SP.256 Informed Philanthropy in Theory and Action
Explores the potential and pitfalls of philanthropy as a mechanism for social change, culminating with the class granting $7000 to local community agencies. Students analyze the work of community agencies to address challenges and opportunities facing MIT’s neighboring communities, with particular focus on community representation, equity, and social justice. We will especially consider organizations that emphasize work with historically marginalized communities. The course considers organizations in the health, climate change, and tech sectors. The class culminates with students making a group decision on how the Learning by Giving Foundation (which is partnering with the class) will disperse $7000 to local community agencies. Class sessions frequently include presentations by a local community agency, grant-making foundation, and/or individual philanthropist. The class is designed to cultivate a sense of community among students, encouraging participation and community discussions, often over snacks and deliberative dialogue. Through class discussion and supporting materials, students examine the interaction between philanthropy and social change, including the role of philanthropists past and present in shaping social change. Subject can count toward the 9-unit discovery-focused credit limit for first-year students.

Taught by: S. Bouchard, A. Hynd, J. Bassett
Graduate Assistant: Leah Robinson
No textbook information available
Tuesdays, 1-3pm, in 8-119