Students at West Virginia Universitys College of Business and Economics are learning how to think like corporate philanthropists. As part of an annual project, they are accepting applications through April 3 for $20,000 in grants to be disbursed later this spring.

The Corporate Citizenship Project, in its sixth year at the WVU College of Business and Economics, has given away a total of $100,000 since 2001. Funding for the program comes principally from WVU alumni who recognize the importance of the program and businesses contributing to the community.

The program was originally designed by management professor Gerald Blakely to teach future business leaders the value of contributing to society and the community.

The class solicits proposals for projects that would benefit the greater Morgantown community, develops criteria for judging them and then chooses the winners during the final days of the semester. The students also develop a summary of the programs track record and the impact of the grants.

The class helps students understand the role of private, not-for-profit organizations in meeting community needs and the importance of corporate giving,said Dr. Nancy McIntyre, who leads the class.It is provides students with the opportunity to get involved in local not-for-profit agencies and in the community. This experience helps them understand the impact that their personal support and involvement can produce. Hopefully, if students experience social responsibility during their business education, they will continue those behaviors in the corporate setting.

Recent grant awards include:

• $1,600 to send children to camp

• $3,750 for housing/utility assistance for needy families

• $100 for teens as parents program

• $3,750 to rural assistance network

• $3,500 to an emergency food pantry

• $675 for baby packs

• $1,950 to purchase tools, etc., for working women

• $1,500 for installation of children’s art work

• $1,000 for childrens enrichment, education activities

• $3,675 to train and support community volunteers

• $3,500 to support Make-a-Wish

Complete guidelines for grant applications are on the web at www.be.wvu.edu/ , or by calling 304-293-4046.