How to Implement Project Heart
Everything you need to bring philanthropy education into your classroom — from your very first lesson to a student-led project that makes real change. Follow the steps below at your own pace. It’s free, flexible, and built for any grade.
new to project heart?
Here’s the big idea.
Project Heart helps students discover they can change the world right now — by giving their time, talent, and treasure. The curriculum guides them from understanding a need, to taking action, to seeing their impact.
Time
Showing up and giving effort to a cause.
talent
Using their unique skills to help others.
treasure
Sharing resources to support a need.
how to get started
Six Steps to Get Started
You don’t have to do these all at once. Many teachers start with a single lesson and grow from there.
1
Create your free account
Set up a free Project Heart account so you can download lessons, activities, and project guides. You’ll only need to log in at the moment you download something.
Tip: One account unlocks every grade level — not just yours.
2
Choose your grade level
Curriculum is organized into grade bands — Early Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, and K–5 Clubs. Pick the one that fits your students.
Tip: Teaching multiple grades? You can mix and match lessons across bands
3
Teach the foundational lessons
Start with the core lessons that introduce philanthropy and the idea of giving time, talent, and treasure. Each lesson is classroom-ready, with a step-by-step plan and all the materials you need.
Explore Lessons & Activities →
Tip: No experience required — if you can follow a lesson plan, you can teach Project Heart.
4
Choose a service project
Browse Project Ideas and pick a service project your class can rally around. Look for a real need in your school or community to make the work feel meaningful.
Tip: Let students help choose the cause — ownership is what drives engagement.
5
Apply for funding
OPTIONALNeed a little support to bring your project to life? Apply for an Illumination Fund grant of up to $500 to help cover project costs.
Apply for an Illumination Fund →
Tip: Apply anytime. Two grants are allowed per classroom per year.
6
Run, reflect & share
Carry out your project, take time to reflect with your students, then share your story. Submitting a case study or spotlight celebrates your students’ impact — and inspires the next classroom to start.
Tip: Download or order physical copies of the free Unstoppable! book to keep the inspiration going all year. Click here to learn more.
TIPS FOR TEACHERS
Best practices from the classroom
A few things teachers tell us make Project Heart work best.
Start small
One lesson or one project is a great beginning. You can always grow from there.
Give students ownership
Let kids help choose the cause and lead the project. Their voice fuels their investment.
Connect to real needs
Anchor projects in a genuine need in your school or community so the impact feels real.
Tie it to what you teach
Project Heart weaves into many subjects — fold it into lessons you’re already planning.
Build in reflection
Pause to ask what students learned and felt. Reflection turns an activity into growth.
Celebrate the impact
Share results with students, families, and your community to make the work feel meaningful.
The Next Generation of Changemakers are Already in Your Classroom.
They have time, talent, and treasure — more than they realize. Project Heart helps them find it, use it, and discover what it feels like to actually make something better. Free, for any educator, anywhere.