I pledge to give 10% of my yearly post-tax income to non-profit organizations of personal significance, either those which have impacted me directly or whose causes align with my personal beliefs and values. Additionally, I will strive to give my time to these organizations because philanthropy is about much more than just the monetary donations. By volunteering and contributing to these organizations, I will become a more well-rounded citizen and give back in more ways than one. Finally, I will continue to spread the knowledge I have gained in this course and encourage everyone to become a philanthropist and positively impact their communities in personally meaningful ways.
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
I pledge to embody the spirit of giving throughout my futureâas a physician committed to restoring health and dignity to my patients, by allocating 10% of my future income to charitable causes, and by actively serving with a nonprofit whose mission aligns with my values, whether as a board member, volunteer, or in another meaningful role.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I will initially set aside 5% of my income to donate to philanthropy directly impacting the arts. As I make more money, I hope to set aside 10%. I will create a separate bank account so that these funds are available to me when a cause excites me.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I have found myself drawn to missions focused on healthcare, childhood education, faith, and community-led service. I plan to donate my time by dedicating 8 hours per week to volunteering, hoping to achieve over 400 hours serving communities each year. This includes mentorship, food education, direct service, and other non-profits in the community. Financially, I plan to give 10% of my annual pre-tax salary to causes that align with my values, including my church and nonprofits focused on health disparities, food insecurity, and educational access in underserved communities. I will also set aside an additional 2% for spontaneous or local giving. My goal is to consistently use both my time and financial resources to serve sustainable, community-focused efforts.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I think giving is a combination of time, talent, and treasure. With my time, I would like to volunteer in my community to serve those in need. With my talent, I will search for career opportunities at companies doing their part to help society. Lastly, with my treasure, I would like to direct 10% of my income to various non-profit organizations every month, every 6 months, or once a year, depending on needs. By following this model, I will set myself up for a future of holistic giving.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I want to get into the habit of donating and pledging both time and money to charities that I find a passion for. After going through my course, I have a passion for finding solutions to homelessness and nonprofits that help the children in our community. As I continue to grow and my life continues to evolve, I hope to find new passions that can make positive impacts on my family, surrounding community, and our world.