INTRODUCTION
A revelation of self discovery, a connection with peers, an experience in finding, evaluating, and selecting charitable investments, an adventure that changes hearts and minds, welcome to Main Street Philanthropy.
The Main Street Philanthropy experience overall is built on a lively curriculum consisting of classroom learning, small group activities, and individual assignments. Students identify and screen qualified community organizations, find donors to raise funds, and make actual donations.
Let the journey begin.
The Main Street Philanthropy experience overall is built on a lively curriculum consisting of classroom learning, small group activities, and individual assignments. Students identify and screen qualified community organizations, find donors to raise funds, and make actual donations.
Let the journey begin.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Module 1: What’s Your Passion?
Following an introduction to the world of philanthropy, students identify their own personal areas of social concern and their giving strengths by using Make A Difference (“MAD”) and Giving Strength cards.
Module 2: Who’s Got Team Spirit?
Students are organized into teams based on areas of interest. They build team camaraderie and start creating a team fund-raiser.
Module 3: What’s Your Mission?
Teams develop their own Purpose, Vision, and Mission Statements, then start identifying and contacting community organizations they believe could align with their cause and values.
Module 4: Does It All Add Up?
Students learn real-world math and critical thinking skills by locating and evaluating charities’ Form 990 tax returns and other financial information. We don't donate to organizations, we invest!
Module 5: What’s Beyond the Numbers?
Besides good numbers, what makes an effective charity? Students ask probing questions about the purpose, culture, and leadership of potential recipients.
Module 6: What do Insiders Say?
Students question a panel of non-profit insiders, looking for smart places to donate money. Team fund-raisers are starting to come together.
Module 7: What’s Your Favorite Charity?
Teams learn important lessons about group dynamics and decision-making by reviewing the data they have collected and by proposing charities to receive gifts.
Module 8: Is That Your Final Answer?
After reporting on an interview with a local volunteer and donor, teams make their final determinations for their philanthropic investments.
Module 9: Isn’t Giving Fun?
Students and sponsoring donors visit the local charities the teams have chosen and present checks. Recipients express gratitude for the gifts.
Module 10: What Did We Learn?
In a graduation ceremony, students debrief their experience, identify what they learned, and recognize opportunities to make philanthropy and community service a permanent part of their lives.
Following an introduction to the world of philanthropy, students identify their own personal areas of social concern and their giving strengths by using Make A Difference (“MAD”) and Giving Strength cards.
Module 2: Who’s Got Team Spirit?
Students are organized into teams based on areas of interest. They build team camaraderie and start creating a team fund-raiser.
Module 3: What’s Your Mission?
Teams develop their own Purpose, Vision, and Mission Statements, then start identifying and contacting community organizations they believe could align with their cause and values.
Module 4: Does It All Add Up?
Students learn real-world math and critical thinking skills by locating and evaluating charities’ Form 990 tax returns and other financial information. We don't donate to organizations, we invest!
Module 5: What’s Beyond the Numbers?
Besides good numbers, what makes an effective charity? Students ask probing questions about the purpose, culture, and leadership of potential recipients.
Module 6: What do Insiders Say?
Students question a panel of non-profit insiders, looking for smart places to donate money. Team fund-raisers are starting to come together.
Module 7: What’s Your Favorite Charity?
Teams learn important lessons about group dynamics and decision-making by reviewing the data they have collected and by proposing charities to receive gifts.
Module 8: Is That Your Final Answer?
After reporting on an interview with a local volunteer and donor, teams make their final determinations for their philanthropic investments.
Module 9: Isn’t Giving Fun?
Students and sponsoring donors visit the local charities the teams have chosen and present checks. Recipients express gratitude for the gifts.
Module 10: What Did We Learn?
In a graduation ceremony, students debrief their experience, identify what they learned, and recognize opportunities to make philanthropy and community service a permanent part of their lives.