Syracuse University students to award $85,000 to CNY nonprofits through new Maxwell course
A new Maxwell School course will let Syracuse University students distribute up to $85,000 to Central New York nonprofits, deepening ties between campus and community.
Twenty-five Syracuse University undergraduates will soon have a direct hand in shaping the future of Central New York nonprofits, as a new Maxwell School course launches with up to $85,000 in grant funding to distribute this spring, according to Syracuse University News.
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The course, PAI 300 Nonprofits, Policy and Governance, is funded by The Philanthropy Lab and will run on campus during the Spring 2027 semester. Students will review real proposals from local organizations, conduct interviews and site visits, and ultimately decide how to allocate tens of thousands of dollars to nonprofits serving Central New York.
By The Numbers
- $85,000: Maximum annual grant funding available for Central New York nonprofits in the first two years of the course, per Syracuse University News.
- 25: Number of undergraduate students expected to enroll in the course each spring, according to Syracuse University News.
- 6,400: Students nationwide who have participated in Philanthropy Lab-funded courses since 2011, per Syracuse University News.
Hands-on philanthropy in central Syracuse
The new course, led by associate professor Jiahuan Lu, will meet weekly on the Syracuse University campus, just off Irving Avenue and a short walk from the JMA Wireless Dome. Students from across the university can enroll, with registration for spring classes having opened November 10, Syracuse University News reports.
According to the university, the course is designed to move beyond textbook learning. Students will be responsible for reviewing proposals from Central New York nonprofits, conducting due diligence, interviewing nonprofit leaders, and making site visits to organizations across Syracuse and the surrounding towns, including DeWitt, Salina, and Geddes.
The semester will culminate in a grant award ceremony in late April or early May, where the selected nonprofits will receive funding directly from the students’ recommendations. The process is intended to give students a deeper understanding of the challenges local organizations face and the impact of philanthropy on community needs.
What this means for Central New York
For residents of Syracuse and neighboring towns like Eastwood, Tipp Hill, and North Syracuse, the new course means more than just an academic exercise. The $85,000 in annual funding will go directly to organizations working on issues that matter locally, from social services to arts and education.
Nonprofits serving Central New York will be able to apply for funding through an open call for proposals, with details on eligibility and application requirements expected in December 2026, according to Syracuse University News. This presents a new opportunity for organizations across Onondaga County to secure resources for their work.
The course is part of a broader trend of experiential learning at Syracuse University, where students are increasingly engaged in hands-on projects that connect classroom theory to real-world impact. The Maxwell School, located near the intersection of Irving Avenue and Crouse Drive, has a long history of public service and civic engagement in the city.
For more on how local schools are connecting with the community, visit our Syracuse schools page.
How the grantmaking process works
Students in the PAI 300 course will work in teams to review proposals from a range of Central New York nonprofits. The process includes conducting interviews with nonprofit leaders, making site visits to organizations, and deliberating as a group before making final grant recommendations. The course is limited to about 25 students each spring, ensuring a focused and collaborative experience.
The Philanthropy Lab, which funds the course, is a program of the Once Upon A Time Foundation. Since 2011, it has supported courses at universities across the country, involving more than 6,400 students and awarding more than $20 million in grants, according to Syracuse University News.
Professor Lu, who also serves as a senior research associate in the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, secured funding for three academic years: up to $85,000 annually for the first two years and up to $110,000 in the third year. The course will run through at least 2029, bringing sustained investment to the Syracuse nonprofit sector.
Connecting campus and community
The launch of this course comes as Syracuse University continues to deepen its ties to the city and Central New York. The Maxwell School is known for its focus on public affairs and has been involved in a range of community initiatives, from supporting veterans to hosting public forums on local issues.
According to Shana Kushner Gadarian, associate dean for faculty and research at Maxwell, the course is “a win for our students and for the organizations that will benefit.” Students will gain critical thinking and decision-making skills, while local nonprofits will receive much-needed funding to expand their work.
For residents, this means more resources flowing to organizations that address public problems, influence policy, and deliver services in Syracuse and surrounding towns. The open call for proposals will allow a diverse set of nonprofits to compete for funding, potentially supporting everything from youth programs to arts initiatives and social services.
To keep up with the latest on local philanthropy and nonprofit news, check our community events section.
Looking ahead: Opportunities for local organizations
Nonprofits interested in applying for funding should watch for the official call for proposals in December 2026. The course’s unique structure means that organizations will have the chance to interact directly with Syracuse University students, sharing their missions and challenges while competing for a share of the $85,000 in available grants.
For students, the experience offers a rare opportunity to learn about philanthropy, nonprofit management, and the realities of community needs in Central New York. For the community, it means new partnerships and investments that could have a lasting impact on local organizations and the people they serve.
For more on how Syracuse University is engaging with the city, visit our Syracuse business coverage.
Where to check for updates
For the latest information on the PAI 300 course and the grant application process, visit the Syracuse University News website. Nonprofits can expect more details on eligibility and application requirements in December 2026.
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Sources
- Syracuse University News, details on the new Maxwell School course and grant funding
