Philanthropy Course2019-07-18T23:31:36+00:00

Innovative Engagement: Philanthropy Course 

In the Fall of 2014, an anonymous donor offered to award $25,000 to a local non-profit to be chosen by FIU students enrolled in a philanthropy-themed course. The Communication Department’s Advanced Public Speaking class was chosen from dozens of course submissions and the new course model was implemented. With the success of the first class and its winning project – IDEAS for US – a local chapter of a national student-founded and -run organization that funds sustainable projects, the donor committed to donating another $20,000 this past spring. The late professor Daniel Blaeuer’s Business and Professional Communication class (COM 3110) at the Biscayne Bay Campus, was selected.

Following the course model, students in the classes chose South Florida-based non-profits and conducted extensive research on the charities, including their donation history, community impact, and financial reviews. Each team was required to provide a comprehensive presentation of the selected organization, including information on the project’s proposed recipients, a plan of action, and a detailed budget.

Because of this gift, students have the chance to participate in an exciting, once-in-a lifetime activity to engage in a philanthropic challenge to make South Florida a more, just, healthy and vibrant community. With three successful projects funded and thousands of people served, the donors’ gifts are introducing students to the vital work of non-profit organizations and, it is hoped, creating future philanthropists.

Read more about the funded projects:

Camillus House

One Child at a Time

EmpowerU