INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IU Indianapolis recently awarded its 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award to Sarah Nathan. She earned her Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies in 2009 and her Ph.D. in Philanthropic Studies in 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History Honors at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Nathan is the executive director of the Middletown Community Foundation in Middletown, Ohio. She serves as the chief fundraiser, oversees day-to-day operations, and works with the board to define a community leadership agenda. The foundation aims to improve the quality of life and encourages the enhancement of community support for Middletown and its surrounding communities.
“Sarah has been a valuable part of IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, notably her innovative work with The Fund Raising School as a course designer, and a cherished instructor in our academic programs,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “Her return this spring as our 2025 commencement speaker is a moment of pride for us all, as we celebrate her dedication, innovation, and lasting influence on the philanthropic community”
Before joining the Middletown Community Foundation in 2021, Nathan was the executive director of the Northfield Shares in Northfield, Minnesota serving as the foundation’s key spokesperson, fundraiser and marketing leader. She was with the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy as an Associate Director for The Fund Raising School and was an adjunct faculty member. She also served as assistant professor of Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy and the director of Women as Empowered Learners and Leaders at Bay Path University in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
“I’m honored to receive this award and stand among so many accomplished alumni,” Nathan said. “I am grateful for the many mentors who guided my time at the school and continue to be part of my professional journey, including Gene Tempel, Gen Shaker, Fran Huehls, Tim Seiler and the TFRS team, and so many other classmates who continue to provide inspiration for my work."
Nathan is active in her community. She serves on the planning commission for the city of Franklin, Ohio, is former club president and member of Rotary International, she leads a multi-level Girl Scout troop, and is a fundraising and board governance advisor to the New Hampshire Teen Institute.
“Sarah has long been a contributing member of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy as a student, staff member, trainer, and is now showing her commitment to improving communities through her leadership at community foundations and through national organizations,” said Tony Bowen, member of the IU Lilly Family School board of visitors and executive director of the Catalyst Fund at Fidelity Charitable. “She has been a mentor for many Lilly School students and alumni, a key author of publications on fundraising, teacher to many, and often a torch bearer for the early champions of philanthropic studies.”
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes significant achievement in the fields of philanthropic research, practice and academic study.
About 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. 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.