IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: Community of Fellows Program 2026

The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy Community of Fellows Program offers a unique chance for scholars and practitioners to contribute to the field of philanthropy. This program, designed to advance philanthropic knowledge and practice, invites individuals to propose innovative projects and research. The fellowship provides an opportunity to work closely with a leading institution and collaborate with faculty and staff on impactful initiatives.

About the Community of Fellows Program

The Community of Fellows Program is an initiative by the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. This school is recognized globally for its dedication to philanthropy education, research, and leadership. The program aims to bring together creative thinkers and doers who can offer original ideas and applied research. It also supports professional programming, public engagement, and sector-focused innovation. The goal is to foster meaningful contributions to the field of philanthropy through practical and relevant outcomes.

Fellowship Areas

The program seeks fellows to work in several key areas. Applicants should align their proposed projects with one or more of these categories:

Philanthropic Advising

This area focuses on how individuals, families, foundations, and institutions make decisions about giving. Fellows might explore topics such as donor strategies, different advisory models, family philanthropy, ethical considerations in advising, and the professionalization of philanthropic advisory services.

Impact Investing

Impact investing is a growing part of modern philanthropy. Fellows in this area can examine how capital can be used to achieve both financial returns and positive social impact. Projects could look into investment strategies, how to measure impact, donor behavior in this space, institutional approaches, or the connection between philanthropy and mission-driven finance.

Higher Education and Philanthropy

This fellowship category explores the relationship between universities and philanthropic practices. Fellows may investigate areas like fundraising, how institutions engage with donors and alumni, university-community partnerships, and the role of higher education in promoting the common good.

Policy and Philanthropy

Policy significantly shapes the landscape of philanthropy. Fellows in this area can study laws, regulations, tax policies, public-private partnerships, and how philanthropic organizations engage in advocacy. They might also look at the policy environments for nonprofits and how philanthropy influences or responds to public policy.

Sports and Philanthropy

This is a developing field that looks at how athletes, teams, leagues, and sports organizations contribute to social impact. Fellows could develop projects focusing on athlete philanthropy, sports foundations, community development through sports, social justice issues, or using sports as a platform for charitable work.

What Fellows Will Do

Selected fellows will collaborate with faculty and staff at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The fellowship is flexible and can involve research, developing new programs, engaging with the public, and professional education. Fellows may participate in designing and carrying out applied research that leads to practical results for the philanthropy sector. They can also contribute to training programs, workshops, or learning resources for professionals. Connecting with practitioners, donors, scholars, and nonprofit leaders through the school’s networks is another key activity. Additionally, fellows might help organize conferences, seminars, or discussions related to their focus area. The program also welcomes innovative ideas that go beyond traditional research but still advance philanthropy.

Benefits and Resources for Fellows

Fellows will have access to various resources to support their work. These may include affiliation with the school, integration into relevant teams, and travel support for approved purposes. Fellows can also access research resources, including library services. A project budget of up to $50,000 may be available for the entire project. The program also allows fellows to use additional external funding they secure. Collaboration with faculty, staff, practitioners, and donor networks is a significant benefit. Fellows gain access to a respected environment for philanthropy education and research. The specific support provided will depend on the fellowship type, project, and 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 up to one full year. The exact length will depend on the proposed project, the fellowship category, and the nature of the fellow’s work. Support will come from school resources and/or external funding obtained by the fellows.

Who Should Apply?

The Community of Fellows Program welcomes applications from both scholars and practitioners. This means people from academic, nonprofit, philanthropic, advisory, policy, investment, sports, and professional practice backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should have proven expertise through their work or studies. They should also have a clear plan for their research or program development and a proposed project with tangible outcomes. A strong record of working across different sectors and a demonstrated interest in using the school’s resources are also important. Applicants must also have authorization to work in the United States. They need to show how their proposed work will help advance the field of philanthropy.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants must submit 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 needs to contain:

Letter of Interest

This letter should be no more than three pages. It needs to describe the fellowship area being applied for, the proposed project, the project timeline, and the expected results. Applicants should also explain their approach to research or program development and how their project will benefit the field of philanthropy.

Curriculum Vitae or Professional Résumé

Applicants should provide a current CV or résumé that details their academic, professional, research, or practice-based experience. This document helps demonstrate their qualifications and background.

Writing Samples or Portfolio Materials

Two writing samples or portfolio materials relevant to the proposed fellowship area are required. These materials should showcase the applicant’s abilities, experience, and suitability for the fellowship.

Professional References

Applicants must supply the names and contact information for two professional references. These individuals can speak to the applicant’s professional capabilities and character.

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, it is recommended that interested applicants prepare and submit their materials early.

Important Note Before Applying

Before submitting a formal application, it is highly recommended that applicants contact the coordinator with informal inquiries. These inquiries should show that the applicant has carefully reviewed the fellowship details, understood the school’s offerings, considered how their project fits with the fellowship, and thought about how they can effectively use the school’s resources. This step can help applicants refine their proposals before submitting them formally.

About the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is the first school in the world dedicated to philanthropic education, research, and leadership. Through its academic programs, research, and professional development, the school helps individuals and organizations strengthen and advance the common good. It plays a key role in supporting donors, nonprofits, scholars, practitioners, and leaders working to improve philanthropy and social impact globally.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Community of Fellows Program is more than just a temporary academic or professional position. It offers a chance to influence discussions, build knowledge, and create practical tools for the philanthropy sector. This fellowship is particularly valuable for those who want to advance research in philanthropy, develop programs for practitioners and donors, explore new areas of philanthropic practice, or collaborate with a leading school in the field. It is also for those aiming to produce tangible results that can benefit the sector and engage with networks of experts and leaders. By bringing together creative scholars and practitioners, the program seeks to strengthen the future of philanthropy through applied knowledge, collaboration, and innovation.

How to Apply

Applicants should send their materials by email to [email protected]. The email should be addressed to the Program Manager, Saima Hassan. Applicants must include the fellowship category and “final application” in the subject line. A complete application includes a letter of interest (up to three pages), a current CV or professional résumé, two writing samples or portfolio materials, and the names and contact information for two professional references.

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting June 1, 2026. Projects may begin as early as September 8, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions