The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy conducts, coordinates, and supports research building a broad base of knowledge about the causes and consequences of philanthropic behavior involving individuals, communities, and institutions. Grants of up to $12,000 may be awarded to Indiana University faculty for research relating to issues facing philanthropy and nonprofit organizations. Faculty members from all disciplines conducting related research are encouraged to apply.

The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Faculty Research Fund begins accepting applications in January each year.

Research priority areas

• The origins, defining characteristics, and development of philanthropic traditions across time, cultures, and social groups
• The role of philanthropic and nonprofit organizations in shaping communities and civil society
• The sources, motivations, and practices involved in generating, allocating, and managing philanthropic resources of time and money
• The types, scope, and composition of philanthropic resources and their significance for nonprofit organizations and the sector as a whole
• The governance and management of philanthropic institutions and nonprofit organizations

Recent topics awarded funding

• Accountability in the nonprofit sector
• Corporate Philanthropy in China
• Tax effects on giving estimated with the PSID
• Trends and impact of philanthropic support for public parks and recreation
• Understanding experiential philanthropy courses
• Workplace philanthropy 2.0

The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University seeks to support the research of its graduate students working on master's or doctoral thesis projects. 

This fund will provide grants up to $1,000 per year to students enrolled in the Indiana University M.A. or M.P.A. programs in philanthropic studies and nonprofit management. Doctoral students enrolled in the Indiana University Ph.D. programs are eligible for up to $2,000 per year. Research projects of students with a minor in philanthropic studies or nonprofit management may be funded in exceptional cases, at the discretion of the director of research.

The fund is not intended to support student research work for courses or for purposes other than thesis or dissertation projects. Course projects in lieu of thesis or dissertation will not be funded. Research funds will only be granted for research proposals that have been approved by the student’s master's or doctoral research committee.

To apply for support for thesis research through the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Research Fund, please submit a cover letter including the following information:

• Name, contact information (including phone and email address)
• Title and brief description of the project (up to two pages), including contribution to the field, with appropriate citations and bibliography
• Anticipated dates and duration of the project; and
• Budget summary and total amount requested. Include a breakout of various expenses with a narrative description of needs and uses of the funds, in addition to other support applied for (if applicable). Funds may be used for postage, travel for data collection, research supplies, transcription costs, and other direct research expenses.

In addition, applications for research funds must be accompanied by a letter of support from the student’s advisor or committee chair. Proposals lacking this letter will not be considered for funding.

Applications are accepted twice per year – once during the fall semester (by November 15) and once during the spring semester (by April 15) and reviewed by Chelsea Clark, research project coordinator at the school.

Send proposals and letters of support to:

Chelsea Clark
Research Project Coordinator
University Hall, Suite 3000
301 University Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5146
chelphil@iupui.edu