Fresno State students in the Humanics Students4Giving Philanthropy Project are awarding three $5,000 grants to local community benefit organizations. The grants will be presented by students at a reception at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 14, at Arte Americas (1630 Van Ness Ave.) in Fresno.

The Humanics Students4Giving project strategically allocates grants to organizations for “the most difficult areas to fund,” including board and staff development; advocacy and public policy; and volunteer management and technology. The following organizations were selected after students reviewed proposals, conducted site visits and held in-person interviews with more than 20 community benefit organizations.

  • Lowell Community Development Corporation was selected for support of the development of its board and staff. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in the Lowell neighborhood through community engagement, equitable housing and historic diversity.
  • Mi Familia Vota Education Fund was selected for support of its work with public policy and advocacy. Mi Familia Vota is a national organization that unites Latino, immigrant and allied communities to promote social and economic justice through increased civic participation by promoting citizenship, voter registration and voter participation.
  • Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries was selected for support of its volunteer management efforts. The organization serves refugee families of all cultures and religious traditions, primarily of Southeast Asian, Slavic and African origin. Its mission is to “share Christ’s love by building communities of hope with new Americans.” Whenever interest is present, its staff assists refugees in linking with one of Fresno’s refugee communities or mainstream congregations.

Each organization will receive a check for $5,000. Grant funds are generously provided by the Whitney Foundation, Central Valley Community Foundation, The Kennel Bookstore and the fundraising efforts of students and faculty.

From 2007 to 2017, more than 320 Fresno State students have participated to award $131,000 to 32 different organizations through the Humanics Students4Giving Philanthropy Project. The Fresno State Humanics program showcases a partnership between the region’s largest educational institution and the local philanthropy sector for which it aims to supply future leaders.

The Humanics program is offered in the Department of Sociology and allows students to earn a minor in philanthropic and community-based leadership and/or a certificate in administration and leadership for community benefit organizations. Dr. Matthew Jendian is the founding director and Dr. Don Simmons is the lead faculty member for Humanics@FresnoState.

For more information, please contact Elio Santos at eliosantos@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.825.7838.