Today, the Philanthropy lab at Baylor presented more than $50,000 in grant money to local nonprofits. The course - which began last year - is part of a network of 14 universities across the country.
The semester-long class presented grants to local nonprofits that work in areas from arts and the environment and health and wellness.
During the semester, students in the class evaluated and work with community organizations with funding specific programs. A total of 7 local non-profits were awarded grants.
This year saw to the support of the newly established, but not yet operational program The Cove, a Waco Independent School District Initiative that seeks to help displaced and homeless youth in the district.
Andy Hogue is the director of the philanthropy and public service program at Baylor.
"It's in the earliest stage of development for anything that we, our students have funded up to at this point," Hogue said. "And that's a real tribute to the vision they cast and the compelling work that they're doing."
The Cove received roughly $12,000 to establish its pilot program.
Creative Waco received $5,000 to produce a promotional video, part of the group's application for part of Waco to be designated a cultural district.
Other groups that received funds are:
The Family Abuse Center, $10,000
Community Cancer Association, $5,000
Act Locally Waco/Prosper Waco: $10,400
Talitha Koum Institute: $4,415
Care Net, $3,000
The Philanthropy lab is supported through the Once Upon a Time Foundation. Other participating universities include Harvard, Yale, and the University of Texas.