David Grad Encourages Students to Take Courses in Philanthropy

PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 06, 2013 (Press-News.org) David Grad, a self-taught Equity trader and consultant, notes that higher education systems are accelerating an interest in the study of philanthropy, a college course that business professionals, foundation leaders and professors alike believe will transform the next generation. An article in The Huffington Post suggests the magnified interest in philanthropy courses evolved from the idea that "like any virtue, philanthropy can be learned." The article states that the need for college students to study philanthropy is more relevant than ever: "As taxpayers are increasingly less willing to fund public giving, everyone in the non-profit world has to get out, beat the bushes and make the case for why we are deserving funds. As globalization ramps up competition, many of us are now competing with the best from around the world."

David Grad couldn't agree more concerning the direction of study and the need for a new generation of creative philanthropists. "Doing business and doing good," he said. "This is based on the fact that business can entwine with charity work and each one complements another very well. I have always found in my business career that giving something back always benefits everyone involved and is the best way forward for a successful and long-term business plan."

As a self-taught and self-funded trader, he developed several business ventures that incorporate philanthropy. He heartily concurs that the need for giving and supporting charities is ever present and only continues to grow. His company facilitates a business partner's charity called, 'A Child Unheard Charity," an effort in which he organized and funded a 40 foot donated container of goods that were sent to Uganda for the first learning center in which the charity is based. "I am a great believer in giving and supporting charities," he said.

He also recognizes the urgency for the next generation to effectively learn how to give and creatively support charities. In addition to fostering a sense of giving and the significance of learning how to successfully support philanthropies, the article states that college students need to learn practical skills such as grant writing, foundation and prospect research and how to communicate effectively with donors.

David Grad points out the validity in this article, in that the likelihood of future students becoming grant seekers is high. The report begs a question that may not accumulate answers until graduates of philanthropy are seeking creative giving, and that is: what are these students learning? The article continues to emphasize the rewarding but difficult act of giving away your
own money and how it is much more of a sacrifice to give of your hard-earned money, time and resources than when money is handed to you from someone else.

The article echoes a question that only "time will tell," concerning whether or not students learn how to become grant givers as well as grant seekers. David Grad strongly believes that the grant giving aspect of philanthropy should be leveraged for students because of the rewarding and serious need for more professionals to give of their time and resources. He encourages universities like those approached by the Once Upon a Time Foundation in Forth Worth, Texas, to utilize the foundation funds to "equip their students to learn how to give money away." The article points out the sudden influx in universities dedicated to incorporating philanthropy teaching into their classrooms, a movement celebrated by David Grad.

ABOUT:

David Grad is from Ascot, Berkshire, UK and he is a creative trader and entrepreneur. He founded two companies designed to make goods accessible to the Western market, via the Internet. He is an advocate of environmental conservation charities and spends much of his time and company profits pursuing the philanthropic efforts. He enjoys supporting charities that care for endangered animals and has donated goods including an X-ray machine to the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS). He also supports Land Trust, Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). He enjoys spending time with his son, Zacharee, and his pet Boxer.