This page features a curated list of contribution and service goals. I created it as a source of inspiration for my 100 life goals project and wanted to share it with others in hopes of inspiring them to create their own goal list.
There is an overabundance of bucket list ideas circulating online that lack the necessary specificity, measurability, and time-bound nature to make them actionable goals. Therefore, I curated a list of SMART goals that are more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Whether you're young or old, there's something on this list for everyone. So, read on to discover some of the best service goals that can help you transform your life and achieve your dreams.
An important note before scrolling down:
The list below includes 100+ service goal ideas, but if you're looking for a bigger list then download my book, The SMART Bucket List.
It includes a list of 1000+ SMART goal ideas from various categories, such as fitness, travel, personal growth, and more. Each goal is crafted to meet the SMART criteria, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a truly actionable goal list.
Click here to download it for FREE. Additionally, you’ll get my Design Your Dream Year workbook, containing a proven step-by-step action plan to check off those big goals on your list.
* One more thing, if you decide to take part in any of the goals listed below, you do so entirely at your own risk. Some of the goal ideas listed here can be risky, so seek out guidance if you decide to try them out, especially the challenging ones.
With this in mind, let's rock and roll!!
100+ Service Goals
SMART Charity Goals
Charity work is not just about feeling good - being involved in charity work can also help you develop some really important skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Plus, it exposes you to new experiences and perspectives that can teach you a lot about yourself and the world around you. By engaging in charity work, you can become more empathetic and compassionate towards others, which is a major key to personal growth.
Here are a few examples of SMART goals you can set in this particular area:
- Collect and donate 500 pairs of shoes to a charity organization within three months
- Donate $500 to a children's hospital within three months
- Donate 100 blankets to a homeless shelter within two months
- Donate $1,000 to a local non-profit organization within three months
- Donate 500 books to a library or school within two months
- Donate $500 to a disaster relief organization within two months
- Donate 100 pairs of eyeglasses to a non-profit organization that provides eye care to those in need within two months
- Donate $1,000 to a local arts organization within three months
- Donate 200 pounds of non-perishable food items to a local food bank within one month
- Donate $1,000 to a local environmental organization within three months
- Donate 100 pairs of socks to a homeless shelter within one month
- Donate $1,000 to a local organization that provides job training for at-risk youth within two months
- Donate $2,500 to a non-profit organization that supports education in underserved communities within three months
- Donate 50 backpacks filled with school supplies to a local school within one month
- Donate $1,500 to a non-profit organization that supports arts education within two months
- Donate 100 hygiene kits to a homeless shelter within one month
- Donate $2,000 to a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to low-income individuals within four months
- Donate $1,000 to a non-profit organization that supports animal welfare within two months
- Donate 25 bicycles to a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged children within one month
- Donate $3,000 to a non-profit organization that provides clean water to communities in developing countries within three months
- Donate 50 backpacks filled with winter clothing to a homeless shelter within one month
- Donate $4,000 to a non-profit organization that supports mental health by providing counseling services within three months
- Donate 50 laptops to a non-profit organization that supports education for low-income students within two months
- Donate $2,500 to a non-profit organization that supports affordable housing within two months
SMART Community Service Goals
Volunteering in your local community allows you to give back and make a difference in the lives of others, which can be incredibly fulfilling. You can develop new skills and gain valuable experience by trying out different types of volunteer work. Volunteering can also help you meet new people and expand your social circle, potentially leading to new friendships and networking opportunities. Working with others towards a common meaningful goal can truly provide a sense of purpose.
Here are a few examples of SMART goals you can set in this particular area:
- Spend two hours each week mentoring a young person in the community for six months
- Create a community garden in a local park within six months
- Organize a neighborhood cleanup event and gather at least 50 participants within two months
- Deliver meals to elderly or disabled individuals for two hours each week for six months
- Organize a community event to promote recycling and waste reduction within four months
- Organize a blood drive and collect 50 pints of blood within one month
- Create and lead a community service project to revitalize a local park within four months
- Organize a neighborhood watch program within three months
- Create and lead a community service project to clean up a local river or beach within four months
- Organize a clothing drive to collect and donate 500 articles of clothing to a homeless shelter within two months
- Organize a community garden project to provide fresh produce for a local food bank within six months
- Create and lead a community service project to build a playground in a low-income neighborhood within five months
- Organize a neighborhood clean-up project within two months
- Create and lead a community service project to renovate a local community center within six months
- Organize a community recycling project within three months
SMART Fundraising Goals
Fundraising is not only a great way to give back and support a worthy cause, but it can also provide some incredible personal-growth benefits. Fundraising can help you develop your communication and networking skills as you reach out to potential donors and supporters. It can boost your confidence and self-esteem as you work towards a meaningful goal and see your efforts making a difference. And it can help you develop your leadership skills as you organize and manage events, engage with volunteers, and coordinate fundraising campaigns.
Here are a few examples of SMART goals you can set in this particular area:
- Raise $1,000 for a local homeless shelter by organizing a bake sale within two months
- Run a 10k race to raise $500 for cancer research within four months
- Create and organize a charity walk to raise $2,000 for a local cause within five months
- Start a fundraising campaign to raise $10,000 for a disaster relief organization within six months
- Create and implement a fundraising plan to raise $5,000 for a community center within six months
- Raise $2,500 for a local animal rescue organization by hosting a charity auction within three months
- Raise $1,000 for a mental health organization by running a marathon within six months
- Raise $3,000 for a children's hospital by organizing a charity concert within four months
- Raise $1,500 for a cancer research organization by organizing a charity walk within three months
- Raise $2,000 for a non-profit organization that supports veterans by hosting a charity dinner within four months
- Raise $5,000 for a women's shelter by organizing a charity gala within eight months
- Raise $2,000 for a children's literacy program by hosting a book sale within two months
- Raise $10,000 for a medical research organization by organizing a charity bike ride within 10 months
- Raise $3,000 for a non-profit organization that provides clean water to developing countries by organizing a charity run within four months
- Raise $4,500 for a non-profit organization that supports LGBTQ+ rights by organizing a charity art show within three months
- Raise $12,000 for a non-profit organization that provides education to girls in developing countries by organizing a charity gala within nine months
- Raise $7,500 for a non-profit organization that supports refugees by organizing a charity concert within four months
- Raise $3,500 for a non-profit organization that supports environmental conservation by organizing a charity bike ride within three months
- Raise $10,000 for a non-profit organization that supports education for girls in developing countries by organizing a charity auction within six months
- Raise $5,000 for a non-profit organization that supports animal rescue by organizing a charity trivia night within two months
- Raise $15,000 for a non-profit organization that supports cancer patients by organizing a charity golf tournament within six months
SMART Volunteerism Goals
Volunteering is an incredible way to give back to your community while also experiencing personal growth. When you set volunteerism goals for yourself, you are committing to making a positive impact on the world and on yourself. The benefits of volunteerism goals are numerous, including gaining new skills, building your network, improving your self-confidence, and expanding your perspective. By volunteering, you can learn new things about yourself and develop new talents that you may not have known existed.
Here are a few examples of SMART goals you can set in this particular area:
- Volunteer at a local food bank once a week for six months
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter for two hours each week for six months
- Volunteer at a local library for two hours each week for six months
- Volunteer at a local hospital for two hours each week for six months
- Participate in a volunteer trip to a developing country to teach English to children for two weeks within one year
- Spend five hours each week volunteering at a local homeless shelter for six months
- Spend two hours each week tutoring disadvantaged youth for six months
- Volunteer at a local soup kitchen for three hours each week for six months
- Volunteer at a local school for two hours each week to help children with homework and reading for six months
- Spend four hours each week volunteering at a nursing home for six months
- Spend three hours each week mentoring a young person in need for six months
- Volunteer at a local hospice for four hours each week for six months
- Volunteer at a local after-school program for three hours each week for six months
- Volunteer at a local food bank for three hours each week for six months, helping to distribute food to families in need
- Spend one hour each week tutoring a child in math for six months
- Volunteer at a local retirement home for four hours each week for six months, helping to organize activities for residents
- Volunteer at a local domestic violence shelter for three hours each week for six months, providing support to residents
- Volunteer at a local community center for four hours each week for six months, helping to organize programs and events
Other Service Goals
Overall, by volunteering your time and skills, you can gain a sense of purpose, boost your self-esteem, and develop valuable skills like leadership and communication. For example, by teaching English to refugees, you can not only provide language skills but also support cultural integration. Through this experience, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures and ways of life. Additionally, you may develop patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills as you navigate language barriers and help your students overcome obstacles.
Here are a few examples of SMART goals you can set in this particular area:
- Teach English to refugees online for two hours every week for six months, providing language skills and cultural integration support.
- Create a community library of free books and e-books in a public space within four months, encouraging literacy and education.
- Organize a workshop on sustainable living practices in a local community within three months, sharing knowledge and practical tips.
- Run a fundraising campaign for a charity that supports unique medical conditions within two months, raising $5,000 for research and support.
- Design and build a community garden that provides fresh produce to a local food bank within six months, encouraging healthy eating habits.
- Mentor a group of young entrepreneurs online for one hour every week for six months, sharing business advice and guidance.
- Create and lead a book club for children with disabilities within three months, promoting reading skills and social connections.
- Launch a social media campaign to raise awareness about mental health within one month, reaching 5,000 people with relevant resources and support.
- Offer pro-bono graphic design services to a non-profit that supports social justice causes within four months, helping to enhance their branding and messaging.
- Develop a peer-to-peer mentorship program for high school students within five months, pairing students with successful alumni.
- Run a charity auction of unique artwork and crafts within two months, raising $10,000 for a non-profit that supports indigenous communities.
- Organize a community service project to clean up a local river within three months, involving kayaking and environmental education.
- Host a dinner party fundraiser for a charity that supports LGBTQ+ youth within four months, raising $3,000 for programs and services.
- Volunteer to provide legal support to refugees in a local immigration clinic for two hours every week for six months, assisting with paperwork and representation.
- Launch a podcast series featuring conversations with successful entrepreneurs from marginalized communities within five months, inspiring and educating listeners.
- Create and distribute care packages for homeless individuals in a local park within two months, providing essential supplies and resources.
- Organize a virtual talent show fundraiser for a non-profit that supports performing arts education within three months, raising $7,500 for scholarships.
- Develop a mentorship program for women in leadership positions within five months, pairing them with successful executives in their field.
- Volunteer to provide IT support to low-income families in a local community center for two hours every week for six months, helping with computer skills and access.
- Launch a virtual book drive for a school in a low-income community within one month, collecting and donating 500 new books for their library.
More Goal Ideas?
Click here to get 'The SMART Bucket List' for FREE — It includes a list of 1000+ SMART goal ideas from various categories, such as fitness, travel, personal growth, and more. Additionally, you’ll get my Design Your Dream Year workbook, containing a proven step-by-step action plan to check off those big goals on your list.
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