Learning by Grant Writing (LxGW): Exploring the Impacts on Student Philanthropy Attitudes and Intentions

Abstract

Evidence exists for the importance of grant writing skills among professionals in nonprofit settings, indicating an emerging need for courses teaching these skills. Less is known about the impact of learning grant writing skills on attitudes toward philanthropy. The purpose of this research note was to explore attitudes toward philanthropy and perception of grant writing skills using a pre- and post-test, comparison group design. Data were collected from 56 students enrolled in elective grant writing courses and a comparison course. Variables included demographics, attitudes toward philanthropy, and perceived impact on grant writing skills. At post-test, those who took the grant-writing course had more positive attitudes toward philanthropy and working in the nonprofit sector. Substantial improvement in writing and researching skills for a small sample indicate this type of course should be required for health and human services programs to provide students opportunities to have a meaningful positive impact on the nonprofit sector.