Faculty member David Campbell established the Philanthropy Incubator in 2008 to cultivate habits of philanthropy among Binghamton University students. The program provides students with grant money to distribute to local nonprofit organizations as part of course work in which they learn about philanthropy and the essential role nonprofit organizations play in building vibrant communities. The grantmaking experience contributes to undergraduate students' preparation for engaged citizenship and to graduate students' preparation as public service professionals.
Initially, Campus Compact funded the program, through its Students4Giving initiative (established in collaboration with the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund). In 2010, the Sunshine Lady Foundation, which has since evolved into the Learning by Giving Foundation, began funding the program's work with undergraduates. That support continues today. The Philanthropy Incubator has also received support from student and alumni fundraising, organized by the MPA and MSW GSOs and their biannual "Party with a Purpose." In 2010, the program received funding from the Community Foundation for South Central New York's Harriet Ford Dickinson Fund.
Since 2009, students have contributed over $57,000 to Southern Tier nonprofit organizations. They have done this work this work as part of three primary courses. Undergraduate philanthropy has taken place in the Scholars course Philanthropy and Civil Society; graduate philanthropy has been part of two courses in the College of Community Affairs, Issues in Nonprofit Administration, in the MPA Program, and Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities in the MSW Program.
The Philanthropy Incubator has become a distinguishing feature of a Binghamton University education, reflecting our commitment to engaged learning, preparing students for effective public service.
The Binghamton University Philanthropy Incubator is requesting grant proposals for its March 2013 funding cycle.
Please download the Funding Application and Guidelines here.
Are you interested in being part of the Philanthropy Incubator? You can donate here or register for the next class, to be held in Fall 2013, here.
