Study Away Course

Experiential learning with The Patterson Foundation

The Future of Work in the Philanthropic Sector is a “study away” course for undergraduate and graduate students created in collaboration with The Patterson Foundation. Participants learn how sustainable organizations are built, how to develop innovative partnerships, and what competencies and qualities future leaders will need. You will also experience firsthand how an innovative foundation brings about positive change.

Led by IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy faculty, this course meets weekly on the IU campus and culminates with a spring break Study Away experience in Sarasota, FL. This intensive week-long session is led by The Patterson Foundation staff and consultants, and connects students with local nonprofits to gain and apply knowledge to course topics through practical experience. The experiential nature of the course offers a unique opportunity to live philanthropic work in real environments.

The Patterson Foundation is a fully endowed charitable entity.

Questions explored during the course

What may the philanthropic sector look like in the future?
What will it take to build sustainable organizations tackling systemic problems within our local communities, country, and the world?
How are innovative partnerships begun and sustained?
What competencies and qualities will leaders of the future need?
What ideas, questions, and recommendations do thought leaders have about the future of the philanthropic sector?
Why are foundations different from other nonprofits?

Topics addressed during this course and study away week include:

Inspiring Philanthropy – Fueling Dynamic Fundraising
Aligning Aspirations in Digital Access – Digital Access for All

Co-instructors Pamela Clark and Ronnie Plasters will connect you with The Patterson Foundation, which will be sharing living examples of its innovative philanthropic strategies. During the semester as well as the Study Away week in Sarasota, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with non-profit organizations in Sarasota to work on capacity building, inspiring philanthropy, more than money philanthropy or strengthening communities. The Patterson Foundation has had collaborative endeavors with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy since 2018 including its thriving Fellows Program and elective course offerings.

The Patterson Foundation blogs

Gain insights from prior course offerings through The Patterson Foundation blogs.

This course will be offered in the spring semester of 2024. Students will participate in eight class meetings (January 8th through March 1st) to prepare for the work that will be done over spring break (March 11th-17th) in Sarasota, Florida. One additional class meeting will be held on March 22nd for a post trip presentation and reflection. Class meeting times will be on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Note: Online students are also eligible to apply and can join the pre and post class meetings by zoom. Everyone must be available to travel to Sarasota the week of spring break.

Undergraduate students will register for PHST P430 and graduate students will register for PHST P530.

Deadline and application

Deadline to apply is October 11. You must be in good academic standing to be eligible to apply. In order to be considered for participation in the study away course, please complete the application below.

Study Away Course

Experiential learning with The Patterson Foundation

Questions explored during the course

Topics addressed during this course and study away week include:

The Patterson Foundation blogs

Deadline and application

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy social media channels