Phila is a philanthropy practicum of 12 students that work to help non-profit organizations both locally and internationally. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous alumna and her husband, Phila begins each year with $4,000 to give away. They accept grant applications and take the time to make thoughtful decisions.
Grant funds this year went to three local and one international non-profits. In memory of the prospective student who was a victim in the attacks in Mumbai this past year, Phila gave $200 to Room to Read’s Girls Education program in India. A $200 donation will provide a full scholarship for one year to a young girl.
The $4,000 was divided up accordingly:
- Hope 7 Community Center’s food pantry: $1,000. Hope 7 applied for and received a matching gift of $1,000 from a foundation in Connecticut.
- Commission on Economic Opportunity: $1,300
- Unity House’s Street Ministry food pantry and Basics for Babies program: $1,500
- Room to Read, India, Girls Education: $200
And during a food drive in April, Phila collected over 100 food items that went to families in need in the Capital District.
