Study of how gender affects nonprofit performance receives funding from Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
INDIANAPOLIS— Lauren Dula, a doctoral candidate in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, is the recipient of the 2017 Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, WPI officials announced today. The award will help Dula complete her dissertation on how the gender composition of grant-making nonprofit boards of directors and executive leadership shape the organization’s performance.
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.
Dula is the seventh 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 Dale won the fellowship in 2015 for her work on same-sex couples’ charitable decision making. Amanda Koch received the fellowship in 2016 for her work on gospel rescue missions.
“Lauren’s research explores an understudied area of nonprofit governance. While any number of studies have examined the role of gender in corporate performance, Lauren’s work with United Way boards of directors is among the first to analyze the impact of gender on nonprofits’ performance,” said Debra Mesch, Ph.D., WPI director and Eileen Lamb O’Gara Chair in Women’s Philanthropy. “This dissertation will deepen our understanding about the role of gender in leadership and decision-making, along with expanding knowledge about the impact of diversity on nonprofit boards.”
"I am honored to be chosen for the WPI dissertation fellowship," Dula said. "This funding will help me finish creating a new dataset for analysis of gender and its impact on board performance and decision-making dynamics. WPI is supporting my ongoing research and the completion of my dissertation, for which I am truly thankful."
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.