My giving goal is to research and give to organizations that are making an impact in my community. I hope to give 10% of my income to an organization of my choice after further research, along with part of that going towards my church. I hope this number continues to increase as I earn to give.
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
My giving goal is to donate 5% of my annual salary for the next 5 years and to hopefully increase that to 8-10% following an increase in my salary.
Ava Clair Gatlin
- Spring
- 2026
Capturing my current vision of how I want to give in the future feels like setting an intention for the kind of impact I hope to make. My giving goal is to create meaningful, personal impact by not only contributing financially when I am able, but by consistently showing up with my time, energy, and awareness. I value philanthropy that is rooted in genuine connection, being present, understanding others’ experiences, and making even small moments meaningful. Writing this down allows me to define what matters to me now, and revisiting it years from now would serve as a reminder of those values. It would give me the opportunity to reflect on whether I’ve stayed aligned with my beliefs or need to re-center myself, ultimately helping me continue to give in a way that is intentional and true to who I am.
Sadie Buck
- Spring
- 2026
My giving goal as I ascend in to my career, would be to always stay actively involved in philanthropic work, wether that be in activities I participate in or through donations to causes I believe in. As a junior, I am navigating what I want to do post grad. I have heavily considered going into non profit work, especially after taking this course. I believe that today, more than ever, there is a great need to support and fund philanthropic work. My goal is to create a nonprofit that advocates and connects corporations to more state and federal level grants. Throughout this class I have learned how multiple nonprofits safe the state of Arkansas a huge amount of money, directly and indirectly. I find it perplexing that there has been so many federal funding cuts that majorly effect nonprofits, even though these organizations are doing great work for the State of Arkansas. I want to advocate for these organizations, I believe that now, more than ever, people need to be involved in Philanthropic work. It has been an honor to participate in this course!
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
Mi objetivo al donar no es solo aportar recursos, sino establecer una conexión auténtica con las realidades de otras personas. Deseo que mi acción de ofrecer surja desde la empatÃa, reconociendo que cada apoyo, por mÃnimo que sea, puede influir de manera relevante en la existencia de otra persona. Deseo participar de manera activa en iniciativas que fomenten la dignidad humana, la justicia y el bienestar de la comunidad. En lugar de donar por deber o reconocimiento, prefiero hacerlo con propósito, aprendiendo de las comunidades que respaldo y entendiendo que la filantropÃa también requiere escuchar, respetar y evolucionar. Mi meta es cultivar el hábito de ofrecer de forma regular y deliberada, incorporando la generosidad en mi rutina cotidiana. No es solo cuestión de lo material, sino también de brindar mi tiempo, mi energÃa y mi dedicación para ayudar a crear un mundo más equitativo
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2026
I hope to work closely with nonprofit organizations whose missions align with my values, particularly those focused on expanding resources and opportunities for low-income students. I am especially interested in contributing through grant writing, program development, and meaningful, hands-on volunteer work that directly supports students and their communities. I value the opportunity to collaborate with others who are equally committed to educational equity and long-term impact. My goal is to help ensure that all students have equitable access to the resources, mentorship, and support they need to grow, succeed, and reach their full potential. I am driven by the belief that access to opportunity should not be limited by socioeconomic status, and I hope to be part of efforts that create lasting, positive change in students’ lives.