Study of philanthropic practices of same-sex couples receives funding from Women’s Philanthropy Institute
Elizabeth J. Dale, a doctoral candidate at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, is the recipient of the 2015 Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, WPI officials announced today. The award will help Dale complete her dissertation on the philanthropic practices of same-sex couples, including their motivations for giving and how couples make philanthropic decisions as part of the household economy.
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy annually awards the $5,000, one-year fellowship to support research and dissertation writing that contributes to understanding of women’s philanthropy or gender differences in philanthropic behavior. WPI created the fellowship in 2009 to expand research in those fields.
Dale is the fifth recipient of the fellowship. Deborah Skolnick Einhorn received the award in 2009 for her dissertation, “Power of the Purse: Jewish Women’s Philanthropy and Social Change.” Laura Gee won the fellowship in 2010 for her dissertation on a series of studies designed to better understand how donors, especially women, choose among volunteering, fundraising and monetary donations as their preferred means of participating in philanthropy. Brent Pieper was the 2012 recipient for his cross-institutional study of women’s philanthropy initiatives at universities. Megan Springate received the fellowship in 2014 for her work on holiday houses as examples of middle-class women in philanthropy in early 20th century America.
“Elizabeth’s dissertation explores an important and understudied area of gender and philanthropy,” said Dr. Debra Mesch, WPI director and Eileen Lamb O’Gara Chair in Women’s Philanthropy. “Few studies have examined the role of same-sex couples’ charitable decision-making. This research will provide valuable insights to nonprofit organizations and fundraisers who wish to work with a diverse donor base and to engage gay and lesbian donors.”
"It is an honor to receive the WPI Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship and to be able to further our knowledge of gender and philanthropy,” Dale said. “Understanding how lesbian and gay couples give and volunteer will shed important light on the ways our multiple identities and experiences shape our philanthropic motivations and behaviors. The WPI's support will enable me to focus on my dissertation writing and disseminate my findings more quickly to both academic and practitioner communities."
About the Women’s Philanthropy Institute
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute increases understanding of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research and education, interpreting and sharing these insights broadly to improve philanthropy. By addressing significant and groundbreaking research questions and translating that research into increased understanding and improvements in practice, WPI helps to leverage new and expanded resources for the common good. Follow us on Twitter @WPIinsights and “Like” us on Facebook.
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its academic, research and international programs and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on Twitter @IUPhilanthropy and “Like” us on Facebook.