Learning to Give, Philanthropy education resources that teach giving and civic engagement
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Purpose:
Duration:
Two or More Forty-Five to Sixty-Minute Class Periods
Objectives:
The learner will:
- compare/contrast businesses that are nonprofit and for profit.
- determine if some local businesses are nonprofit or for profit.
Materials:
- Photographs or pictures of local businesses cut from periodicals (your local Chamber of Commerce publication will be a good source or use newspaper advertisements)
- Unit Assessment: What Do You Know About Philanthropy? (Attachment One)
Instructional Procedure(s):
Anticipatory Set:
Ask students to define profit.
- A day or two in advance of the lesson, display pictures/photographs of local businesses. Display several of the pictures under the heading "For Profit" and several under the heading "Nonprofit." Good examples of nonprofits might be the local hospital, a church, public library, the United Way offices, etc. Prior to the lesson, remind students to look closely at the pictures and begin thinking about how the businesses are alike or different.
- As a whole group, ask students to comment about what the pictures may or may not have in common. Elicit comments referring to the purpose of each business and what happens to any money acquired by the various businesses.
- Have students create a Venn diagram. One circle is to be labeled "For Profit Businesses" and the other "Nonprofit Businesses." Students should have at least two items in each category and at least two items in the middle in which the circles overlap (characteristics that are the same in "profit" and "nonprofit" organizations). Examples of answers in the "For Profit" area might include: the purpose is to make money; money is used to make more money; high profile advertising; and so on. In the "Nonprofit" area answers may be: money is used to help people; generally less aggressive advertising; holds fundraisers; etc. In the "Same" area answers may include: both make money; money is used to pay staff and buy supplies, both serve a purpose, and so forth.
- Conduct a nonprofit "Career Fair." Arrange for three or four knowledgeable speakers, each representing a local nonprofit organization. Divide the class into three or four smaller groups (depending on the number of speakers). Each group will start with a different speaker. The time schedule will need to be closely followed. The format is as follows:
- Each speaker may tell about his/her organization for ten minutes.
- This will be followed by five minutes for student questions. During this time, the students may be asked to take notes on paper. (This is advisable, but optional, depending on the skill of your group.)
- After fifteen minutes, the groups rotate, until all speakers have been heard.
Assessment:
The students will be given a list (or pictures) of six local businesses. Three must be "For Profit" and three must be "Nonprofit." For each business, students will need to identify whether it is a "for-profit" or "not-for-profit" establishment, explain why, and indicate what the main purpose of the business is. This can be done informally, as a class discussion, or could be a written test depending on the skill level of the students.
Cross-Curriculum Extensions:
Several possibilities for extension activities would greatly benefit the students. A second "Career Fair" could be held, this time with speakers from "For Profit" businesses. Any opportunity to visit places of business, both profit and nonprofit would be motivating and fun for the students.
Lesson Developed By:
Sally Engleman CioeReeths-Puffer Schools
McMillan Elementary School
Muskegon, MI 49445
Handouts:
Handout 1Print Handout 1
Unit Assessment: What Do You Know About Philanthropy?
Directions: Put your name at the top of this paper. Fill in the answers to every question. Do your best to answer every question completely.
- What is philanthropy?
- What is a philanthropist?
- What are three ways a person your age can do philanthropy?
A.
B.
C.
- What are two characteristics of a volunteer?
A.
B.
- What is one volunteer job YOU can do?
- One company that does corporate philanthropy is
- Who does the company listed in Question #6 help to support?
- If a company is a "for profit" organization, it means that the money they make is used for
- If a company is a "nonprofit" organization, it means that the money they make is used for
- If you could choose a career for yourself at this moment, what would you choose to do?
Why?
Examples of possible answers:
- Philanthropy is giving one's time, talent, or treasure to help others (for the common good).
- A philanthropist is a person who does philanthropy.
- Answers will vary.
- A volunteer does not receive any type of payment. A volunteer helps out because he/she chooses to do so.
- Answers will vary.
- Answers will vary.
- Answers will vary.
- A "for-profit" company uses their money to make more money.
- A "nonprofit" company uses their money to stay in business to help more people.
- Answers will vary.
Unit Contents:
Overview:Philanthropy Is Everywhere Summary
Lessons:
- 1.
- Everyone Can Be a Philanthropist
- 2.
- Creating Volunteers
- 3.
- Philanthropy "Giants"
- 4.
- Careers in Philanthropy
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to freely use this information for nonprofit (noncommercial), educational purposes only. Copyright must be acknowledged on all copies.
Comments
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) it was a good connection to the world around us. The class noted the fact that we should contribute more dollars to nonprofit agencies to help cover expenses.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) career exposure - isn't that what school's about? Very good unit assessment to check understanding.
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) this lesson introduced good concepts about philanthropy; again, reinforcing and building on students prior knowledge of "profit" and "nonprofit."
(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) it opens the students eyes to see that they can have careers in philanthropy and make a difference. (it) helps them feel good about themselves.