University of Pittsburgh Student Philanthropists Awards Grants to Local Nonprofit Organizations

PITTSBURGH-The Student Philanthropy Project at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) recently awarded grants to 10 nonprofit organizations that provide services in Southwestern Pennsylvania, during an April 16 reception at the University Club in Oakland.

The following were awarded grants ranging from $500 to $1,000: Arsenal Family and Children's Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, Growth Through Energy and Community Health (GTECH), Gym of Future Champs, Small Seeds Development, Inc., A Second Chance, Inc., the Sojourner House, The Sprout Fund, Steel Valley Arts Council, and Operation Safety Net.

The Student Philanthropy Project, still in its pilot stage, consists of three classes of undergraduate and graduate students. Each of the student groups had $3,000 to invest in local nonprofit organizations. Students formed review boards, developed requests for proposals, and set criteria to determine which groups would be awarded funds. Nonprofit organizations were then invited to submit proposals.

"The program aims to tie existing course content to the local community while giving students a realistic overview of the grant-making process," explained George Dougherty, program founder and GSPIA assistant professor of public and urban affairs. "We were able to give more than 70 students valuable experience and direct contact with community organizations by leveraging a nominal amount of money," said Dougherty.

The Student Philanthropy Project received financial support from GSPIA Dean John T.S. Keeler, a Provost's Innovations in Education grant, a Spring Grant, and a gift from a College of General Studies alumnus. For more information, contact Dougherty at 412-648-7603 or gwdjr@pitt.edu.

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5/7/09/tmw