I want to give 10% of my income to whatever church I am part of after graduation. Additionally depending on how much I am making, I would like to give any more of my income that I can towards causes that are important to me. I really value protecting the most vulnerable populations, including foster children, single moms, and survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking. Outside of giving financially to institutions and organizations, I want to lead an interruptible lifestyle. I want to be like the Good Samaritan in the story from the Bible. Upon seeing a naked, beaten, half-dead man laying on the side of the road, the Samaritan dressed his wounds, brought him to an inn to take care of him, and paid for his stay. I want to be able and willing to help my neighbors when they need it.
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
Upon graduation, I desire to give 15% of my income annually to philanthropic purposes. I hope to give 10% of this income towards the church that I am attending or Christian-based organizations. I hope to give 5% of this to other philanthropic organizations that I am passionate about such as freeing children overseas from slavery and trafficking. Eventually, I hope to give 25% of my income annually to these philanthropic purposes. No matter the amount I give, I desire to love on and serve God’s children through any capacity I am able.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
Once I secure a full-time job, I plan to commit 5% of my salary to support local nonprofits focused on child care, homelessness, and spiritual development. As my income grows, I intend for my giving to grow as well, both in amount and in reach. While Iâm passionate about uplifting my local community, I also aspire to expand my impact globally by supporting international causes aligned with these values.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
My goal is to start around giving 5% of my salary and work my way up to 10% of my salary per year towards missions and values that align with mine. A specific area I would like to contribute towards is homelessness and poverty, as well as maternity programs.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I want to give based on the values of humility, courage, and excellence, and I’m specifically passionate about domestic violence, homelessness, and seniors.
Anonymous
- Spring
- 2025
I would like to start giving around 5% of my salary at the beginning of my career, but once I had more stability, and my income increases, I would like to increase the portion of my salary in giving (going up to 10-15%).