More good news! The Panther Experiential Philanthropy Project (PEPP) at Chapman University’s Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies has awarded a $1000 grant to help fund Cell Dogs’ mission. We are so grateful for this recognition!

For their assignment, students Frank Burgess, Aaron Vilaubi and Kara Ward examined community problems and researched local nonprofit organizations. Along with other students looking at other nonprofits and pertinent issues, they scheduled site visits and submitted grant applications for their chosen organization. The entire class then evaluated the grant proposals and selected a nonprofit organization in which to invest funds.

As part of the Zoom presentation given by Frank, Aaron, and Kara, Gabriel and Ruby spoke about Cell Dogs’ life-changing advanced training program for service dogs. The class was impressed by the quality of Cell Dogs’ programming and level of commitment for the community.

Chapman’s PEPP Program utilizes a “learning by giving” approach. This philosophy behind experiential philanthropy offers college students the opportunity to study social problems and nonprofit organizations, and then make decisions about investing funds in them. Students, entrusted with a fixed sum of money, award one or more nonprofits through a group-based decision-making process. Rather than just throw money at problems, students are taught to actively seek philanthropic solutions.

Janette Thomas accepted the grant via ZOOM on 5/4/2020.