This class is designed to provide an opportunity to instill that critical aspect of good citizenship - giving back to one’s community. The course sets out to do this through four units of varying lengths. The first explores philanthropy - its historical significance to the development of the United States and its importance in American life. The final three units are both practical and “hands on”. The units will 1) operate a charitable agency, 2) secure funds for the agency, and 3) allocate funds to recipients. During the course of their work students will learn how boards operate, how to conduct a meeting, how to secure support for a cause, and how to best allocate limited resources to agencies which they wish to fund. In the process, marketing, graphic design, organizational skills, interpersonal communication skills, teamwork, and goal setting will be taught in a practical manner, which will leave you better prepared for real-life experiences.

What role has philanthropy played in the development of the United States?
What does it mean to be a good citizen? How philanthropic are you?
Inter-Faith Analysis of philanthropic ideals.
Event Planning Assignment: Working on a committee to plan a themed event.   

What does it take to be a good board member?
Election of officers, creation of committees, guest speakers, calendar planning, financial obligations.
What needs would you like to address?

Who is our donor base?
Grant writing, general fund appeal, goal setting.
How can we raise funds? 
Special event planning, committee work, meeting protocol, thank you notes, telephone etiquette, goal setting.
How to volunteer?
Finding a cause, committing to agency, work ethic.

Who do we want to support?
Agency reviews, allocation determination, special event for the awarding of funds.

Paper:  3-5 typed pages, on a local charitable agency.  Each student will research and report on an agency or foundation.  What is the mission? What has been achieved?  What difficulties have they faced?  What do you think of the agency?  20%

Paper:   3-5 typed pages, on a current or historic example of a philanthropist.  What social problem did this individual identify?  What philanthropic endeavor did he/she develop to tackle it?  Did it have an immediate impact?  Describe it.  What has been the legacy or rippling effect of this good work?  20%

Assignments:  There will be several readings, site visits, activities, and assignments throughout the term.  25%

Group Grade:  Individual and group successes are inextricably intertwined in this class as they are in life.  The class will work to create goals for the semester and will be graded on its progress toward reaching those goals.  15%

Class Participation:  Using time effectively and constructively, assuming active responsibility for work to be completed, demonstrating energy and enthusiasm for tasks and goals.  20%

•    Assume responsibility for seeking additional help outside of class when necessary.
•    Proper, mature, cooperative, and respectful behavior at all times.
•    Daily participation in classroom activities, and meaningful contribution to class discussions.
•    Assignments are to be handed in on time the day they are due.
•    Appropriate usage of laptops during classes.
•    Arrive on time, prepared to learn.

The Honor Code will be strictly enforced.