My goal is to donate 10% of my income to nonprofits and to use my personal values as a guide for my choice of organizations and overall giving philosophy. I also plan on volunteering at least 50 hours a week. In the very far future, I would also love to work for a nonprofit or serve on its board. I believe this class has equipped me with the tools necessary to be an effective leader in philanthropy and delve deeper into the effectiveness of nonprofits.
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!
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal is to give as much as possible whenever possible. I hope to volunteer and donate as much as I can, depending on my financial situation. I plan on donating a percentage of my income to a nonprofit and those in need.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
My goal is to give 2-3% of my annual income to nonprofits. I would chose to give to nonprofit organizations that align with my beliefs and help the group of the community that I feel could use the most support that given year. Of course, if I make more than I project to make as a future school teacher, I would donate a higher percentage of money.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal is to do volunteer work as often as I can throughout college and post-grad as well. After taking part in the Philanthropy Lab, I would like to donate parts of my annual salary to nonprofits. As my income increases, the more I would be able to donate.
Sara Bhatti
- Spring
- 2025
In the future, I aspire to integrate giving into both my personal and professional life. My goal is to contribute at least 3â5% of my annual income to organizations aligned with values I care deeply about, such as youth development, mental health, and access to education. I want to be thoughtful, strategic, and consistent in my givingâensuring that my contributions create tangible impact. I also hope to give beyond moneyâoffering my time, skills, and network to help nonprofit organizations grow and thrive. This class helped me see giving not as a transaction, but as a responsibility and a privilege. I hope this mindset stays with me and continues to shape how I engage with the world around me.
Sandy Rogge
- Spring
- 2025
Give according to Income and passion for the philanthropy as able, and reach out to people with alligned passion to see about matching.