I plan on committing 2% of my annual income starting year 2 after the completion of my graduate degree programs. My donations will go to organizations that support education, mental health, first-generation college students, LGBTQ+ services and personal development. I plan to increase that amount to around 5% of annual income starting year 6 or 7. In addition, I plan on volunteering a minimum of 100 Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) hours per year. I am dedicated to giving back to LGBTQ+ services, career development services, food banks and few other organizations that align with my vision. I hope to demonstrate that anyone can be a philanthropic leader with both my time and contributions.
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!
Bela Avila
- Fall 2025
My giving goal is to allocate at least 5% of my annual income to non profits that contribute to a more just and equitable world by addressing both the symptoms and root causes of systemic injustice. I will support organizations that provide immediate, life-saving aid to those in crisis, while also supporting groups dedicated to challenging oppressive policies and reforming corrupt systems. My giving will be centered on gun reform, immigration and refugee resources, and the promotion of human rights globally and within the United States. I am committed to investing in a future where all individuals, regardless of their background, can live free from violence, discrimination, and oppression.
Barrington Davis
- Fall 2025
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.
Anna Liu
- Fall 2025
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
- Fall 2025
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
- Spring 2026
My giving goal is to give away at least 10% of my income. I want to give money in a way that cuts into the way I live, i.e. in a way that forces me to live below my income bracket. I want to be able to balance between giving for relief, societal improvement, civic reform, and for community engagements. I want to focus on the most high-impact charities, as determined by GiveWell.