M.A. in Philanthropic Studies

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. Unlike other programs that emphasize the “how” of nonprofit management, this curriculum centers on the “why”—examining the social, cultural, political, and economic roles philanthropy and nonprofit organizations play in both contemporary and historical contexts. Graduates emerge as more articulate, intentional, and informed leaders in both their personal and professional philanthropic efforts.
More Master Degree stories

B.A. in Philanthropic Leadership at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

A degree that opens doors. A career that changes lives. Learn how to lead with purpose, drive change, and make an impact locally and globally.

B.A. brochure
Three alumni share their stories of how a bachelor’s degree in Philanthropic Leadership jumpstarted their careers.

Your path begins here

Make your passion your profession

Contact us about our degree programs in philanthropy.

Sharpen your fundraising skills

Contact us about our professional development courses and customized trainings.

As a masters program graduate, Connor LaGrange, M.A. ’21, became a Patterson Foundation Fellow, “One of my favorite things was to help spearhead the dynamic fundraising initiative in conjunction with The Fund Raising School.”   Read Connor's story

Student's internship leads to full-time position at Goldman Sachs

Kimberly Hestermann, dual major in Philanthropic Leadership at Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Finance at Kelley School of Business, has accepted a full-time position at Goldman Sachs following her summer intership there.  

Read her story

Dean Amir Pasic with Andy Hibel

The expansion of The Fundraising School’s curriculum on planned gift fundraising, from one course into a three-course certificate, was supported by a $25,000 gift from the Hibel Foundation.

Read more

Distinguished alumna makes legacy gift to school

Terra Seidel, M.A. ’09, and her husband Kevin Seidel have made a legacy gift to the school valued at $1.2 million.

Read more

Latest news

Find all news

Upcoming events

See all events

B.A. in Philanthropic Leadership

Jastyne Jackson-Burnett, LFSOP B.A. graduate, discusses the unique benefits of the program and its applicability to real-world issues. Learn more about the B.A. in Philanthropic Leadership degree program.