I pledge 10% of my yearly income to an organization I am passionate about and have been apart of in some capacity such as The Archibald Project, Young Life, or the local church. I hope to be intentional and involved in the organizations that I give to. I hope to cultivate a generous spirit as I start to earn a salary of my own and consistently be challenging myself to reflect upon how I am contributing to the needs around me. I also want to commit to educating myself on social issues through reading books and connecting with people in vulnerable communities in order to enable myself to make more ethical decisions in my tithing. I hope to eventually serve on a board for a nonprofit I believe I can make a positive impact on. I want to be someone who genuinely cares for and sees the needs in my community and takes action without hesitation when I see an opportunity to serve, whether that be with my time, talent, or treasures.
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
- 2021
I have decided to get into the habit of donating 10% of my income once I graduate college to people that are underserved and/or underprivileged. I also have decided to dedicate my career choice and hobbies toward giving back to communities that are in need, specifically toward people of color in our country that face oppression.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2021
I commit to living a life that is marked by generosity and transparency. In this, I commit to giving a minimum of 10% of my monthly income no matter my financial standing to the local church and nonprofit organizations that are in pursuit of human dignity, healing, and restoration both locally and internationally. I also commit to continue serving my time in the local church. I commit to stewarding wisely and prayerfully whatever resources I am entrusted with and desire to be quick to give my time, financial resources, and talents. I commit to being an informed giver through due diligence and to select organizations that are structured with integrity, passion, and strategy. Lastly, whether or not I continue my career in the nonprofit sector post-graduation, I would love to serve faithfully on the Board of a nonprofit organization if ever given the opportunity.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2021
I challenge myself to donate 10% of my income to philanthropies that are making a lasting and effective impact in their community. I would like to give a majority of that to those that are spreading the Gospel. I am also committed to spend time volunteering my time to help these philanthropies.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2021
Once I have a consistent income, I plan to continue to be involved with the American Cancer Society and some sort of no-kill shelter. I want to donate 2-5% of my monthly salary to the American Cancer Society as well as participate in Relay for Life sponsored events in Chicago. For Paws Atlanta I would like to become a monthly supporter. I would likely start with a $50/month donation, which microchips a dog each month and ensure dogs with special diets have their food for the month.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2021
My two philanthropic goals are to donate a minimum of 10% of my income towards worthy causes and to volunteer a minimum of 10% of my time towards impactful organizations, especially those prioritizing black youth. I find comfort and fulfillment in knowing that by actively living out these two goals, I can pay forward the kindness and support that was extended to me when I was young.