UW-Green Bay’s strategic philanthropy class seeks proposals to improve children’s literacy

Green Bay, WI — The Learning by Giving Foundation has granted the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s 2016 Strategic Philanthropy class $10,000 to award to an organization of their choice.

The class issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) on March 14, 2016 to provide funding to enhance children’s literacy. Proposals are due by 3 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2016. The RFP is available at https://uwgbphilanthropy2016.wordpress.com/2016-rfp/. Proposals can be submitted by e-mail to UWGB Associate Prof. Lora Warner at warnerl@uwgb.edu.

The class is seeking creative strategies to improve children’s literacy after discovering that local elementary students are not reading at a level proficient with their state peers. Students in the Strategic Philanthropy class encourage proposals that identify creative strategies to improve reading and writing through involvement in the arts and music. Studies have found that by participating in the arts, children improve their reading skills, have a more positive attitude at school, and can read more proficiently throughout their school years.

The course, Strategic Philanthropy: Civic Engagement Through Giving, is taught by Warner, Associate Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs. The first course of its kind in Wisconsin, this is the fourth time UW-Green Bay has offered the course. The hands-on approach of the class develops college students’ awareness of community issues and engagement in their community while bringing external funding to local organizations.

The class will announce the funding recipient at 4:30 p.m., May 3, 2016 in UW-Green Bay’s Christie Theater, University Union. The event is free and open to the public. Follow the progress of the class as it continues to research funding recipients at http://www.uwgbphilanthropy2016.wordpress.com.

Questions and more information can we directed to student Mark Petroski, 920-609-4086 or petrmj32@uwgb.edu.

16-28