The Economics of Philanthropy and the Non-profit Sector

Economics 324, The Economics of Philanthropy and the Non-profit Sector, is a class in which student not only learn the fundamental economics, but get first-hand knowledge in setting up and working in a foundation. The class has been taught 3 previous times and is working on its forth currently in Fall 2008. The class creates their own foundation, mission statement, and application. The class then reads all of the applications and based on the United Way Community Needs Assessment (among other criteria) the class chooses the recipent(s). We work in partnership with Dorris Buffett and the Sunshine Lady Foundation to distribute the $10,000 appropriately. The local region includes the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania, Orange, Culpeper, King George, Stafford, Caroline, and the Northern Neck region.

2008:

2007: National Housing Trust — $7,500

Fredericksburg Counseling Services — $2,500

2006: Homes for America: Heritage Park Academic Achievement Program — $7,000

Rebuilding Together — $3,000

2005: Fredericksburg Regional Boys & Girls Club — $5,000

Rappahannock Refuge Inc./Hope House — $5,000