If my direct work isn’t socially impactful, I pledge to donate 10% of my income towards charitable causes (especially ones that are especially high-leverage and effective!)
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!
Eric Hoda
- Fall
- 2021
I seek to use my influence and position to help with whatever cause that I see fit, and to donate 5% of my salary until I make enough to double or triple that figure and do even more.
Emma Murphy
- Fall
- 2021
Until I have a steady income, I pledge to give 24 hours of my time per year to volunteering. Once I am able to hold a salary, I pledge to donate a 5% minimum of my income to nonprofits of my choosing.
Elynna Chang
- Fall
- 2021
I pledge to volunteer at least 50 hours a year and donate 5% of my future income.
Destiny Herndon
- Fall
- 2021
I aim to give 1% of my annual income to local charities until I pay off my student loans, and after that to increase my giving as I am financially able to. Further, I aim to volunteer at least ten hours of my time per year to local charities.
Danya Paley
- Fall
- 2021
I pledge to donate to at least three different organizations twice a year. Also, I pledge to volunteer my time helping out at an organization at least once every other month.