Vestal, NY (WBNG Binghamton ) Binghamton University students get a valuable lesson in giving back by helping to keep local non-profit organizations going.

Students at the college's Philanthropy Incubator gave out $20,000 in grants to the groups.
This year, the students focused on organizations dealing with the youth and the elderly in the community.

The winners awards ranged from $1,000 to $5,000.

Students did research to decide which groups got funding.

"It really teaches us how to give away money, how to be philanthropists and how to be a good non-profit manager, how to write grants. It's really complete service learning," said BU Student Ken Holmes.

This year's winners include the Handicapped Children's Association, Family Enrichment Network, Binghamton Boys and Girls Club, Broome County YMCA, Broome Council of Churches, Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier and Center for Discovery.