IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Community of Fellows Program 2026
The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is opening its doors to creative thinkers and doers through its Community of Fellows Program for 2026. This program offers visiting and resident fellowships designed to advance the field of philanthropy. It’s a chance for professionals and researchers to work with a leading institution focused on philanthropic education and research. The school is looking for individuals who can bring fresh ideas, conduct applied research, develop programs, engage the public, and drive innovation in the sector. Applications are being reviewed starting June 1, 2026, with potential project starts as early as September 8, 2026.
About the Community of Fellows Program
The Community of Fellows Program is an initiative by the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, a globally recognized center for philanthropy. The program invites fellows to collaborate with the school’s faculty and staff on various projects. These projects can include research, program development, professional education, engaging donors and practitioners, and organizing public events. Fellows can choose to be visiting fellows or in-residence fellows, depending on their project and availability. The program aims to support individuals who want to make a significant contribution to philanthropy through practical and impactful work.
Fellowship Areas for Exploration
The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is seeking fellows to contribute to several key areas. Applicants should propose projects that fit into one or more of these categories:
Philanthropic Advising
This area focuses on how individuals, families, foundations, and organizations make decisions about giving. Fellows might explore topics like donor strategies, different advisory models, family philanthropy, ethical considerations in advising, the connection between wealth and generosity, or the professional growth of philanthropic advisors.
Impact Investing
Impact investing is a growing part of modern philanthropy. Fellows in this area can investigate how money can be used to achieve both financial returns and positive social outcomes. Projects could look at investment strategies, how to measure impact, donor behavior, organizational approaches, or the link between philanthropy and mission-driven financial practices.
Higher Education and Philanthropy
This category examines the relationship between universities and philanthropic activities. Fellows might study fundraising efforts, how institutions engage alumni, university-community partnerships, or the role of higher education in promoting the common good through philanthropic work.
Policy and Philanthropy
Public policy significantly shapes the landscape of philanthropy. Fellows in this area could research laws, regulations, tax policies, public-private collaborations, advocacy efforts by philanthropic organizations, the environment for nonprofits, or how philanthropic groups influence and react to public policy.
Sports and Philanthropy
This is a developing field that looks at how athletes, sports teams, leagues, and organizations engage in charitable giving and social impact. Fellows might develop projects focused on athlete philanthropy, sports foundations, community development, youth programs, social justice issues, or using sports as a platform for charitable work.
Fellow Activities and Contributions
Selected fellows will work with faculty and staff at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to advance their chosen projects. The fellowship offers flexibility, allowing for research, program creation, public engagement, and professional education. Fellows may engage in several activities, including:
- Designing and executing applied research: Fellows can conduct research projects that result in practical outcomes for the philanthropy sector.
- Developing professional development offerings: This could involve contributing to training sessions, workshops, executive education programs, or creating learning materials for professionals.
- Engaging with the school’s networks: Fellows can connect with practitioners, donors, scholars, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropic organizations through the school’s established connections.
- Creating or participating in public convenings: This might include helping to plan conferences, seminars, panel discussions, or other public events related to their area of focus.
- Proposing creative projects: The program encourages innovative ideas that go beyond traditional research, as long as they contribute meaningfully to the field of philanthropy.
Benefits and Resources for Fellows
Fellows will have access to various resources from the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to support their work. These resources may include:
- Affiliation with the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
- Integration into a relevant team within the school.
- Support for travel to Indianapolis or other approved locations.
- Access to research materials, including library services.
- A project budget of up to $50,000 for the entire project.
- The opportunity to use additional funding secured by the fellows.
- Collaboration with faculty, staff, practitioners, and donor networks.
- Access to a respected environment for philanthropy education and research.
The specific support provided will depend on the type of fellowship, the project’s focus, the proposed activities, and the available resources.
Fellowship Terms and Duration
Fellows can serve as either visiting fellows or in-residence fellows. The duration of the fellowship can range from one month to several months, or up to one full year. The exact length will be determined by the proposed project, the fellowship category, and the nature of the fellow’s work. Support will come from school resources and/or external funding that the fellows obtain themselves.
Who Should Apply?
The Community of Fellows Program welcomes applications from both scholars and practitioners. This means individuals from academic, nonprofit, philanthropic, advisory, policy, investment, sports, and professional practice backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- Expertise gained through scholarship, practice, or both.
- A clear plan for their research or program development project.
- A proposed project with tangible and relevant outcomes.
- A strong history of working collaboratively across different sectors.
- A clear interest in using the school’s unique resources.
- Authorization to work in the United States.
Applicants should be able to show how their proposed work will help advance the field of philanthropy.
Application Requirements
Interested individuals should send a complete application package to the Program Manager, Saima Hassan, via email at [email protected]. The email subject line should include the fellowship category and “final application.” The application package must contain:
Letter of Interest
Submit a letter of interest, no more than three pages long. This letter should cover:
- The fellowship area the applicant is applying for.
- A description of the proposed project.
- The project timeline.
- The expected results or deliverables.
- The applicant’s approach to research or program development.
- How the project will contribute to the field of philanthropy.
Curriculum Vitae or Professional Résumé
Include a current CV or résumé that details academic, professional, research, or practice-based experience.
Writing Samples or Portfolio Materials
Submit two writing samples or portfolio pieces that are relevant to the proposed fellowship area. These materials should demonstrate the applicant’s skills, experience, and suitability for the fellowship.
Professional References
Provide the names and contact information for two professional references.
Application Timeline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting June 1, 2026. Candidates can expect to receive a response within about one month of applying. Projects may begin as early as September 8, 2026. Because applications are reviewed continuously, interested individuals are encouraged to prepare
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Community of Fellows Program?
It’s a program that offers visiting and resident fellowships for professionals and researchers to advance the field of philanthropy through research, program development, and public engagement.
What are the main areas of focus for the fellowships?
The program focuses on areas like Philanthropic Advising, Impact Investing, Higher Education and Philanthropy, Policy and Philanthropy, and Sports and Philanthropy.
What kind of activities do fellows engage in?
Fellows design and execute applied research, develop professional education offerings, engage with the school’s networks, and create or participate in public events.
When can I apply and when do projects start?
Applications are reviewed starting June 1, 2026, and projects can begin as early as September 8, 2026.
