Real Money. Real Impact. How UC Students Are Leading Through Giving
March 10, 2025 | Written by Branden Waggoner
Philanthropy isn’t just for millionaires or massive corporations. It’s for everyone. And thanks to a one-of-a-kind class at the University of Cincinnati, students are now proving just how powerful young people can be when they’re given the tools and the funds to make a difference.
Meet the "Doing Good Together: Student Philanthropy Studio"—an honors seminar that’s turning UC students into real-world changemakers. Designed by Dr. Robin Selzer and Dr. Flavia Bastos, this course is part research, part hands-on giving, and part deep dive into what it actually means to be a philanthropist. And yes, it’s a direct collaboration with us at Magnified Giving, which means it’s all about using giving as a tool for education, empowerment, and real impact.
The Class That Turns Students Into Grantmakers
Needless to say, most college students don’t have $20,000 to give away. But in this class, they do. Thanks to support from the UC Foundation, students in this seminar get to distribute $20,000 in grant funding to organizations of their choice.
But before they do, they roll up their sleeves and dig into what giving actually means. They:
Research UC-affiliated organizations that already receive donor support
Develop their own criteria for charitable giving (Who should get the money? Why?)
Make real funding decisions, choosing where the $20K should go
This isn’t just a theoretical exercise, it’s real money, real nonprofits, and real impact.
Founder of Magnified Giving. Mr. Roger Grein, with students in UC’s “Doing Good Together” class in the spring semester of 2025. Roger gave each student a copy of his autobiography, which includes the story of how he founded Magnified Giving.
Where Magnified Giving Comes In
Magnified Giving exists to empower young people to understand philanthropy and take action. So when UC created this class, bringing us in as a partner was a natural fit. Every semester, Roger Grein, our founder, visits the class to share his personal journey and answer student questions about what it means to give with intention. Students also watch a powerful documentary that breaks down the importance of youth philanthropy, giving them even more context before they start their funding journey.
It’s not just about writing checks, it’s about thinking critically about giving, analyzing impact, and understanding how philanthropy fits into the bigger picture of community change.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Young people today aren’t waiting to "grow up" before making a difference. Studies show that Gen Z is the most socially conscious generation yet, with nearly three in four young people saying they want to make an impact with their careers (Forbes). Programs like this one at UC give them the framework and experience to make that happen, not just in their jobs but in their daily lives.
Plus, this class demystifies philanthropy! Showing students that giving back isn’t just for the rich and famous. It’s something anyone can do at any level.
A Model for the Future
This is only the second year this class has been offered, but the impact is already huge. Students are leaving the course with more than just knowledge, they’re walking away with an entirely new perspective on giving. They’re learning to ask big questions about how money moves, who it benefits, and how to ensure that every dollar makes a difference.
And that’s exactly what we want at Magnified Giving! We believe that youth philanthropy isn’t just an idea—it’s the future. When we teach young people how to give with purpose, we create a generation of leaders who are ready to shape a more just, generous world.
Want to Get Involved?
Service-learning is one of Magnified Giving’s three core pillars (learn more here), and we’re always looking for ways to partner with schools, universities, and young changemakers to make an impact.
If you’re as inspired by this UC class as we are, let’s connect! Visit Magnified Giving to learn more about how we’re helping students turn generosity into action. 💛