As I move into adult life, I see philanthropy playing a dual and essential role. First, I will engage in active giving; volunteering my time, and donating resources to organizations that embody the spirit of thriving and abundance as well as structural change. Second, and perhaps more importantly, given my acute interests in urban space and policymaking, I see my role as an advocate for systemic change, using my voice to push for a government that accepts its fundamental responsibility for the “bread,” thereby reducing the need for emergency-based philanthropy. My relationship to my community and philanthropic efforts going forward, therefore, are not ones of detached beneficence, but of continuous, reciprocal investment aimed at building a world where equity is the rule, not the exception.
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 [email protected]
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
- Fall
- 2025
Once I am employed full-time, my giving goal is to donate at least 8% of my income to organizations that I feel most connected to and passionate about, yearly. In particular, animal sanctuaries such as the Green Bay Humane Society and food security organizations such as Feeding American will be top of my list. Additionally, I would love to donate to and volunteer for organizations that work to improve education opportunities for children and teens living in marginalized and poverty stricken areas.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2025
My giving goal is to donate 5% of my annual income to local charities that have an immediate impact on my community. Furthermore, I plan to volunteer at least 4 hours a week at a local charity. My hope is that the combination of my time and monetary contributions will help me become an integrated member of the organization while being able to see the effects my contributions have in real life. When I was in elementary and middle school every week I volunteered at a local soup kitchen. The benefits I received as a person by dedicating considerable time to non-profit activities was invaluable, and I hope to continue that spirit into my professional life.
Anonymous
- 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.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2025
My future giving goal is to pursue a master’s’s in urban planning and policy and devote my career to urban/community development either in the government or non-profit sector. I hope to earn enough money to donate a portion of my income to community development projects or set aside time to volunteer within my community. Specifically, I would like to donate and volunteer in projects that support urban environmental sustainability.
Anonymous
- Fall
- 2025
My future giving goal is to always give a bare minimum of 10% of my annual salary. I know there will be times in life where things will be costly, and other times where I may be making more than I need so I will adjust my giving accordingly but always stick to at least 10%. I would hope to live a simpler life so that I can be generous with resources I am given. I would aim to use this money for various Ministries and Nonprofit Organizations I am passionate about. Even more than money though, I hope to be generous with my time and education. I plan to always be connected to nonprofits through volunteer, education, and service opportunities so I can both be involved in communities and understand their needs, but also to form strong support networks within them.