“As a philanthropist, I am keenly aware of the societal structures and injustices that have decreased the quality of life for many. By focusing on causes of concern to me, I hope to eventually address the root causes of our society’s biggest dilemmas. . . .I truly believe that philanthropy will help bring us one step closer to the world we want to see, so I will do my part in ensuring that all voices are heard and all people are supported in love."
(Daphne Nwobike, C’25)
Nearly a decade ago, the Office of Civic Engagement partnered with the South Cumberland Community Fund (SCCF) to create the Philanthropy Internship Program, a unique civic engaged learning opportunity to develop students as active global citizens advancing economic, social and environmental well-being through engagement in philanthropic activities.
Through participation in two 2-hour credit courses, students gain a theoretical and practical understanding of philanthropy, develop deeper understandings of both issues and assets prevalent in the local rural community, and lead their own grants making process. They engage in communications, research, presentation, critical thinking and problem solving. The program is rich with opportunities for civic engaged learning, for relationship-building and pathways to service in the local community, and for making professional connections.
Students participating in the program in the 2024 Easter semester were Daphne Nwobike, C’25, Grace Truett, C’24, Rob Sullivan, C’25, and Erin Wilcox, C’25. Through scholarly readings and reflections, the philanthropy interns examined the historical and philosophical foundations of philanthropy, interrogated assumptions about giving, and learned about philanthropy’s role in American democracy. They learned how philanthropic work can contribute to societal change, and about the intersection of philanthropy and Theory of Change. Over the course of the semester, eight guest speakers representing SCCF and area nonprofit organizations visited the class to share their insights about community assets, persistent challenges, and the important work being done to develop thriving communities on the South Cumberland Plateau. The interns also shadowed the SCCF grants committee during the foundation’s spring grants round, attending grant information sessions, interviewing applicants, and conducting on-line and on-site organizational evaluations. Grounded in this knowledge, the interns learned how to develop meaningful criteria for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of foundations and nonprofit organizations. In the Advent semester, the Philanthropy Interns will apply these skills to lead their own grants making process and award $30,000 to area nonprofits. Through these experiences, philanthropy interns not only develop a deeper understanding of philanthropy; they also develop their own philanthropic value system, personal philanthropic goals, and civic skills for a lifetime of leadership and service.
The Philanthropy Internship Program is grateful for the generous support of the Civic Engagement Endowment for Community Philanthropy and the McCardell Endowment for Community Philanthropy. To date, the Philanthropy Internship Program has awarded nearly $210,000 to local non-profit and government-funded organizations serving the South Cumberland Plateau.
