Studying Philanthropy and Doling Out Real Cash

Robert S RycroftProfessor of Economics

University of Mary WashingtonFredericksburg, VA

USA

Service Learning

Service-learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.

National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (http://www.servicelearning.org/welcome_to_service-learning/index.php)

Antecedents of the Course

Learning by Giving Similar Courses Disciplinary Focus Community Foundations and High

School students

Who Takes the Course?

Prerequisites Majors Class Standing Volunteer background Excess demand

Class Topics

Reading

The Project

Organization Mission Statement

2005 2006

Application Form Publicize Grant Evaluate Applications

2005 Presentation Ceremony

2006 Presentation Ceremony

Student Reaction

2005: I learned a lot about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector this semester

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

1 2 3 14 5

n = 25 Average = 3.80

2006 : I learned a lot about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector this semester

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

0 0 0 10 7

n = 17 Average = 4.41

Student Reaction2005: The class project was a valuable educational experience

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

1 1 3 4 16

n = 25 Average = 4.32

2006: The class project was a valuable educational experience

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

0 0 0 10 6

n = 16 Average = 4.12

Student Reaction

2005 : I learned a lot about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector from the class project

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

1 3 4 5 12

n = 25 Average = 3.96

2006 : I learned a lot about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector from the class project

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

0 0 4 9 3

n = 16 Average = 3.71

Student Reaction

2005: Prior to taking the course, I had a strong interest in a career in the nonprofit sector

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor

Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

1 7 6 1 7

n = 22 Average = 3.27

2006: Prior to taking the course, I had a strong interest in a career in the nonprofit sector

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor

Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

3 4 3 4 3

n = 17 Average = 3.00

2005: After taking the course, I had a strong interest in a career in the nonprofit sector

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor

Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

0 2 4 6 10

n = 22 Average = 4.09

2006: After taking the course, I had a strong interest in a career in the nonprofit sector

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor

Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

0 4 3 6 3

n = 16 Average = 3.29

Student Reaction

2005: The course has given me important insights into what a career in the nonprofit sector is like

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

0 1 4 8 9

n = 22 Average = 4.14

2006: The course has given me important insights into what a career in the nonprofit sector is like

Highly disagree

Disagree Neither Agree Nor Disagree

Agree Highly Agree

0 3 3 6 4

n = 16 Average = 3.47

Mission Statement - 2005Mission Statement of the ECONOMICS Foundation 2005Our goal is to foster positive changes in the community

through sustainable, innovative and growing programs in the Fredericksburg area.  We are seeking to fund programs

that emphasize educational development, mental and physical health, and/or provide crisis sheltering.

Special emphasis is placed on fledgling programs or concepts for new and sustainable programs.  These may be implemented by both new and established organizations. 

With interest in seeing these programs mature and flourish, the grant is available to groups operating in the City of

Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline counties.  The grant is not, however, limited only to new

programs.This grant is aimed at impacting lives of people today so

that they may not only gain immediate benefits but also be able to see the future in a brighter light filled with

possibilities otherwise dark.

Mission Statement - 2006

MISSION STATEMENT of UMWPEO (posted 9/26/2006)

          It is the mission of the University of Mary Washington Philanthropic Education Organization (UMWPEO) to provide financial

contributions to nonprofit organizations in the City of Fredericksburg, Town of Culpeper and the Counties of Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, Caroline, Orange, Culpeper, Westmoreland, Northumberland, Lancaster, and Richmond devoted to educational

and/or job training programs for underprivileged individuals.

          Furthermore, the UMWPEO advocates programs which create long-lasting and beneficial effects on their region's communities by

imparting positive social values.