The lessons that comprise this unit were designed to give students an opportunity to draw from their prior knowledge as well as new experiences to develop a deeper understanding of the concept of philanthropy. Student writing skills are also heavily emphasized in this unit. It is also designed to develop a personal definition for the term philanthropy that is based on prior knowledge as well as facts learned in this unit.

A variety of Service-Learning opportunities can be used to define philanthropy. Some students can be placed in short-term internships in public service agencies. Other students may use the Philanthropy Packs that they make in Lesson Three to teach kindergarten students about philanthropy. Another group of students can read excerpts from their Definition of Philanthropy essays on school or community public access program citizens to be more philanthropic.