Philanthropy and the Common Good

Philanthropy and the Common Good is an experiential learning course at the University of Notre Dame offered through the Department of Political Science, the Hesburgh Program in Public Service, and the Constitutional Studies Minor. Our students engage and learn from local nonprofit organizations in the greater South Bend and Michiana area by conducting site visits and requesting funding proposals. Students spend the semester-long course analyzing these proposals and work as a board of directors to award real grants that advance the common good in our community.

This course is possible thanks in large part to The Philanthropy Lab, an organization that sponsors similar courses in philanthropy throughout the nation. Our course is also sponsored by the University of Notre Dame’s Office of Public Affairs, the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government, the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, The Sheedy Family Program in Economy, Enterprise, and Society, and by generous alumni and friends. To learn more about this course, or to make a financial gift to help its continuation, please contact the course instructor, Jonathan Hannah, JD, at jhannah@nd.edu.