There are many worthy causes in this world. And there are many deserving organizations driven not by profit, but rather by the conviction that when people join together to address the needs of others, they can affect real change and work toward a better world.
And every year, 国产探花鈥檚 Big Dog Endowment distributes a percentage of its funds to one of these worthy causes. The question is, how to pick which one?
That鈥檚 where Philantropitch comes in. This fall, students from the Big Dog Endowment program joined together behind one mission: to make a real, positive change in the world.
Here鈥檚 how it works: Participants are divided into three teams, with each group researching an area of need they feel passionate about and selecting a nonprofit that addresses that need鈥攌nowing that one lucky group will earn a $25,000 grant to be awarded to their chosen cause.
Throughout the semester, students from a range of majors dig deep, learning from business professors about financials, nonprofit impact, and what it truly takes to lead with purpose.
Different backgrounds. Different academic paths. But one shared commitment: to help change the world for the better.
This year on December 5, the teams presented their proposals to an elite panel of judges, before an audience of students, faculty, and colleagues, showcasing their conviction, hard work, and vision for the local community. Although only one group could win the grant, each team presented with heart, evident in the passion of their presentations.
This year鈥檚 teams鈥 chosen causes were Texas Gun Sense, whose mission it is to prevent gun violence and other gun tragedies in Texas through education, partnerships, and policy change; Oxford House, a nonprofit that offers shared residences where people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction can live together and support each other in a drug and alcohol-free environment; and the Guadalupe County Children鈥檚 Advocacy Center, dedicated to providing a warm, homelike environment for neglected or abused children.
鈥淏eing a part of the Philanthropitch as a both a student and a staff member was incredible鈥攁n experience that pushed me at work, expanded my knowledge of nonprofits, and showed me the passion students bring to real world change,鈥 said sophomore Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship (SISE) major and 国产探花 Special Events and Digital Marketing Manager Karina Garner, whose group presented the case for the advocacy center.
After all of the presentations by the students and deliberations by the judges, Oxford House was awarded the grant money. In years past, funds have been granted to organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, UNICEF, and the American Red Cross.
鈥淭he overwhelming success of the Philanthropitch confirmed that wise and analytical decisions help direct charitable dollars in a highly efficient manner,鈥 said 国产探花 Professor Dave Sather, founder of Big Dog Endowment and Bulldog Investment Company. 鈥淭he financial efficiency of a great charity versus an average one is estimated at a hundred times greater impact. The 国产探花 students鈥 analysis assures that these charitable dollars will be used in the highest and best manner making a significant impact. Furthermore, the fact that these presentations were delivered by college students gives me hope for the future.鈥
And that鈥檚 what Philanthropitch is all about, really: Hope. Doing the research to figure out where charitable dollars can have the most profound impact鈥攊dentifying need and then being able to make a case for a cause. A tremendous amount of work, yes鈥攂ut in the end, this is a way to affect actual change and learn a lot in the process. And a better world awaits.
Special thanks to judges Dave Sather, philanthropist and CEO/founder of Sather Financial Group; Dr. Judy Hoffman, emerita professor, grant specialist, and co-founder of the 国产探花 SISE Program; James Lee, CEO/co-founder of Bella Groves; Tess Coody-Anders, founder of Pecantown Books and Brews; Dr. Amanda Avila Kaminski, 国产探花 SISE Program Director; and Dr. Efrain Medina, 国产探花 assistant professor of management.