Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement

generationOn

Find Lesson Plans Browse Resources
Defining Philanthropy—Who's Phil's Aunt Thropy?
Lesson 1:
printEmail this Lesson
Lesson
Handouts
Academic Standards
Philanthropy Framework
6th-8th Grade
Subjects:

Library / Technology, Philanthropy and Social Studies

Key Words/Concepts click to view
PHIL: Mission Statement; Nonprofit Organizations; Nonprofit Sector; Time/Talent/Treasure
SOC: 10 genOn; Compare/Contrast; Inquiry

Purpose:

The purpose of this lesson is for students to develop an understanding of Philanthropy.

Duration:

Two to Three 60-Minute Class Periods

Objectives:

Students will:

  • be able to define philanthropy.
  • be able to identify "nonprofit," "independent" and "third sector" as synonymous terms when discussing philanthropy.
  • identify at least three ways in which people "give" for the common good.
  • be able to identify at least five philanthropic organizations.

Materials:

List of Philanthropic Organizations (student developed).

Instructional Procedure(s):

Anticipatory Set:
Ask the questions, "How many students know Phil's Aunt Thropy? How many students think that they are philanthropists?" Briefly discuss and develop a definition of philanthropy by brainstorming students' ideas of the meaning of philanthropy and introduce the idea of giving for the common good. (The working definition of philanthropy is: individuals and organizations who provide their time, talent, and/or treasures for the common good.)

  • Instruct students that several terms are used interchangeably when referring to philanthropic organizations such as "nonprofit" or "independent" or "third sector" organizations. Allow time for some discussion about the meaning and significance of the terms used.

  • Give two or three specific examples of philanthropic organizations (i.e., The Red Cross, The United Way, and Rotary). Follow these examples with a brainstorming activity to identify a wide variety of other organizations active in philanthropy. From the student-developed list, identify those organizations that are active in the local community.

  • Discuss with students the purpose of the local groups they identified. Students will know many philanthropic groups but may not know why they exist.
    Conduct a discussion why people participate in philanthropic activities. Develop a list for the class.

  • Repeat the anticipatory set question, "How many students think that they are philanthropists?"

Assessment:

    Students will find the mailing address for five philanthropic organizations. They will also, where possible, find the Internet addresses for the organizations selected. One other method of assessment could include a list of organizations, philanthropic and non-philanthropic, where students identify those that are and are not philanthropic. From the same list, have students identify those that are active locally and those that are not. This list will have to be developed based on the community where the lesson is being taught.

    For example:
    Place a check mark in front of any organization listed that is considered a philanthropic organization. Then, circle the number of any organization that is represented in our own community.

    1. ____ Lions International
    2. ____ General Motors Corporation
    3. ____ Sparrow Hospital
    4. ____ Curtis Grocery

Bibliographical References:

For further information, refer to the list of philanthropic organizations below. This list is not comprehensive; rather it is intended to give the teacher a starting point.

Philanthropic Organizations:

  1. The American Red Cross

  2. The United Way

  3. Habitat for Humanity

  4. UNICEF

  5. Sierra Club

  6. League of Women Voters

  7. Hospitals, Cancer Society, Hospice and other health care organizations.

  8. Service organizations such as Lions International, Rotary, and Kiwanis

  9. Mutual benefit societies such as Chamber of Commerce, Sororities, and Fraternities.

  10. Religious-based organizations such as YWCA or YMCA.

Lesson Developed By:

Thomas Webb
Fulton Schools
Fulton Middle School
Middleton, MI 48856

Handouts:

Philanthropy Framework:

Submit a Comment

All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.