Peter Weber, Ph.D.
Associate Professor in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies
Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies Coordinator
College of Human Sciences
Auburn University

Erin Casolaro
Harbert College of Business
Auburn University

Claire Simpson
College of Human Sciences
Auburn University

Portia Johnson, PhD
Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist
Consumer & Design Sciences

This paper investigates the perspective of community members engaged with experimental learning in student philanthropy courses. While most scholarship explores the impact that student philanthropy practices have on students’ learning process and the overall effectiveness of these courses, this study aims to understand the impact of student philanthropy courses on community partners. We rely on a survey and focus groups to assess the perspectives of both nonprofits that participated in student philanthropy courses and nonprofits that decided against participating. We find that nonprofits see relational and advocacy benefits in participating in these courses, beyond the most obvious potential benefit of being awarded a grant. While we found overall satisfaction with the course, we also identified barriers to participation, which informs a list of practical recommendations. This study points to the possibility to better student philanthropy processes and improve the experience of participating nonprofits.

Peter Weber is an associate professor of philanthropy and nonprofit studies and program coordinator of the Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (PNPS) Program at Auburn University, and currently holds the Mike and Leann Rowe Endowed Professorship in International Studies. He holds a doctorate in Philanthropic Studies from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, as well as a Master in History and a Master in International Studies in Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship, both from the University of Bologna in Italy. His research focuses on the way individuals participate in public affairs through voluntary organizations and philanthropic practices. His latest research project investigates the emergence of philanthropic innovations through the lenses of program-related investments (PRIs) by private as well as community foundations. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including Voluntas, Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, Journal of Civil Society, Nonprofit Policy Forum, Global Society, Journal of Public Affairs Education, and Journal of Nonprofit Education and Leadership. He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Murray State University, and Auburn University. Among others, his teaching interests focus on grant-making practices, nonprofit management and governance, nonprofit advocacy and public policy, and community engagement. In recognition of his service to the field of nonprofit studies, he was recognized by the 2013 ARNOVA Emerging Scholar Award and selected as a Future Philanthropic Educator Fellow by the Learning by Giving Foundation (2015). At the national level, he serves as the VP of governance on the board of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council (NACC), which is the international membership organization of nonprofit and philanthropic research centers and education programs.

Erin Casolaro is a recent graduate of Auburn University with degrees in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies and Accounting. She is a current Master of Accountancy candidate at Auburn University. Throughout college she has worked to bridge her accounting and nonprofit passions through research and internships at the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Geographic Society, and RSM. She was awarded an Undergraduate Research Fellowship during her time at Auburn.

Claire Simpson is an undergraduate student at Auburn University, expected to graduate in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies and a Business Minor. Her dedication to academia is reflected in her consistent placement on the Dean’s List and her recognition as a Kappa Omicron Nu Human Sciences Honor Society inductee. She has conducted impactful research as an Undergraduate Research Assistant, collaborating on projects such as the Alabama FAST Initiative, where her interests in philanthropy, nonprofit studies, and finance intersect.

Dr. Portia Johnson is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist with a joint appointment with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Department of Consumer and Design Sciences at Auburn University. She earned a Ph.D. in Financial Planning, Housing & Consumer Economics from The University of Georgia, bachelor’s from The University of Georgia, and a master’s in business administration from Arizona State University. Johnson’s research agenda includes household financial well-being and education, post-secondary access, and sustainable homeownership. Johnson has published 10 academic peer-reviewed articles, and 38 extension articles and briefs. She’s given over 60 presentations at conferences and public forums and received $1.5M in grants. Johnson has received numerous state, regional, and national awards for her applied research and community extension educational programming, including being named National awardee for the New Professional Award by the past Presidents of National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences for her contributions to Cooperative Extension.