Photo & Media Gallery

In Spring of 2023, students enrolled in Volunteerism and Philanthropy (40.834.404.01) at Rutgers University-Newark were provided with funds ($5,000) as part of an experiential philanthropy initiative supported by a generous grant from the Learning by Giving Foundation. These students were responsible for directing and producing short films about a cause and a local nonprofit organization they cared about. They were, then, responsible for awarding funds to the organization they believed was making an important difference in the community. They selected the nonprofit Brothers Building a Better Nation (the last video in the compilation below) as the organization to award the funding to. The mission of Brothers Building a Better Nation is to empower young men of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) backgrounds, aged 16 to 19, in Newark, New Jersey by reducing the risks of self-harm and incarceration. 

*Note: These videos are intended for educational purposes only and not intended for distribution. 

Spring 2023 Student Feedback

"Want I found to be really impactful was the inclusion of individual, personal stories of people, in class. I felt that it highlighted the meaningfulness and reality of what charitable actions can really do. Stories like Biddy Mason and of the Black CEO of the Ford Foundation, stories like that give hope and inspiration to current students of human service and philanthropy. Topics that discussed the industrial complexes in this country introduced me to some of the ugly, corrupt practices that the federal government glosses over, letting the most vulnerable communities be affected. Information like that got a rise from me... I like learning these topics in class because I like having an open mind about social issues and also being socially aware."

"This semester, I learned a lot about social problems and the importance of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy. Personally, I believe the most significant thing I learned was how important collaboration is when it comes to addressing social problems. Working with my group to learn about the issue, choose an organization, and develop a video showed how working together was necessary to help out a cause."

This semester was academically challenging for me since I was going through a lot of personal problems but I learned that during times of crisis, there is strength in community."


"I learned that philanthropy can be very dynamic. I also learned that it doesn't take money to give back. Time is a commodity and it has value."

Spring 2023 Volunteerism and Philanthropy (40.834.404.01) Film Showcase. Lunch courtesy of a generous grant from the North Jersey Chapter (NJ) of The Links, Incorporated.

Spring 2023 Volunteerism and Philanthropy (40.834.404.01) Film Showcase. Lunch courtesy of a generous grant from the North Jersey Chapter (NJ) of The Links, Incorporated.

Spring 2023 Volunteerism and Philanthropy (40.834.404.01) Film Showcase. Students part of the group that produced the film for the nonprofit selected to receive the $5,000 donation.

Previous Semesters

Action 21

A non-profit community organization founded in 2001 by Narciso Castillo.

Course: Leadership for Service Professionals

Instructor: Melissa Rivera

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

All Stars Project of NJ

On the ground in Newark since 1999, the All Stars Project of New Jersey has touched the lives of more than 35,000 young people and ASP of NJ is leading and supporting a coming together of all segments of New Jersey civic society who are working to develop kids and communities.

Course: Philanthropy and Volunteerism

Instructor: Wei Wei Lin

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Bianca's Kids

Established in 2010, Bianca’s Kids is a 501(c)3 approved, volunteer-based nonprofit organization with branches in Southern, Northern and Central New Jersey. The organization was established in memory of Bianca Yodice. It was Bianca’s passion for children that inspired her family to create a foundation in her name which focuses on granting wishes to foster and needy children in NJ and around the U.S.

Course: Public Service Innovation

Instructor: Quintus Jett

Year: Spring 2016

Amount: $1,500

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Boys and Girls Club of Newark

BGCN empowers children to make good choices, sustain meaningful relationships with peers and caring adults, develop a positive self-image, and become productive, engaged members of the Newark community.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor(s): Marta Esquilin; Engelbert Santana; Christopher Kozak

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $750

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

CASA of Essex County

CASA of Essex County promotes the welfare of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by providing a safety net of support, advocacy, and mentorship.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Lindsey M. McDougle

Year: Spring 2016

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

City Without Walls

City Without Walls (cWOW) is an urban gallery of emerging art that advances the careers of artists while building the audience for contemporary art.

Course: Arts and Culture of Public Service

Instructor: Lois Warner

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $500

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Covenant House

Covenant House New Jersey provides comprehensive residential care and related services to help New Jersey’s youth who have suffered from abuse, neglect, abandonment, homelessness, and human trafficking build a life for themselves that is good.

Course: Volunteerism and Philanthropy

Instructor: Huafang Li

Year: Spring 2016

Amount: $2,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Awards

Family Intervention Services

Family Intervention Services, A Division of Center For Family Services, Inc., provides support for children and families in the northern region of New Jersey.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Chengxin Xu

Year: Spring 2018

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Fhak 2.0 Academy

Designed to develop the social, intellectual, emotional and physical dimensions of children entrusted in our care.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Lindsey M. McDougle

Year: Spring 2016

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Kids Corporation

Kids Corporation’s mission is to improve the lives of Newark children through cost-effective programs and services that bolster academic skills, promote healthy development and stimulate a love of learning.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Lindsey M. McDougle

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $750

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Leaders 4 Life

Leaders for Life, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by a native resident of the city of Newark and an educator in the Newark Public School System. We seek to become partners with individuals in their desire to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Karima Jackson

Year: Fall 2017

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Lennard Clinic

The Lennard Clinic exists to enrich the quality of life of opioid-dependent adults in Essex, Union, and surrounding counties to reduce illicit drug use, decrease criminal activities, enhance health conditions and promote social/economic stabilities by providing superior treatment services.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Lindsey M. McDougle

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $275

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

(Note: Photo indicates $250; however, another group decided to donate their funds to this group bringing the total awarded to $275).

Liberty Humane Society

Liberty Humane Society’s mission is to foster a community of compassion and respect, and provide animals in need with a chance at a lifelong, loving home.

Course: Public Service Innovation

Instructor: Quintus Jett

Year: Spring 2016

Amount: $500

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

NJ Association of USA Amateur Boxing Federation, Inc.

Making a difference for boxers of all levels in New Jersey, opening doors to the nation and the world.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Lindsey M. McDougle

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $550

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

(Note: Photo indicates $475; however, another group decided to donate their funds to this group bringing the total awarded to $550.)

NJ Reentry Corporation

The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) is a non-profit agency with a social mission to remove all barriers to employment for citizens returning from incarceration.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Chengxin Xu

Year: Fall 2017

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Newark LGBT Community Center

The Newark LGBTQ Community Center is a volunteer-run, community-based organization committed to providing safe space, programs, and services that support the well-being of the LGBTQ community and our allies in the Newark, New Jersey area.

Course: Introduction to LGBTQ+ Studies

Instructor: Andrew Lester

Year: Spring 2016

Amount: $2,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Spectrum360

Spectrum360’s Mission and Values have been developed over the course of our long-term history; originating as an orphanage in Newark, NJ in the 1880s and becoming a pioneer in special education, establishing a school in 1963.

Course: Human Resources Administration

Instructor: Madinah Hamidullah

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

S.O.F.I.A.

 Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (fondly referred to as S.O.F.I.A.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides advocacy, supportive services and referrals for temporary housing to “at-risk” women and children of domestic violence.

Course: Human Resources Administration

Instructor: Madinah Hamidullah

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $500

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

The Building Blocks of NJ

The Building Blocks of NJ, also known as The BBNJ, is a community service organization. We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Our volunteers, donors, supporters, and partners have been working together to empower individuals and families in the community to overcome challenges. We strive to meet and exceed our community's needs by making all our meals Halal and economically friendly.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Karima Jackson

Year: Spring 2018

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

The H.U.B.B.

Our mission is to provide alternative positive programming for youth and families in underserved communities by way of entertainment, education, and empower.

Course: The Wire - Black Lives Matter

Instructor(s): Sherri Ann Butterfield; Fran Bartowski

Year: Spring 2016

Amount: $2,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

The H.U.B.B.

Our mission is to provide alternative positive programming for youth and families in underserved communities by way of entertainment, education, and empower.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Lindsey M. McDougle

Year: Fall 2016

Amount: $2,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Awards

YCS Davis House

YCS is a private 501(c)3, nonprofit, behavioral health agency that provides comprehensive, therapeutic services for individuals, birth through adulthood, with complex special needs.

Course: The Wire - Black Lives Matter

Instructor(s): Sherri Ann Butterfield; Fran Bartowski

Year: Spring 2016

Amount: $2,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Youth Development Clinic

For nearly six decades, the Youth Development Clinic (YDC) has been dedicated to providing behavioral health services for children and families in Newark, Essex County, and surrounding communities.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Lindsey M. McDougle

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $425

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award

Youth Build Newark

Youth Build Newark (YBN) is an innovation-driven youth and community development agency that has drawn upon developmental theory and proven practices to serve Greater Newark’s disconnected (“opportunity”) youth.

Course: Introduction to Nonprofit Management

Instructor: Lindsey M. McDougle

Year: Spring 2017

Amount: $1,000

Funding Source: Rutgers University Newark Chancellor's Seed Grant Award