promotion of human rights globally and within the United States. I am committed to investing in a future where all individuals, regardless of their background, can live free from violence, discrimination, and oppression.