Strategic Philanthropy

This seven-week Strategic Philanthropy course offers students an overview of the U.S. and global philanthropic landscape, with an eye toward the bespoke ability of philanthropy to fill gaps in public systems, mine for innovation to thorny problems, and drive targeted impacts. For reference: Philanthropic and foundation funding comprises roughly 20% of US charitable giving which totaled $103.5 billion in 2024; and global philanthropic giving reached approximately $2.3 trillion worldwide in 2024. Students will examine case studies, hear from guest speakers who are leaders in the field, and engage in class discussions to lay a foundation for understanding an array of complex approaches to philanthropy and how it interacts with the public and private sectors. Course topics will range from the crucial role of measurement in strategic philanthropy, the relationship of private philanthropy to the red tape and restrictions of public dollars, the potential impact of family wealth, and common grantmaking strategies. We will also explore and examine U.S. and international cases and best practices in philanthropy, including the differences in grantmaking in the U.S. and globally. By the end of the course, students will have a baseline understanding of the philanthropic sector and the critical role philanthropy plays in shaping pressing social, economic, environmental, and political challenges.