Students in the Philanthropy and Leadership (MNGT 411) course at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business discover how nonprofits empower communities and how philanthropy can foster positive change. The hands-on project called Strive to Thrive Lincoln culminated in the awarding of $10,000 in grants to two local nonprofits addressing homelessness: Friendship Home and Bridges to Hope.
The student-led project, which began in 2015, is designed to teach students about philanthropy and nonprofit leadership while fostering lifelong civic engagement. Under the guidance of Amber Messersmith, executive director of Center for Executive and Professional Development and lecturer of management, this semester’s class focused on the issue of homelessness in the Lincoln community.
“Between October 2022-23, nearly 2,400 people experienced homelessness in Lincoln for an average of 75 days,” said Jeff Chambers, community services division director for the University’s Center on Children, Families and the Law, when he spoke to the class. “On any given night, about 56 individuals were unsheltered.”
To deepen their understanding, students volunteered at Project Connect, an annual, one-day event providing access to over 100 service providers for individuals experiencing homelessness. Senior Elijah Riley, an agricultural and environmental sciences major from Lincoln, reflected on the experience at the grant ceremony.
“Being born and raised in Lincoln, I have friends and families who have been on both sides of this issue — being care providers and being members of the unhoused community. In fact, at Project Connect, I knew many people personally who were on both sides of the booths. It was inspiring to see my people who were in need going out and getting the resources that could help. It really was a testament to their strength and resilience during difficult times," Riley said. "Throughout the day, we had one-on-one conversations with people facing homelessness, which helped us understand the breadth of the issue and guided us in making thoughtful decisions about the grant recipients.”
Empowering Nonprofits to Make a Difference
Friendship Home, which provides safe shelter and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, was one of this semester’s grant recipients. Angie Hilsabeck, director of strategic partnerships, emphasized the importance of their work.
“When survivors leave their abusers, their risk of being killed increases by 77%. Our shelter provides a safe, confidential place for them and their children,” Hilsabeck said. “This grant ensures we can continue supporting those who need us most.”
The second grant recipient, Bridges to Hope, serves individuals re-entering society after incarceration. Executive Director Rhonda Mattingly highlighted their plans to construct 18 tiny homes to address housing barriers.
“Housing is the number one obstacle for people re-entering the community,” Mattingly said. “This grant helps us move closer to providing safe, affordable housing for those most in need.”
Students as Changemakers
Throughout the semester, students familiarized themselves with 12 local nonprofits, interviewing leaders and conducting site visits. The nonprofits included: Bridges to Hope, Catholic Social Services, CEDARS, CenterPoint, Community Action Partnership of Lincoln and Saunders Counties, Family Service Lincoln, Fresh Start, Friendship Home, Lutheran Family Services, Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, People's City Mission and Tenant Assistance Project.
For some students, it was their first introduction to nonprofits. For many, the experience was transformative.
“My dad is the president of a nonprofit, and through this class, I've been able to experience what an impact he and his coworkers have every day. This semester, I was able to be part of that impact and engage with the community outside of campus,” said Charlie Burt, a senior management and marketing major from Omaha, Nebraska. “It changed my perspective on how I can contribute and make a difference. I never thought that a college course would have such a lasting impact on my life, but Dr, Messersmith and Strive to Thrive Lincoln did just that.”
Junior finance major Khilud Shammo from Baghdad, Iraq, echoed similar sentiments. She saw her role on the grant ceremony planning team as recognizing the potential these nonprofits have in creating a better future for the community.
“We’re not just awarding grants—we’re investing in lives and fostering change,” Shammo said. "With today's grant ceremony, we recognize the potential these nonprofits have and play a small role in fostering positive change by supporting them with these two grants."
Messersmith, who has led the course since 2015, noted the long-term impact of Strive to Thrive Lincoln.
“This program has granted $160,000 to Lincoln-area nonprofits over 16 semesters. More than 700 students who have taken the class completed 100 different class service projects, resulting in 1,736 service hours given to our community. Considering the most recent estimate of the value of a single hour of volunteering in Nebraska, that means our students contributed nearly $54,000 worth of volunteer time to nonprofits through this experience,” Messersmith said. “It equips students with the skills and empathy to become leaders and advocates for their communities.”
Looking Ahead
Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean and professor of finance, commended the students and nonprofit partners for their collaboration.
“Your experiences this fall helped you understand the needs of our community,” Farrell said. “I challenge you to continue using your talents to strengthen organizations and foster innovation wherever life takes you.”
Currently funded by notable Lincoln philanthropist Rhonda Seacrest, the course's grants need further support to continue the hands-on experience that provides valuable service and leadership experience for students. Gifts made to the Strive to Thrive Lincoln Excellence Fund directly fund each semester’s grant award.
