Stepping Into the World of Philanthropy: Our First Grad School Class

Editor's Note: Since 2018, The Patterson Foundation has collaborated with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP) through its Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative. Recognizing the value of academic and professional educational experiences offered by LFSOP, the Foundation is providing opportunities for its staff and consultants to enroll in LFSOP graduate and professional development courses through its Tuition/Fees Reimbursement Program. TPFers, including Lyndsey Smith, Carrie Miley, Alicia Exantus, Josephine Eisenberg, and Stacy Sternberg, are pushing beyond their respective professional and personal comfort levels and are successfully completing challenging LFSOP courses.

Entering graduate school is a whirlwind of excitement and nerves, but nothing quite prepared us for our first class on philanthropy. As we logged into Zoom for the lecture, there was a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. This was uncharted territory, a dive into a subject that promised to challenge our perspectives and deepen our understanding of giving back to society.

The Zoom room had just six students, all exchanging tentative smiles and introductions. Our professor, a seasoned philanthropist with years of experience, greeted us warmly and dove right into the syllabus. The topics ranged from the history of philanthropy to its modern-day complexities, touching on ethical dilemmas and the impact of philanthropic organizations on societal change.

Initially, we felt overwhelmed. The readings were dense, filled with theories and case studies that seemed far removed from our practical understanding of charitable work. However, as the weeks progressed, we found ourselves drawn into discussions that challenged our thinking and expanded our worldview.

One of the most impactful aspects of the class was hearing from other classmates – individuals who had initiated grassroots movements, led international aid projects, or championed causes close to their hearts. Their stories were poignant reminders of the power of philanthropy to drive tangible change and uplift communities.

As assignments rolled in – research papers, group presentations, and essays – we began to appreciate the academic rigor that drove our discussions. Each task pushed us to think critically about the motivations behind giving, the effectiveness of different philanthropic models, and the role of privilege in shaping philanthropic endeavors.

Looking back, we realize how much we both have grown since that first nerve-wracking few weeks. Philanthropy isn't just about writing a check or volunteering time; it's about understanding systemic issues, confronting uncomfortable truths, and striving for sustainable solutions. The start of our journey into this field has been eye-opening, humbling, and immensely rewarding.

As we prepare for the next semester, we will carry the lessons learned from our first grad school class – a deeper appreciation for the complexities of philanthropy, a renewed sense of purpose, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to the causes we care about. It's a journey that has just begun, and we can't wait to see where it leads us next.