Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
generationOn
Purpose:
Duration:
One Forty-Five Minute Class Period
Objectives:
The learner will:
- define "nonprofit" and "profit" organizations.
- differentiate between nonprofit and profit organizations.
- identify examples of three local philanthropic organizations.
Materials:
- http://www.guidestar.org - Use Guidestar Web site's search engine selecting on your area's zip codes to create a list of local nonprofit organizations. Use this list to make index cards, six per each three students
- Guest speaker from a local nonprofit organization
- Home Link Assignment (Attachment One) - make copies or write on chalkboard
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Start by asking students, "If you were asked to do a somewhat challenging job, would you do it just to help someone out, or would you only do it if you were paid?" Discuss.
- Ask, "Does anyone know what a nonprofit organization is?" Discuss possible answers and list on chalkboard. "How do you think it is different from a for profit organization?" Discuss and list.
- Give the formal definition for nonprofits:
- nonprofit organization: an organization operating for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes whose income is not used for the benefit or private gain of stockholders, directors, or any other persons with an interest in the company.
- for profit organization: an organization providing goods and services with a focus on profit and meeting consumer demands.
- Place on the board and discuss the following characteristics of each:
Nonprofit For Profit Can provide public goods Private goods and services Can provide private goods Market oriented Client satisfaction, trusted Customer satisfaction Voluntary payment/third party payment Voluntary payment Focuses on service, breaks even Focus on profit Efficient at meeting consumer demands at minimum cost Will not undertake unprofitable activities
- From the homework in Lesson One: Characterizing Philanthropic People, ask students to give examples of organizations they think would be philanthropic and explain why, e.g., Big Brothers/Big Sisters, American Red Cross.
- Give small groups of about three students each a set of six index cards. Each card should have the name of one local business. Students should separate the cards into two piles, one of nonprofits and the other of profit organizations. (See Materials section on finding organizations for your area.) Students should explain why each organization is in the pile it's in.
- Introduce a guest speaker from a local nonprofit organization, such as the American Red Cross, to explain in detail their specific organization.
- Have the class work together to draw conclusions about the organization's purpose, mission statement, source of funding, and structure.
Assessment:
Observe students during the small group activity while they work on putting organizations into the correct piles. No grade will be given.
School/Home Connection:
Distribute Home Link Assignment (Attachment One). Ask students to make a list of three philanthropic organizations and describe what they do.
Bibliographical References:
Lesson Developed By:
Holly PetermanReeths-Puffer Schools
Reeths-Puffer Middle School
Muskegon, MI 49445
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Home Link Assignment
Directions: Use your parents, guardians, or other resources, such as the Internet, to develop a list of three local nonprofit organizations. You also need to explain why they are considered nonprofits. (You may do more than three.)
1. Name of organization ___________________________________________________
Mission:
2. Name of organization ___________________________________________________
Mission:
3. Name of organization ___________________________________________________
Mission:
Unit Contents:
Overview:Philanthropy, You, and Your World Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Characterizing Philanthropic People
- 2.
- What Does a Philanthropic Organization Do?
- 3.
- Get To Know Your Local Philanthropic Organizations
- 4.
- Letter of Appreciation to Philanthropic Volunteers
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.
Comments
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) students understanding the difference between profit and nonprofit organizations.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) the students learn about philanthropic organizations and what organizations do in their area. Another great lesson.