Putting research into action
The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the University of Chicago will co-host the Science of Philanthropy Initiative (SPI) Conference 2026 September 23-24 at the NCAA Headquarters. The conference will bring together leading philanthropy scholars and nonprofit professionals to explore the latest research on charitable giving and volunteering, focusing on how these insights can drive greater impact on communities and society.
This year’s keynote speakers include:
Erinn Andrews, GiveTeam
Femida Handy, University of Pennsylvania
Rachel Croson, University of Minnesota
A unique feature of the conference is a “speed-dating” style session. Nonprofit and philanthropy practitioners will have the opportunity to be matched with researchers specializing in charitable giving. Together, the practitioners and researchers will investigate pressing questions facing charitable organizations.
SPI is an initiative started by John List, Michael Price, and Anya Samek in 2012 to encourage experimental (field and lab) research on charitable giving. In addition to providing an avenue for research discussions, another aim of the conference is to bring together researchers studying charitable giving with practitioners in the field of philanthropy.
Registration is now open. An agenda will be available soon.
The organizers of the 2026 SPI conference are:
John List, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics at the University of Chicago; Visiting Hartsook Chair at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Amir Pasic, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Luigi Butera, Copenhagen Business School
Christopher Clapp, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics at the University of Chicago
Sara Konrath, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Mark Ottoni-Wilhelm, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
Rich Steinberg, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
About the 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.