As a first-generation student who has graduated from Howard University to Cornell, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative education can be, and I’ve also seen how many young Black men never get the chance to take that first step. We remain one of the smallest minority demographics represented on college campuses, not because of a lack of talent or ambition, but because of barriers that too often stand in the way. My giving goal is to help change that. I want to create more opportunities for young Black men to access higher education by supporting scholarships, mentorship, and the kind of guidance I was fortunate enough to receive. My hope is that by investing in their futures, we can expand what’s possible, not only for them as individuals, but for the communities and industries they will eventually lead.
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!
Anna Liu
- 2025
- Fall
Generosity is not measured by the size of the gift, but by the intention to leave others better than you found them. As my opportunities grow, I commit to directing a portion of my time, skills, and resources toward expanding access, stability, and dignity for women and families who need it most.
Alexia Bingley
- 2025
- Fall
My Giving Goals Passion for Changing the World: I want to respond to the issues of inequality and make it so everyone gets the same opportunity. I want to especially support women and those that are poor and of color. I want to create awareness of and empathy for the issues, and change how people treat each other for the better. What I Think will Help Change the Issues I Care Most About: Education, advocacy, and mentorship will help make a difference. I believe providing people with the knowledge, self-confidence, and support of a community will help break the inequality in society. Justice-orientated, inclusive and accessible policies are other significant elements of enduring change. What I Am Currently Doing or Plan to do Through My Giving: I want to help with community outreach programs by volunteering and by mentoring young girls that I can encourage to help them to set and achieve goals. I plan to spend time with and help local charities that are focused on helping the poor and support racial and gender equality. Over the next 5–10 years, my goal is to possibly one day start my own non-profit, one that offers support for things I am most passionate about. Letter to My Future Self Dear Future Me, As you continue to stay true to your values of compassion, justice, and equality, I hope you reflect on why you started. I know you were in the position to help and chose to do so. You were and continue to help people from hurting. It is hoped that you have volunteered, mentored, and advocated for the change. I trust you have given your time to causes of education, and of women’s and community development. I hope you have made an impact and inspired others with your gifts! Never walk away from the causes that account for the most like anti-poverty, equality, and equity. Continue to give to the trusted organizations within a % of your income that you feel is meaningful, I suggest around 5-10%. Stay positive and keep your heart open. Remember, it’s important to have faith that everything you do makes a difference. Real change doesn’t happen all at once. With every little step you take, you contribute to a world that is kinder and more caring. With all my hope, Alexia
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
Over the next five to ten years, I would love commit at 2% of my annual income and 10 hours of volunteer service each year.
Anonymous
- 2025
- Fall
I aspire to allocate approximately 5-10% of my financial resources annually once I achieve financial independence, directing them toward initiatives I deem meaningful. This may involve donating to organizations that I believe drive positive change in specific areas, or personally engaging in efforts that contribute to making the world a better place.