Unpublished

Foundations and Individuals

Students learn about the history of foundations and the role individuals played in their development.

Duration: 
Print50 minutes
Objectives: 

The Learner will

  • read about the history of foundations. 
  • study the role individuals have played in the development of foundations. 
  • practice public speaking skills by presenting brief oral reports.
Home Connection: 

These topics might be developed into a research paper for the term. Or, because there are always people behind philanthropy and service, students might prepare a book report on a biography of such an individual. 

Instructions: 
Print
  1. Ask, "Why do you know the name Rockefeller?" and "What is a Fulbright Scholar?" Discuss these questions and lead the students to identify these as part of the nonprofit sector, and foundations help make the world a better place through their important work.

    Distribute the Foundations briefing paper. Students read it silently or one student may read it aloud.

    Discuss what some of the social problems of the 1800's might have been.

  2. Divide the class into groups of four students and assign each group a topic from the list below. Have each group report back to the class at the end of the period.

    1. What does the presence of foundations in ancient Greece and Egypt tell us?
    2. What role did the Catholic church and other religious organizations play in the community then and now?
    3. What do you think motivated Andrew Carnegie? Why did other wealthy people follow his lead?
    4. Have you ever given your time or money to an organization that helps others? How did that feel?
Reflection: 

There has always been a need for people to help one another. Foundations and charitable organizations were created to fill that need