Engaging a New Generation of Philanthropists: Findings from the Pay IT Forward Student Philanthropy Initiative

Abstract

This report focuses on an emerging trend in higher education called student philanthropy, an experiential learning approach where students study social issues in the community and make decisions about distributing funds to nonprofit organizations. Previous research in the field of student philanthropy has revealed promising results: those enrolled in student philanthropy courses have shown a greater awareness of social problems and nonprofits, a heightened sense of responsibility to help others in need, and a greater likelihood to give their time and money in the future to support their community. However, little is known about the ways previous philanthropy experiences of students and components of student philanthropy courses may explain these outcomes.This report examines students enrolled in student philanthropy courses through Pay it Forward, an initiative of the Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio Campus Compacts that seeks to develop a new generation of philanthropists through infusing the practice of philanthropy as a core component of college coursework. This report asks three key questions about the Pay it Forward course:What are the prior philanthropic experiences of Pay it Forward participants?What features of a Pay it Forward course predict student confidence in their philanthropic skills, abilities, and knowledge?What aspects of a Pay it Forward course predict changes in students' plans to donate money to, volunteer in, and otherwise support their communities