Published June 6, 2024
CAPTION: Representatives from Grace Place accepted the $2,500 grant award from ULM political
science students.
MONROE, LA – Students in the political science course Nonprofit Policy and Leadership awarded two
local nonprofit organizations a $2,500 grant each to culminate their Student Philanthropy
Project. The funds were provided by the Learning by Giving Foundation.
“It was gratifying to actually give out the money at the end, to see the reactions
from the people representing the nonprofits, and I am glad I was able to learn a lot
more about different issues that are affecting our local community,” said Wyatt Sage,
a student in the course.
Nonprofit organizations throughout Northeast Louisiana were invited to apply for the
grants. Students met with the applicants to learn more about their missions and impact
on the region. Students then presented their findings to the rest of the class and
finally agreed on the final two recipients.
“It was very hard to whittle the selection to the final two winners,” said Dr. Leigh
Hersey, Associate Professor and course instructor. “All of the students agreed that
each of the applicants is an important difference-maker in the community and that
the grant would have a significant impact on the community. But resources are scarce,
and they had to determine which organizations they felt most connected to.”
The students selected Grace Place Ministries and 65 Alive as the two recipients for
this year. This year’s ceremony marks the final awards through the Learning by Giving
Foundation. The Foundation is sunsetting this summer after the recent death of its
founder, Doris Buffet, the sister of Warren Buffet.
“We are honored to have been able to partner with the Learning by Giving Foundation
for this project. Together, we have distributed more than $30,000 in funds throughout
the region,” said Hersey. “Additionally, this type of experiential learning has a
huge impact on our students as they are able to see philanthropy firsthand.”
About the Learning by Giving Foundation
Founded by Doris Buffett, Learning by Giving inspires and educates a new generation
of philanthropists and community leaders to effectively distribute capital to local
communities.
CAPTION: Representatives from 65 Alive accepted the $2,500 grant award from ULM political
science students.
