Students in Grantmaking for Philanthropists class award grant to support victims of domestic violence
May 13, 2026
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Through a College of Human Sciences experiential learning experience, students in the CADS 5790 Grantmaking for Philanthropists class this spring were able to award a well-deserving local nonprofit a check for $2,500, that the organization will use to address vital transportation needs in the future.
In a decision that came down to the final few minutes of the final class day, students in the course ultimately decided to award the funds to the Domestic Violence Intervention Center (DVIC) that serves five east Alabama counties providing a 24-hour crisis line, a confidential emergency shelter, case management, legal advocacy, child advocacy, counseling, referrals to community agencies, support groups and transportation.
“I’m prepping for my PA school interviews and one of the questions was, ‘What’s your most impactful class you took that wasn’t a science class?’ I think by far it was this class.”
Hannah Maslowski, a junior majoring in biomedical sciences on the pre-physical therapy (ABMS) track and minoring in philanthropy and nonprofit studies (PNPS)
This was made possible by the students’ work reviewing a total of 10 proposals from 10 local nonprofit organizations during the spring semester where they worked on mission development, needs assessment, proposal analysis and site visits learning the ins and outs of philanthropic grantmaking.
On April 29, the $2,500 check provided by the Community Foundation of East Alabama was presented to DVIC during a ceremony that recapped the decision-making process and students’ own testimonials on the impact the class made on them.
“I’m prepping for my PA school interviews and one of the questions was, ‘What’s your most impactful class you took that wasn’t a science class?’ I think by far it was this class,” said Hannah Maslowski, a junior majoring in biomedical sciences on the pre-physical therapy (ABMS) track and minoring in philanthropy and nonprofit studies (PNPS). “I really learned about not only how nonprofits work and all the background, but how to interact with people from all different places and walks of life. I think I have a greater understanding of local needs in the community, especially as a healthcare provider.”
“At the end of the day really what the entire experience was for me is it just reminded me of how important it is for classes like this to exist,” said Jay Bybee, who is working on his master’s degree in public administration. “The DVIC highlighted such a unique and immediate need in the county, and I think that’s what ultimately led to us giving the vote for the money.”
“This is not just funding for us. This is giving our clients access to a very much needed service that’s been missing.”
Zenene Davis, executive director of DVIC
Zenene Davis, executive director of DVIC, accepted the award on behalf of the organization and said the funds will be used to assist clients facing transportation challenges such as getting to and from work, court, leaving a potentially dangerous domestic violence situation, transporting children to and from school and much more.
“This is not just funding for us. This is giving our clients access to a very much needed service that’s been missing,” said Davis.
Davis said a transportation company will also assist the agency with services when clients need transportation beyond normal business hours.
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Students in the Grantmaking for Philanthropists class, offered through the College of Human Sciences, awarded a grant to Nourish Wellness — a pediatric lifestyle medicine center for children and their families — to enhance and expand an existing community garden.
“We are really grateful to be receiving this award, and I want you all to know that the impact goes further than you will ever know,” said Davis. “Transportation is one of those things that has always been an issue that we face from an agency standpoint and our client’s standpoint because we are limited. This award really helps remove barriers because now we can say, ‘Hey we can get you to work in the morning’ because we have a transportation agency that can come and get you so it’s huge. This has been something that has been the missing link for us ever since I have been here because we have had countless calls from survivors who end up having to stay because they don’t have transportation. This is going to be amazing for our clients and our team because sometimes all day long that’s all we will do is transport.”
Associate Professor and Philanthropy and Nonprofits Studies Program Coordinator Dr. Peter Weber led the class and said this is an ideal example of putting experiential learning into action.
“You should all feel proud of what you have accomplished because it’s not an easy task,” said Weber. “In one semester, you have drafted a mission statement, vision statement, researched local needs, asked a request for proposals, reviewed proposals and more. One piece I’d like to highlight is the experiential learning test, where you learn by doing and you learn by giving away the money is something that the philanthropy program emphasizes. We want to give you the skills, but the best way to learn the skills is by actually applying them.”
For more information on Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies within the College of Human Sciences, click below.
PNPS