Institute focuses on philanthropy in marginalized communities, encouraging underrepresented people to pursue philanthropic careers
The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis is launching new initiatives, the school announced today.
Noted philanthropy scholar Una Osili, Ph.D., has been appointed Dean's Fellow for the institute. She will conduct research studies on various aspects of diversity and philanthropy. Osili is associate dean for research and international programs and professor of economics and philanthropic studies at the school. She will continue in those roles as well.
A Diversity Speakers Series will bring nationally prominent speakers to Indianapolis to examine diversity in philanthropy and nonprofit organizations during the 2018-19 academic year. The events will be open to the public.
"The Mays Institute Speakers Series and Dr. Osili's appointment will increase awareness and understanding of the robust philanthropy that is an integral part of all diverse communities," said Rose M. Mays, Ph.D., who founded the institute. "Much of our family's giving has focused on advocacy, especially advocacy for marginalized groups. The institute's focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in the philanthropic sector aligns with those values and allows students, faculty and the community to experience an array of insights and perspectives on these issues."
The Mays Institute on Diverse Philanthropy honors the philanthropic service and engagement of William G. and Rose Mays and their family. It is a reflection of their generosity and civic leadership and all they have done to foster educational opportunities and diversity at IU across multiple disciplines and campuses.
The institute's inspiration, Mays Chemical Company founder William G. Mays, began his nearly 50-year career in Indianapolis and provided outstanding local, national and international leadership in the business, civic and philanthropic sectors. He earned his bachelor's degree and M.B.A. at IU Bloomington, and received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from IU. Dr. Mays, who earned her master's degree in pediatric nursing at IU Indianapolis, is professor emerita at the IU School of Nursing at IU Indianapolis and former associate dean for community and international affairs.
The Mays Institute Speakers Series includes:
Oct. 4 Dr. Helene Gayle, President & CEO, Chicago Community Trust
Oct. 30 Mr. Jim Moore, President & CEO, University of Illinois Foundation
Nov. 6 Incollaboration with Lake Institute on Faith & Giving Distinguished Visitors Program:
Dr. Brad Braxton, Director, Center for the Study of African American Religious Life and Supervisory Curator of Religion, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Rev. Starsky Wilson, President & CEO, Deaconess Foundation
Ms. Aimée Laramore, Owner & Lead Consultant, ALlyd Image Solutions and Philanthropic Strategist for African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric Ph.D. Program, Christian Theological Seminary
Spring 2019Ms. Susan Taylor Batten, President and CEO, Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE)
More information and details about the time and location of each event will be forthcoming.
"We are pleased that the Mays Institute on Diverse Philanthropy offers educational opportunities that encourage our students to consider careers in philanthropy while helping them better understand how various communities express generosity," said Nasser H. Paydar, Ph.D., chancellor of IU Indianapolis and executive vice president of Indiana University. "About a quarter of IU Indianapolis students are from underrepresented communities, which reinforces the strategic role that the Mays Institute plays on our campus and strengthens our efforts to make this a more welcoming campus for all."
To assist students at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, a fellowship and a scholarship have been established as part of the institute. The William G. Mays Fellowship and the Lacy M. and Patricia Johnson Family Scholarship will help support graduate and undergraduate students from marginalized communities who are interested in philanthropy.
"The Mays Institute on Diverse Philanthropy was created in part to encourage students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to consider an education and a career in philanthropy," said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. "It helps equip people pursuing philanthropy as a profession to build relationships with colleagues, philanthropic organizations and donors, and to recognize and value their own special perspectives and those of others."
"Bill was a tremendous business and philanthropic leader. He was a role model in our community and far beyond it, and he played an important role in encouraging others to be philanthropic as well," said Lacy Johnson, attorney and partner at Ice Miller and a friend of the Mays family who helped establish the institute. "He would be honored to know that these conversations and other aspects of the institute will assist in advancing efforts to highlight, understand and increase philanthropic engagement in all communities."
Osili's appointment as Dean's Fellow will help build that body of knowledge about diverse philanthropy. An internationally recognized expert on philanthropy, she leads the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's globally renowned repertoire of research projects, which will inform and extend the impact of the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy.
Osili has pioneered new approaches to using data to better understand global and national trends in philanthropy. She earned her B.A. in Economics at Harvard University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics from Northwestern University. As Dean's Fellow, Osili will lead key aspects of the institute's work, ranging from conducting related research to participating in speaking engagements.
"I am honored to serve in this important role. The Mays family is an inspiration in our community. I am looking forward to helping grow and advance the work they have started," Osili said.
"Philanthropy is a vital aspect of diverse communities. The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy emphasizes the role that diverse communities play in the fabric of philanthropy," Osili continued. "Our goals for the institute include highlighting and lifting up the generous giving that already takes place in communities of color, and encouraging more people of color and others from underrepresented communities to get involved in professional career opportunities in philanthropy in addition to their giving."
The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy
The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy fosters a greater understanding of the ways in which underrepresented people are both inspired and informed donors by providing knowledge, education and training. The institute seeks to understand the perceptions, practices, experiences and needs of the individuals and institutions that operationalize philanthropy in underrepresented communities and develop programming and services to engage philanthropic practitioners, scholars and the public at large in conversations and activities to advance this field.
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis 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 in the world. 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, the Women's Philanthropy Institute and the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy. Follow us on Twitter @IUPhilanthropy and "Like" us on Facebook.
IU Indianapolis
IU Indianapolis (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis), a core campus of Indiana University, is Indiana's premier urban research and health sciences doctoral-extensive campus, dedicated to advancing the intellectual growth of the state of Indiana and its residents through research and creative activity, teaching, learning, and community engagement. IU Indianapolis offers more than 350 undergraduate, graduate, and professional academic programs from Indiana University and Purdue University, which prepare our 30,000 students for success in Indiana and around the world. IU Indianapolis is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive campus experience for all, serving the community, and driving economic progress through outstanding research and education.