We recently reported on the unique hands-on policy debate that occurred in the spring 2012 graduate class titled, "Policy Issues and Analysis of Non-profits, NGOs and Philanthropy." The graduate students were provided with a $50,000 grant from the private Once Upon a Time Foundation of Fort Worth, Texas, and considered how to go about allocating the funds and to whom.

One of the groups selected to receive funding was the Boys & Girls Club of Trenton & Mercer County, NJ

Attached is a link to the story and photo that appeared in the Club’s newsletter announcing the receipt of $10,000 in funding: http://www.bgctrenton.org/news/grad-students-award-club-10000-for-new-project.

The classroom discussion was led by Stanley Katz, lecturer with the rank of professor of public and international affairs and director of the Wilson School's Center for Arts and Cultural Policy Studies. The students collectively narrowed down the types of organizations they were interested in potentially funding, with an emphasis on where they could make the most difference. They researched those groups and met with prospective recipients. Classroom readings and lectures emphasized how the philanthropic, nonprofit and NGO sectors operate; how they work in conjunction with the private and public sectors; the impact they have on society; and the policymaking process.