The Patterson Foundation (TPF) welcomes Ericia Henry of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis as the newest member of its Fellows Program. Henry will apply her education from the school’s Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree program during a year-long engagement. Henry will contribute to several of The Patterson Foundation’s 17 current initiatives that strengthen people, organizations and communities in multiple roles to gain experience and learn innovative philanthropic principles. Henry’s arrival in this role represents TPF’s sixth cohort of Fellows from the school since the inaugural cohort in May 2019.
The Patterson Foundation, a fully endowed charitable entity in Sarasota, Florida, created its Fellows Program in partnership with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy — the world’s first school dedicated solely to studying and teaching philanthropy. Through the Fellows Program, graduates of the school’s master’s degree program can apply to work with The Patterson Foundation across several diverse initiatives while gaining the knowledge and insights that will help mold the next generation of community, corporate and private foundation leaders. Previous Fellows have launched careers with charitable foundations and nonprofit networks nationwide in leadership roles following their time with The Patterson Foundation.
Henry became acquainted with TPF during the summer of 2023 when she gained experience with the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s through TPF’s Internship Program. Henry is also enrolled in the Study Away class that arrived in Sarasota on March 10 for an intensive and immersive, one-week experience to observe and participate in TPF initiatives. The semester-long course is a collaboration between The Patterson Foundation and the school.
“The graduates of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy who have become Fellows with The Patterson Foundation have made contributions beyond our expectations while developing their skills as leaders— a testament to their individual gifts as well as the school’s robust coursework and expert faculty. The Patterson Foundation is stronger for the contributions of the Fellows we have had the good fortune to nurture since the Program’s inception five years ago. With enthusiastic anticipation of continued collaboration in preparing tomorrow’s leaders of the philanthropic sector, I am delighted to welcome Ericia Henry for the possibilities ahead,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation.
Henry will earn her Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in May 2024, along with a certificate in Fundraising Management from the school and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the IU O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She is currently a graduate assistant at Indiana University Indianapolis and leads the design and implementation of monthly leadership workshops for sophomore undergraduates. She was named a Presidential Fellow with the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in January of 2024, and she joined Impact 100 of Greater Indianapolis, a nonprofit giving circle making high-impact gifts of $100,000 to community organizations, the same month. Henry also brings experience she gained through an internship with Foster Success, where she focused on developing a volunteer program.
“I am excited about the Fellows opportunity I discovered during my internship with the Neuro Challenge Foundation, which was facilitated by The Patterson Foundation. Being a TPF Fellow will allow me to gain practical experience, navigate my career, and clarify my future direction. I look forward to applying what I learn to serve the philanthropic sector," said Henry.
For more than three decades, Indiana University and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy have prepared students and practitioners to become thoughtful, skillful leaders who inspire change. Students enrolled in its Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree program learn through a combination of in- depth research, study of the history, culture and values of philanthropy, and hands-on professional practice in areas such as fundraising, volunteering and civil society.
“The Patterson Foundation’s Fellows Program and the Foundation’s innovative approach enable our graduates to gain additional expertise that builds on the knowledge and experience they develop in our master’s program and further prepares them for next-level leadership. We are pleased that Ericia will have this special opportunity to enrich her professional acumen,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with The Patterson Foundation, which affords our students multiple ways to expand their education and experience through engagement with the Foundation’s leaders and community organizations.”
The Fellows Program is one of several educational programs made possible through The Patterson Foundation’s Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative. In collaboration with the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the initiative provides the school’s students with opportunities such as elective courses, paid internships and other experiences to strengthen emerging philanthropic leaders.
This is the sixth Fellows cohort welcomed by The Patterson Foundation since the Program began. Henry will have opportunities to connect with Fellows from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy who have come before her through the TPF Beyond alumni network, which gives Fellows a platform to learn from each other and share expertise throughout their careers.
Henry will begin her experience with The Patterson Foundation in Sarasota, Florida this summer. Future graduates of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s master’s degree program will be eligible to apply for the 2025-2026 Fellows Program.
To learn more about The Patterson Foundation’s Fellows Program, visit thepattersonfoundation.org/fellows-program.
About The Patterson Foundation
The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations and communities. The Foundation focuses on issues that address common aspirations and foster wide participation, along with ways organizations learn and share as they evolve. For more information, please visit thepattersonfoundation.org and connect with @ThePattersonFdn on Twitter.
About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University 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. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional education programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn or Instagram, or “Like” us on Facebook.