The initiative is part of the Philanthropy and Social Change course.
This article was originally published on May 11, 2026 by Metro Puerto Rico.
Students from Sacred Heart University allocated funds to two non-profit organizations as part of a collaboration with The Philanthropy Lab.
The Philanthropy and Social Change course initiative integrates academic training with the practical application of philanthropic strategies aimed at generating social impact.
Through this effort, the program has awarded a total of $240,000 in funding , directly impacting community organizations, while more than 45 students have participated in this academic experience.
In this edition, the beneficiary organizations were The Happy Foundation , dedicated to promoting the well-being of the aging population through food provision, home reconstruction support, and development and employment programs, and Hogar Ruth , a community organization that offers shelter, guidance, and support services to women, girls, and boys who are survivors of domestic violence in Puerto Rico. Hogar Ruth received an allocation of $28,500, while The Happy Foundation received $28,000.
Both organizations were selected after a rigorous evaluation process led by the students themselves. During the semester, the participants took on the role of a board of directors to analyze proposals, define award criteria, and make decisions based on impact, sustainability, and community needs.
The course, taught by Professor Anitxa Cox Marrero of the Business School, introduces students to the conceptual and strategic frameworks of philanthropy as a tool for social transformation. Through a hands-on experience, students design and implement real-world fund allocation processes, strengthening key skills such as community needs analysis, organizational evaluation, and impact measurement.
“The Philanthropy Lab experience allows students to understand firsthand how strategic investment and philanthropy can generate sustainable changes in society, strengthening their role as impact agents,” said Cox Marrero.
For her part, Cassandra Vega, Chief Development Officer at Sagrado, emphasized the importance of promoting initiatives aimed at social transformation. “Sagrado promotes academic training focused on developing citizens who are aware of and committed to current challenges. This course undoubtedly reflects an innovative way of educating and reaffirming the institution’s commitment to the third sector.” She added that the grants awarded to support these initiatives are made possible by the generous contributions of the Titín Foundation and the DARJO Foundation, and are matched by The Philanthropy Lab .
The activity reaffirms Sagrado’s commitment to the training of conscious professionals, capable of positively impacting their communities through the integration of academic knowledge and social action.
You can view the original article here.
