Description
Philanthropic Leadership teaches students to focus on their community. Your contribution will help more students learn to:
- Identify the social issues that matter most
- Address these issues strategically, with the intention to do the greatest good
The course teaches students to:
- Articulate giving motivations, define criteria for giving, and set contribution commitments
- Reflect critically on the purpose of philanthropy and non-profit organizations in society
- Compare types of non-profit boards and board governance
- Understand the expectations of board members
- Conduct due diligence on organizational need and impact
As a part of their immersive, engaged learning experience, students make real and meaningful grants to Tompkins County nonprofit organizations. Funding for these grants comes from our partner organization, The Philanthropy Lab, and gifts from donors like you! Total funding depends on course enrollment, the incentive structure, and fundraising. With 39 students enrolled and full student participation in the course incentive structure, the class should have $60,000 to donate within Tompkins County this year.
The class guideposts for giving are (1) All grant recipients must be 501(c)3 organizations working in Tompkins County, NY, with at least two years of activity; (2) 20% of our total grant amount will be split evenly among the nonprofits with whom the class conducts site visits (see pic above) or otherwise substantially supported our learning in the course; (3) grants will be for general operating support.
The class culminates in a Giving Ceremony, where the class celebrates the work of its grantee organizations. The class earns $500 per student in incentive funding from The Philanthropy Lab if Cornell's president attends. Last year, President Michael I. Kotlikoff attended, and he is planning to do so again this year.
Donors are invited to join us for the 2025 Giving Ceremony on Thursday, December 4, from 5–6:00 p.m.
As a registered student organization, we are committed to equal access to all of our programs and do not discriminate based on any protected identity status.
$10
A Drop that Starts the Ripple
Every movement begins with someone willing to be first. Your gift joins thousands of others to push a cause forward.
$20
A Ripple Reaching Outward
Small, but it travels. Enough to meet a basic need for someone who needs it today.
$50
A Steady Stream of Support
Keeps the day-to-day running—supplies, meals, a therapy hour, a safe bed for the night.
$70
A Current Behind the Cause
Momentum for the people doing the hard, unglamorous work on the ground.
$100
A Wave of Real Impact
Something tangible—a shelter night, a counseling session, a week of care for a rescued animal.
$250
A Rising Tide for the Mission
Shifts what a program can commit to this month rather than next quarter.
$500
A River of Sustained Change
Ongoing support reaching multiple people over time.
$1,000
An Ocean of Possibility
Transformational. Enables something the organization otherwise couldn't take on this year.