August 2017 - PHS Philanthropy Club

The Jacket Report
PHS Philanthropy Club
By Thomas L. Hosler, Superintendent, Perrysburg Schools

We are fortunate to have in Perrysburg Schools a development department and philanthropy program that is entering its fourth year. The district has further embraced the concept of philanthropy by creating the Perrysburg High School Philanthropy Club.

The goal of PHS Philanthropy Club is to provide students with an understanding and appreciation for the meaning and importance of philanthropy and the power of giving in the nonprofit sector through a combination of club meetings, outside philanthropic speakers and projects. By the end of the year, over 30 students who are members of the club will have knowledge of the history and structure of giving, an overview of the modern nonprofit sector and some of the key challenges facing nonprofit organizations today.

Most exciting is the grant-making lab part of this club, where students have the opportunity to experience the satisfaction, challenges and responsibility of giving an award with the intention of promoting a school program that benefits students or the youth of the community.

The goal is for participants to understand and embrace the world of philanthropy. We are teaching students much more than volunteering. We aim for them to come away from the club with an understanding of the need for philanthropy as well as how to effectively structure, govern and participate in the philanthropic community.

Each year, students in the club select areas of need and focus. Last school year, one team focused on developing a food pantry for students in the school that they could access anonymously. Another team supported a new “living classroom” at an off-site location, which is used to teach students life skills. Each team presented a proposal to a foundation board. The club also votes to award a small grant to one project by operating like a foundation board.

In the end, it is our goal to answer the simple question: “Where will nonprofit charitable organizations find the next generation of leaders?”

The Philanthropy Club will begin meeting and planning for the 2017-18 school year soon. If you would like to help with the club or donate, please contact Jeff Abke ’96, Director of Development at 419-874-9131 ext. 2274 or [email protected].