Through discussion and response to literature, we define philanthropy as the sharing of time, talent, and treasure for the common good. Participants reflect on the benefit of philanthropy to the giver and receiver.

The youth read the book Seedfolks and discuss the diverse characters and their individual contributions to a community garden. While learning about the thirteen individuals in the story, they identify their character, heritage, motivations, and contributions to nourishing and maintaining the vacant lot garden. They discuss how their combined efforts changed not only their lives but also the lives of their community for the better. They relate this to their own diverse community.

Based on the recommendations of the soup kitchen guest from lesson one, young people decide how they will take action to help address a need. They may donate canned food, volunteer to serve lunch, bring games to play with children at the soup kitchen, or make bowls to sell as a fundraiser. This lesson describes the bowl fundraiser.

Young people use their voice to speak up for injustice and take action for the common good.

Youth learn about the work of African American inventors who had a positive influence on society by contributing scientific innovation for the common good.

Participants learn about the scientific contributions of African American inventors and scientists today and in the past.

In this lesson, young people identify idioms in the book Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen. They discuss the meanings of idioms and talk about hurtful language in the literal meaning of some idioms.  They may playfully modify idioms to reflect a philanthropic heart.

Young people learn about philanthropy through the book Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen and a visit from a nonprofit representative.

Children recognize an act of philanthropy in literature and discuss ways to make the world more beautiful with acts of philanthropy.

Using the three economic sectors (for-profit, government, nonprofit) the learners will identify and categorize local organizations into one of these three economic sectors, They will write letters to those in the nonprofit sector in an effort to determine if and how their services might be utilized. The learners will then provide a service to one a selected nonprofit organization.