My giving goal is to contribute at least 100 hours of volunteer service annually by dedicating two hours each week to a local nonprofit. In addition, I aim to donate 5% of my annual income to charitable organizations that align with my values and community impact goals.
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 want to split my giving into two categories. First, I want to give to organizations that have given a lot to me, such as churches and my alma mater. Secondly, I want to give to non-profits that are working to fight justice issues that I care about. I care deeply about helping women affected by the cycle of sex trafficking and abuse. I also care about education and helping children learn to read proficiently. These are examples of causes that I want to give to in the future.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
Upon graduation, I plan on committing 5-8% of my salary once I achieve financial stability. Additionally, I want to commit my time towards nonprofits, because a lot of organizations depend on volunteerism to obtain their goals. My hope is to be able to give back to communities that have shaped who I am today and show others the worth and love that everyone deserves.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I pledge to donate between 5%-10% of my salary to various philanthropic efforts upon graduation. I hope to identify organizations that will serve vulnerable populations both in my local community and the larger global stage. I plan on putting the money in a separate account automatically to make giving a habit, not a discretionary choice.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal is to give at least 5% of my income in 10 years and then at least 10% of my income in 20 years. I hope to give back to my university by funding/supporting similar endeavors that I was received funding for throughout my time in college. I additionally want to donate my time and professional skills when I have the time.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
My giving goal for the future is to give as much and as often as possible whether that be in service or financially. I will continue giving throughout my career and regardless of my income. However, in the future when my income grows, I hope to give more financially. As for causes, I am currently passionate about underrepresented populations and mental health. However, in the future I hope that I am able to positively impact organizations that work outside the scope of those social issues. I have no clear idea of what my giving will look like over the next few years, I just want to find security in the fact that I will be doing the most good with whatever resources and time I have available.