The experiential philanthropy canon: What students read in experiential philanthropy courses and why it matters

ABSTRACT

Experiential philanthropy courses have proliferated in recent years in the context of a reinvigorated debate about the nature of elite philanthropy. This paper analyzes the content faculty use to teach philanthropy in 33 courses funded by the Learning by Giving Foundation. We find that courses prioritize materials that address formal philanthropy, including traditional, reform-oriented, and critical views. Courses emphasize content on altruism and individual giving less and provide a limited amount of content that invite students to reflect on whether they have a responsibility to give. The analysis suggests faculty design courses more to simulate institutional than individual giving. We consider an alternative perspective which might better situate experiential philanthropy courses as an opportunity to cultivate habits of giving among students.

KEYWORDS:

• Experiential philanthropy
• experiential education
• philanthropy
• service-learning

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. A recent systematic review on experiential philanthropy found 18 articles published in 11 journals. The Journal of Public Affairs Education was the top publishing journal, including 6 articles.

2. The Blackbaud Institute reported that the median donation under USD $1000 in 2020 was $USD $20. https://institute.blackbaud.com/charitable-giving-report/overall-giving-trends/.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David A. Campbell

David A. Campbell, is professor in the Department of Public Administration, Binghamton University. His research focus addresses philanthropy and performance management in nonprofit organizations. He has published his research in public administration and nonprofit studies journals.

Susan Appe

Susan Appe is associate professor at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs, The University at Albany. She studies nonprofit organizations globally. Her research has appeared in a cross-section of public administration and nonprofit sector journals.

Matthew J. Rozansky

Matthew J. Rozansky, is a 2022 graduate of Binghamton University’s MPA Program. He was a student in an experiential philanthropy class at Binghamton University when he was an undergraduate.