The Philanthropy Lab (a program of the Once Upon a Time Foundation) collaborates with 33 universities nationwide to ignite student passion for thoughtful, strategic giving. At the University of Notre Dame, this commitment is realized through the Philanthropy and the Common Good course, which transforms students into grant-makers. This is not simulated learning; it is an intensive program where students manage and distribute actual charitable funds.
The course empowers students to act as a rigorous board of directors. They dedicate the semester to comprehensive due diligence, which includes researching and conducting site visits with local nonprofits in the South Bend community. Acting on strategic analysis, students evaluate funding proposals and make final award decisions. Since the course’s inception, and thanks to the generosity of The Philanthropy Lab, Notre Dame students have collectively awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to local groups addressing critical challenges such as homelessness, food insecurity, and youth poverty.
This powerful lab embodies the University’s mission to foster ethical leadership and service. It ensures students emerge not just as future leaders, but as thoughtful, strategic, and engaged philanthropists who deeply understand the profound power of giving back, thereby forging a pivotal connection between the classroom and the Common Good.
“We believe it is important for higher education to help shape not only well-educated leaders, but also responsible citizens.”
