High school seniors and IU Indianapolis students who want to change the world can compete for funding to study at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Deadline to apply: February 5, 2026
Competition date: February 21, 2026
Two top winners of an upcoming Pitch Your Passion student competition will receive fully-funded, four-year scholarships to the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis, the world’s first school dedicated solely to teaching and research about philanthropy.
Students selected as Thomasson Scholars will receive scholarships that provide up to four years of tuition and fees, room and board, and books, as well as support for a semester of study abroad. Partial scholarships will also be awarded to select participants.
Lilly Family School of Philanthropy students have a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, for community service, supporting a cause or meeting a need. The school's Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropic Leadership degree program equips students to make their passion their profession, while preparing them for a job and a career in the growing field of philanthropy, which has a tremendous need for new leaders.
“Our scholarship program is designed to attract talented, compassionate students to meaningful, fulfilling careers in philanthropy and nonprofit organizations,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. “Our graduates serve in change-making positions in nonprofits, corporations and government across the country and around the world. Their work changes lives and communities and influences education, social services, health, arts and culture, animals, the environment as well as many other endeavors that make a lasting difference.”
The Pitch Your Passion competition will be held February 21 at IU Indianapolis; the deadline to apply is Feb 5. During the competition, participating students will identify a current social, economic or cultural issue of concern to them. Together with other students who have similar interests, they will develop and present a group plan of action describing how they would leverage resources to bring about a transformative change for the population impacted by the challenge the students selected. For example, previous presentations have addressed issues such as mental health, sexual abuse, homelessness, and the need for resources for new mothers.
In addition to the group presentations, students will be evaluated on their grades, extracurricular activities and interests, and academic and career goals, and on an individual interview with a committee of the school’s faculty and staff.
Competition applicants must:
- Be a high school senior, a current IU Indianapolis undergraduate student or a transfer student (with fewer than 60 credits)
- Have applied to IU Indianapolis
- Plan to major in Philanthropic Leadership
How to apply:
- Submit an application by Feb. 5, 2026
- Accept an invitation to the competition
- Present a group pitch
- Interview with the scholarship committee
For more information about the Pitch Your Passion competition, scholarships and other financial aid at the school, and the Bachelor's Degree in Philanthropic Leadership program, contact Pamela Clark at pamelac@iu.edu or 317-278-8927.
About the Indiana University 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 undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, and the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.