The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, has achieved two significant milestones in its Emerging Scholars on African Philanthropy Initiative. First, it successfully completed a virtual fundraising training for African universities and colleges. Second, it launched a research initiative designed to empower early-career scholars across sub-Saharan Africa.
The eight-week capacity-building course, Developing Annual Sustainability, delivered through The Fund Raising School in partnership with the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at the University of Witwatersrand, has concluded. Over 100 African higher education professionals submitted applications. In the end, the course equipped 35 individuals, representing 10 countries and 34 universities, with advanced strategies for institutional advancement and long-term financial planning. The training focused on enhancing universities’ ability to sustain and grow their missions. "The course was both rigorous and enriching," one participant stated. "It has significantly strengthened my understanding of sustainable fundraising, institutional advancement, and philanthropy within our unique regional context."
Additionally, the Emerging Scholars Research Program has awarded $63,000 in research grants to 14 exceptional scholars, whose work will explore philanthropy and higher education in sub-Saharan Africa. These scholars will receive mentorship from six senior experts and participate in collaborative convenings designed to produce rigorous, context-specific research for publication. “By coupling financial support with rigorous, mentored research, we are supporting careers of excellent scholars as they create knowledge that benefits universities and civil society across the continent,” said Amir Pasic, the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Through these efforts, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and its partners are investing in the intellectual future of African philanthropy—amplifying the continent’s philanthropic story told by its own experts and strengthening global networks committed to sustainable development.
Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy and 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, Ph.D., PhilD, 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, and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.