Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: A Driving Force in Shaping the Future of Giving
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to the study and teaching of philanthropy. Inaugurated in 2013 and named in honor of one of America’s most influential philanthropic families, the school emerged from the Center on Philanthropy, which was established at Indiana University in 1987. This evolution represents a remarkable synergy of visionary individuals, powerful ideas, pressing needs, and transformative opportunities that have shaped both the center and the broader field of philanthropic studies.
Historical Roots and Evolution
By the mid-1980s, a growing consensus recognized the need for enhanced knowledge about philanthropy and for more professionals with better training to serve in nonprofit organizations. To address these critical requirements, Indiana University proposed the establishment of a center that would incorporate The Fund Raising School, originally founded in San Francisco in 1974. This strategic move laid the foundation for what would become the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
The Center on Philanthropy played a pivotal role in establishing the field of philanthropic studies. It pioneered the nation’s first bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in philanthropy, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates. Additionally, it created the nation’s first endowed chair in philanthropy, solidifying its position as a leader in the academic study of giving.
Academic Programs and Professional Training
The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy offers a range of academic programs designed to meet the needs of both aspiring and experienced professionals in the philanthropic sector:
- Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropic Leadership: This program provides students with a solid academic foundation and real-world experiences, preparing them for leadership roles in nonprofit organizations.
- Accelerated B.A./M.A. Program: For students who plan to pursue an advanced degree in philanthropy, this program offers an accelerated path to a Master of Arts degree.
- Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies: This program attracts working professionals and recent graduates from around the world, offering the flexibility to complete the degree entirely online or in person. The master's program prepares graduates to take on leadership roles and cultivate a deeper, more thoughtful, and engaged approach to philanthropic practice and research.
- Graduate Certificates: These certificates provide flexible pathways for professionals and recent graduates to develop expertise in specific areas of philanthropy without committing to a full master’s degree. They can be completed entirely online or in person to fit individual schedules and goals.
- Ph.D. in Philanthropic Studies: This program is designed for individuals seeking to advance their knowledge of philanthropic theory, research, and practice.
- Professional Doctorate (PhilD): The school also offers the world’s first professional doctorate for philanthropic and nonprofit professionals, catering to those seeking advanced practical knowledge and skills.
In addition to its academic programs, the school offers extensive resources and learning opportunities to professionals already working in the field through The Fund Raising School. This professional training program, founded in 1974, provides general and tailored workshops that combine philanthropic theory and ethics with practical techniques for the profession, aiming to improve the practice of philanthropy while connecting it with theory.
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Research and Impact
The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is committed to advancing the field of philanthropy through rigorous research. The school’s Research Department engages faculty and in-house staff to produce sponsored research. The research team’s studies of household and individual giving, corporate giving, and foundation giving provide a basis of knowledge that strengthens the entire field of charitable giving. The impact of the school’s research on the field of philanthropy is unparalleled. Its research faculty partners with organizations around the region and the nation to analyze the dynamics of change defining the philanthropic landscape.
The school’s Research Department works in conjunction with three institutes to advance research, outreach, and convening in the field:
- The Center on Philanthropy: Established in 2002, this center focuses on various aspects of philanthropic studies.
- The Women’s Philanthropy Institute: This institute, which joined the school in 2004, explores what inspires women to give.
- The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative: Established in 2015, this initiative examines the connections between faith and philanthropy.
Credentials and Professional Development
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy recognizes the importance of credentials and professional development in the philanthropic sector. Completing one of the school’s certificate programs demonstrates a dedication to the profession, a commitment to continuous learning, and a desire to bring additional value to an organization. Credentials indicate to donors that fundraisers understand the importance of their role in the organization’s management structure and demonstrate the organization’s commitment to ethical fundraising practices. Providing professional development opportunities for fundraising staff demonstrates the organization’s understanding that fundraising is a management function that requires expertise.
Student Success Stories
The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has a proven track record of preparing graduates for successful careers in the philanthropic sector. Here are a few examples of student success stories:
- Connor LaGrange, M.A.: A graduate of the master’s program, Connor LaGrange has gone on to make a significant impact in the field.
- Clarissa Trent: After an internship with the Smithsonian Institution, Clarissa Trent is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
- Kimberly Hestermann: A dual major in Philanthropic Leadership at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Finance at the Kelley School of Business, Kimberly Hestermann has accepted a full-time position at Goldman Sachs following her summer internship there.
These stories exemplify the transformative power of the education and experiences offered at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
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Empowering Generosity: Understanding Philanthropy for Advisors
As philanthropy evolves, advisors play a critical role in helping clients give with purpose and impact. The "Empowering Generosity: Understanding Philanthropy for Advisors" program equips financial, wealth, and philanthropy advisors with research-based insight, practical tools, and ethical frameworks to confidently guide modern giving.
This three-day, in-person certificate program offers continuing education units and the opportunity to learn from nationally recognized experts.
Recognition and Influence
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has earned widespread recognition for its contributions to the field. Jane Wales, co-chair of the Generosity Commission and vice president of The Aspen Institute, has noted that the Lilly School is always several steps ahead of everyone else on core research and understanding the underlying dynamics of philanthropy.
The school also offers opportunities for students to win scholarships, such as the Thomasson Scholarship, which covers up to four years of tuition and fees, room and board, books, and a semester abroad.
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