Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy accepting applications through January 31, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Debra Mesch Doctoral Fellowship for Research on Women’s Philanthropy. The one-time, $5,000 fellowship supports doctoral dissertation research and writing that contributes to understanding of women’s philanthropy or gender issues in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.
Ph.D. candidates from accredited graduate schools who have successfully completed their coursework and defended their dissertation proposal are encouraged to apply. The application deadline for the 2025 fellowship is January 31.
The Debra Mesch Doctoral Fellowship for Research on Women’s Philanthropy advances research to expand the base of knowledge on women’s philanthropy. Since 2009, the fellowship has supported emerging scholars in a range of academic disciplines, such as philanthropic studies, nonprofit management, higher education, economics, history, anthropology, and religious studies.
Previous fellowship recipients have studied diverse topics, including Jewish women’s philanthropy and social change, women’s philanthropy initiatives at higher education institutions, the gender composition of nonprofit boards, and the history of gospel rescue missions.
Last year’s fellowship recipient, Fiona Maxwell of the University of Chicago, is investigating the on-the-ground philanthropic leadership practiced by working-class immigrant and Black women and girls at Chicago settlement houses from 1890 to 1920. Her project introduces a previously unstudied network of women and girl performer-philanthropists, and expands the activities classified as philanthropy to include female-led acts of cultural production, which continues to shape the missions and operations of settlement-descended arts nonprofits across the Chicago area.
About the Women’s Philanthropy Institute
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) is part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. WPI increases understanding of women’s philanthropy through rigorous research and education, interpreting and sharing these insights broadly to improve philanthropy.
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University 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 development 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 and “Like” us on Facebook.