Graduate Students Award $23,000 to DC Region Nonprofits

In April 2025, fifteen graduate students from Professor Kathy Kretman’s Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Policy course awarded $23,000 to local nonprofits in the Washington, DC region. This experiential semester-long course provides McCourt students with the hands-on opportunity to act as philanthropists, to learn how philanthropists and nonprofits influence public policy, and experience the behind-the-scenes operations of nonprofits. As grantmakers, the students examined each organizations’ mission, programs, and impact, in pursuit of becoming advocates for their organization’s work in climate change policy, voting rights, education reform, social media regulation, and more. As residents of the D.M.V., students were able to support their local community and strengthen their leadership skills in communication, decision-making, and advocacy. The class culminated in an awards ceremony on April 23, 2025, bringing students and the participating nonprofit organizations together to celebrate their achievements.

The students awarded $23,000 to the following D.C. community-based nonprofit organizations:

Free Minds Book Club – $6,000

Live It Learn It – $4,000

Miriam’s Kitchen – $5,000

Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund – $5,000

Armed Services Arts Partnership – $1,000

CARECEN – $1,000

Martha’s Table – $1,000

From Live It Learn It, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide increased learning opportunities for D.C. students, co-ED Maryam Trowell stated, “What stood out most about Georgetown’s Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Policy Class was its commitment to truly understanding the challenges nonprofits face. It wasn’t just about a grant—it was about building connections, raising awareness, and shaping future philanthropists who recognize the complexities of this work. That kind of engagement is rare, and deeply appreciated.”

Tara Libert, Executive Director of Free Minds Book Club, a $6,000 awardee, also acknowledges the impact of this opportunity. “The entire experience was so uplifting. Our assigned student Program Officers expressed deep interest and understanding of our work, asking insightful questions that gave us new perspectives on our own operations. The student Foundation Officers demonstrated an inspiring commitment to equity and supporting evidence-based approaches. We felt so fortunate to be part of the class and heartened to know that future leaders of ethical philanthropy are getting such excellent instruction, experiential learning, and awarding generous grants to the community”.

For students, this was an unparalleled opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of both grantmakers and grantseekers. As stated by Masters in Public Management student Banky Wellington, “This class was more than another public policy seminar – it was a crash course in courage, conviction and compromise. My classmates and I experienced what it feels like to pitch for real money, with real passion, advocating for a cause you care about. To feel the thrill of strategy and the sting of rejection. To be both the grant-seeker and the gatekeeper.”

Students look forward to applying the lessons learned in class into the real-world. “Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Public Policy left a lasting impact on how I think about leadership, purpose, and power,” said Garreth Hui, a first-year Masters of Public Policy student. “Professor Kretman created a space where we were not only allowed, but expected, to grapple with the human dimensions of philanthropy. It was a rare opportunity to lead with both heart and intellect, and I will carry those lessons with me. The experience reminded me that meaningful change is as much about listening and reflection as it is about action. I am so grateful to have had such a unique experience at McCourt to grapple with the world of public service in such an impactful and experiential way.”

As the Professor of one of McCourt’s most powerful courses, Professor Kretman reflects on witnessing the achievements of her class. “To be able to give students the opportunity to explore their own values, test their own assumptions, and learn to make tough decisions in a group process, all during an unprecedented, uncertain time in their lives – it’s humbling, to say the least.”