A management class at UNL is accepting proposals from local nonprofit organizations to receive as much as $5,000 in funding from the Learning by Giving Foundation.
For the first time, the senior-level and graduate class in Organizational Theory and Behavior (Management 465/865) will provide a funding opportunity to empower organizations to make a positive difference in the Lincoln community while making the most impact. Meantime the class will learn how to initiate a funding process, create requests for proposals, evaluate applications and make decisions on providing grants for community betterment.
The philanthropy "Project Impact Lincoln" is supported by funding from the Learning by Giving Foundation, http://www.learningbygivingfoundation.org, in which nine schools are teaching philanthropy classes with the students distributing $10,000 of Learning by Giving Foundation capital to local nonprofit organizations to address those communities' greatest needs.
The other partner schools are Columbia University, University of Southern California, Boston College, Brandeis University, University of Mary Washington, State University of New York-Cortland, University of Montana and University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The foundation's slogan is "learn philanthropy, invest in humanity." Funded by a $5 million gift from board member Howard W. Buffett, the foundation initiated a "social good summit" online and in person Sept. 19-22 in which "big ideas meet new media to create innovative solutions."
Local nonprofit organizations can apply by Nov. 1 for awards of up to $5,000. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) status, nominate a project consistent with the organization's mission and within the mission of "Project Impact Lincoln." In their applications, they must demonstrate the number of people served, the degree to which the identified need will be met and the potential for sustainability or long-term impact; and demonstrate the ability to successfully execute the project if funded.
Organizations wanting to apply should develop a grant proposal of no more than four pages. To request the proposal document, or for questions, contact the class at impactlincoln@unl.edu