Our Flagship Program
Project Heart
Project Heart is OtterCares’ K–12 philanthropy education program — a free, open-source curriculum that teaches students to think like entrepreneurs, give like philanthropists, and make a real difference in their communities. It’s how we put our mission directly into classrooms across the country.
Used by thousands of educators. Free for every teacher. Built for every grade.
2009
Year Founded
15+
Year of Impact
K-12
Grade Levels Served
Free
Always & Forever
Global
Available Worldwide
About the Program
A Curriculum Built to Change How Students See the World
Project Heart was built on a belief that young people are capable of extraordinary things — if given the right tools, the right framework, and an adult who believes in them. Project Heart isn’t a one-day lesson or a single service project—it’s a flexible collection of grade-by-grade resources that educators can use in the ways that best fit their students, classrooms, and goals.
Designed for every grade from Kindergarten through 12th grade
Standards-aligned and discussion-driven — no scripted teaching required
Connects classroom learning to real community impact
Backed by OtterCares and available at no cost to educators
Includes curriculum, activities, project ideas, and student grants
Project Heart Curriculum
Grade-by-Grade Philanthropy Education
Each grade band has its own dedicated curriculum — with age-appropriate lessons, language, and activities that meet students exactly where they are and take them as far as they can go.
Build Big Hearts in Little Learners
Teach kindness and giving through stories, simple activities, and classroom conversations. Students learn to identify needs and use their time, talents, and treasures to help others.
From Learners
to Leaders
Introduce the building blocks of philanthropy. Students learn what philanthropists do, explore nonprofits, write mission statements, and map personal passions—culminating in a team service project.
Connect Through Community Action
Tap into middle schoolers’ craving for social connection. Students create personal mission statements, set goals, and work together to accomplish a meaningful service project.
Prepare Tomorrow’s Changemakers
Connect philanthropic learning to career goals and real-world impact. Students critically evaluate nonprofits, understand the role of social media in social change, and execute a comprehensive service project.
Beyond the lesson plan
A Complete Ecosystem for Student Giving
Project Heart is more than a curriculum — it’s a full platform for student-led philanthropy, from standalone activities to real-world project funding.
Curriculum
Grades K-12
Complete, grade-appropriate lesson plans for Early Elementary through High School. Each lesson is flexible, discussion-driven, and built to connect students’ passions to real-world change. Use the full curriculum or pick the lessons that fit your goals.
Project Ideas
Ready-to-adapt service project ideas organized by cause area — animals, environment, education, hunger, and more.
Activities
Standalone activities and supplemental resources that work alongside the curriculum or on their own — perfect for filling a class period or sparking a conversation.
Illumination Fund
Apply for up to $500 in grant funding to support your student-led service project. Materials grants and matching grants available.
What to Expect When You Use Project Heart
When young people learn they are valued, powerful, and impactful individuals who can create positive change, the unexpected happens. Educators report:
Improved mental and emotional health
Increased self-esteem, self-worth, and self-value
Increased awareness of the needs of others
Increased collaboration and teamwork
Improved criticial thinking and problem-solving
“Watching the transformation that occurs through Project Heart is deeply rewarding, often in ways that words struggle to capture. The most significant change I’ve seen is the shift from curiosity to empowerment.”
— Lindy Jones
Project Heart Educator
Get Started Today!
Click Register
Create your free educator account at myprojectheart.org. It takes less than two minutes and unlocks the full K–12 curriculum library instantly.
Complete Your Profile
Tell us your grade level and teaching context so we can surface the most relevant content for you.
Access Your Content
Access curriculum & resources to start empowering your students to become changemakers today.
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Helpful Resources
Illumination Fund
The Illumination Fund for Project Heart projects is applied for directly through the Project Heart platform. Visit myprojectheart.org to get started.
Start Your Project Heart Journey Today
Join thousands of educators using Project Heart to turn students into tomorrow’s changemakers. Register for free and get instant access to the complete K–12 curriculum library — no cost, no catch, no commitment required.