One of the most important things we can do is to teach our children how to be generous, not only in spirit but in deed. How do we help those in need? How do we discern, within the constraints of our limited resources, who to help and who not to?
The Student Philanthropy Project seeks to address these questions. Begun by Cincinnati philanthropist Roger Grein, the Student Philanthropy Project awards money to university students, who then re-distribute that funding to area helping organizations. Usually, these students give in the field of their studies. For instance, nursing students give to nonprofits working in public health. Art students give to those organizations seeking to advance the arts. History students may give to preservation societies.
But what makes the Student Philanthropy Project unique is that while helping organizations ultimately get the money, the process through which they receive it allows young people to learn the ins and outs of philanthropy.
Students investigate the needs in their communities and which nonprofits are working to meet those needs. They then develop a competitive grant application process, invite these same nonprofits to apply, and then do the really tough work of deciding which among the nonprofits will receive funding.
Along the way, students not only learn the art of philanthropy, but also become familiar with the needs in their communities. Indeed, many students, after they have concluded their participation in the Student Philanthropy Project, have gone on either to volunteer in the community or to raise funds for the many worthwhile organizations they have come in contact with. These students have learned the joy of giving, and just as importantly, how best to give.
Sixteen universities participate in the Student Philanthropy Project, including Xavier, UC, Thomas More, the College of Mount St. Joseph, Wilmington College and many more. Through these universities, thousands of students have taken part. In turn, these students have touched the lives of thousands more in the community. Xavier students, for instance, have given to over 80 charities and to the people these charities serve.
Money donated to the Student Philanthropy Project ultimately goes to the community. But along the way, it introduces our children to the needs all around them – and how they can play a role in meeting those needs.
If you would like to make an on-line donation to the Student Philanthropy Project Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation please fill out the form below.
