“Oscar Mike” is a military radio transmission that means “on the move” or “on the march.” It literally means, “We are ready to move out and accomplish our mission.”
We are Oscar Mike at The Philanthropy Lab right now.
We are moving out—new students, new professors, new universities, new surveys, new conferences. New this, new that. Maybe hectic, but at least we’re moving. And we are moving forward.
Here are some of the exciting things happening…
We continue to spark and expand students’ interest and participation in philanthropy. Through The Philanthropy Lab, students are given the tangible responsibility of directing real money to nonprofit organizations within undergraduate courses. We believe higher education should shape not only well-educated leaders but also responsible citizens. We hope students’ experiences will broaden their knowledge of the nonprofit sector. After the Philanthropy Lab course, students have the opportunity to continue to engage in philanthropy with our Ambassadors Conference, GrantWriting Board, and grant review processes.
We continue to increase the prevalence and priority of philanthropy education in U.S. colleges and universities. Since its inception in 2011, The Philanthropy Lab and its donor partners have given more than $18.2 million to build philanthropy education in 33 universities across the United States. More than 5,000 students have participated in philanthropy courses affiliated with The Philanthropy Lab. Each class receives up to $135,000, starting with a grant of up to $50,000, to distribute to nonprofit organizations following an evaluative process that includes research, comparison, site visits, and debate.
We continue to create partnerships with top students and professors from around the country to multiply the resources of our small staff, enabling us to thoughtfully and analytically distribute millions of dollars annually—an impact we wouldn’t achieve alone. These collaborations bring together cutting-edge research, data-driven insights, and fresh perspectives that enhance our ability to assess where funds can make the greatest difference. Through rigorous evaluation and analytical methodologies, we ensure that every dollar is allocated efficiently and effectively, maximizing both immediate relief and long-term impact.
This approach not only strengthens our capacity but also fosters a culture of innovation in philanthropy. By engaging with academic leaders and emerging scholars, we stay at the forefront of evolving social, economic, and environmental challenges, allowing us to adapt our strategies to meet pressing needs. The synergy between our team and academic partners enables us to support high-impact initiatives, identify emerging opportunities, and continuously refine our grantmaking process to create meaningful, measurable change.
We are committed to achieving self-sustainability at our partner schools, allowing The Philanthropy Lab to leverage funds to expand the program to other universities. By building lasting frameworks within each institution, we create a ripple effect that empowers more students to engage in impactful philanthropy, ultimately broadening our reach and amplifying our mission nationwide.
Achieving self-sustainability is not just a financial goal—it is a strategic imperative that ensures long-term program viability. By fostering strong relationships with university leadership, alumni networks, and local philanthropic communities, we establish a foundation for ongoing funding and engagement. This approach reduces dependence on external contributions over time, allowing resources to be redirected toward new partnerships and opportunities.
Through this model, we cultivate a culture of giving that extends beyond the classroom, inspiring students and faculty to embrace philanthropy as a lifelong endeavor. As The Philanthropy Lab continues to grow, our commitment to scalability remains central to our vision. By focusing on sustainability at each partner school, we enable the program to evolve organically, ensuring that each institution can tailor its approach while maintaining the core values of analytical, intentional giving. This strengthens existing partnerships and paves the way for future expansion, allowing us to reach more students, foster a new generation of thoughtful philanthropists, and ultimately drive greater social impact.
Yes, indeed, we are Oscar Mike at The Philanthropy Lab.
Bill Arnold is the Executive Director of Blue Diamond Recreation, a nonprofit corporation that provides restorative recreational opportunities for veterans challenged by the effects of war. Bill served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, deployed to Iraq in 2004, and was cited for bravery in combat. For over 28 years, Bill has served as a history teacher, coach, and administrator at Fort Worth Country Day. In 2025, Bill donated his time and talent to The Philanthropy Lab. We are grateful for his contributions to our summer blog series!
