Biography
Christina Daniken, M.A., joined the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in 2024 as a Research Associate and Editor-in-Chief of Giving USA: The Annual Report on Philanthropy, which is the longest running report on charitable giving in the United States. In addition to her extensive writing and editorial skills, she brings many years of experience in market research and grant management as well as a deep interest in education and children’s health.
In addition to her editing responsibilities for the annual publication of Giving USA, Christina has authored Giving USA chapters on various topics, including “Giving by individuals,” “Giving by foundations,” “Giving to foundations,” and “Giving to and by donor-advised funds.” She presents on Giving USA data and national trends in charitable giving to audiences across the country.
Beyond her work on Giving USA, Christina has also published research on next generation donors, donor-advised funds, and current trends in fundraising for pediatric hospitals. Before coming to the school, her previous experience included market research and financial and grant management at the Department of Biostatics at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Over the past 20 years, Christina has volunteered and served on boards of a variety of U.S. organizations focused on education and children’s health. Globally, she has served in Morocco, South Africa, and France, promoting access to healthcare and education for women and children.
Christina earned an M.A. in philanthropic studies from the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and studied the intersection of philanthropy, health and ethics while serving as a research assistant at the Center for Bioethics at the Indiana University School of Medicine. She also holds a certificate on the Principles and Practices of Fundraising through The Fund Raising School.