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Artifact: What Is Philanthropic Studies & Why Study It?

Related Course: PHST-P450 Capstone
Date of Course: Spring 2017
Instructor: Dr. Tyrone Freeman
Related Student Learning Outcome: #5 Using interpersonal skills to address issues

Alexis Lauren Davenport

What Is Philanthropic Studies & Why Study It?
PHST-450 Capstone
Dr. Tyrone Freeman
February 22nd, 2017
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Introduction

As a Philanthropic Studies undergraduate at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, I

find myself constantly explaining what I study. Time after time, I have witnessed quizzical stares

that are followed by inquisitive comments. These responses range from but, you dont have any

money, right?, is that the study of cultures?, and phila-what? and its okay, weve heard it

all. Philanthropic studies is a complex, yet simple discipline that is relevant to many fields of

study but seemingly goes unknown. Its robust history and cornucopia of relevance in society has

provided a sturdy foundation for it to be studied holistically, which is what I have had the

opportunity to do. Although many people may not be entirely familiar of what Philanthropic

Studies is, they have likely witnessed or been involved in at least some form of philanthropy

during their lifetime. But, what is Philanthropic Studies and why would anyone take the time

to study it? Looking at the world through a philanthropic lens has provided me with immense

personal growth and has broadened my skills in a distinct way further expanding my

opportunities and capability of success. Philanthropic Studies is an incubator that allows students

to consider the prosperity of mankind through a critical, analytical, and multidisciplinary

perspective providing opportunity to guide how we live, utilizing and enhancing philanthropic

action to promote a prosperous future through reflecting on the influence of philanthropy across

various areas of existence.

What is Philanthropic Studies?

Robert Payton states that voluntary action for the public good is a widely accepted,

firm definition of philanthropy (Moody, 2008, p. 27). Philanthropy is about giving, ideas,

actions, and reactions. Furthermore, it is fluid we frequently use it as both a noun and a verb.

Payton also describes philanthropy as action guided by thought, which mirrors the depth of
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what Philanthropic Studies is all about (Moody, 2008, pg. 5). Individuals who value and

understand philanthropy are aware of their actions in a way that is based around creating the

most effective, long-lasting impact. But, as a student in Philanthropic Studies we are challenged

not just to understand how philanthropy is defined, but to use it as a way to visualize the world

we live in now modifying our actions to create the world we want to live in. Richard Turner

states that Philanthropic Studies takes as its area all aspects that surround the voluntary giving,

voluntary associations, and voluntary actions that have been part of most societies since their

beginnings and central to Western, especially civil, societies (Turner, p. 2084). Furthermore,

Philanthropic Studies can be defined as a method of analyzing the present and past events,

breakthroughs, and discoveries analyzing how voluntary action has served as a catalyst for

positive change within the world. A hard focus on the relationship between the nonprofit sector is

complimented with philosophical analysis of why individuals choose to voluntarily serve one

another. Philanthropic Studies aids in recognizing how influential philanthropic action has been

in creating the world we presently reside in furthermore, it has encouraged me to critically

analyze how society came to be because of philanthropic action.

Why Study It?

Because of the lack of education surrounding what philanthropy is, it is difficult to

recognize how common it occurs across sectors, disciplines, and throughout history but,

philanthropy is all around us. Merle Curti confirms that philanthropy has been one of the major

aspects and keys to American and cultural development (Curti, 1957, p. 53). Some very

commonly looked past forms of philanthropy are nonprofits. Churches are 501(c3), tax exempt

entities that exist mostly because of donated funds. Other entities such as the YMCA, Girl

Scouts, and hospitals are nonprofits, too. Many individuals utilize the services of these nonprofit
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organizations but do not entirely understand the philanthropy involved to keep these

organizations functioning the value of the organizations is certainly recognized, but not

entirely understood. In addition to that, scholarships are common within the education system

and are entirely funded by philanthropic donations. Many of the things that have occurred

throughout history, such as the Civil Rights Movement, are considered acts of philanthropy

because it was individuals self-organizing for the common good. Understanding how

philanthropy has shaped the world we live in will encourage us to continue building more

prosperous communities.

Many people believe that philanthropy fills a void and enhances the quality of life among

communities once I reflected on how common philanthropy is within society, I truly believe

that notion. After recognizing the prevalence of philanthropy it becomes certain of how

important the study of it is and how having this knowledge be accessible can intensify the impact

of it. Philanthropy is here to stay we recognize its guidance and effectiveness through its

valuable relationship with the nonprofit sector. Philanthropic Studies provides knowledge on

how nonprofits functions, the importance of a strong mission, and the most effective ways to

raise funds for specific causes. Lastly, since philanthropy is so prevalent and important within

society, I believe that philanthropic studies is crucial so that we can optimize our impact in the

world.

Philanthropic Studies students experience a variety of learning outcomes

understanding philanthropic traditions in societies, the value of the nonprofit sector, obtaining

strengthened interpersonal skills to address specific issues, and the ability to examine strategies

of leadership and team building to overcome societal issues. All of these combined are a catalyst

for change. Once I understood philanthropic traditions, such as trends in donations or specific
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times where individuals want to volunteer (such as holiday celebrations), I began to critically

think about how we can optimize impact Philanthropic Studies creates a refreshing space that

nurtures innovation. In addition to that, comprehending the complexities of the nonprofit sector

and the vital role of philanthropy has provided me with knowledge on how to improve how

nonprofits function. I have learned that nonprofits are concerned with outputs, but that

understanding the outcomes of their services is crucial in truly combatting societal problems.

These skills have given me momentum and the courage to utilize what I have learned during my

undergraduate studies in order to positively impact mankind.

Conclusion

So what is Philanthropic Studies and why should it be studied? Philanthropic Studies has

served as an incubator that progressed my own personal development. I view how we serve

others from a critical perspective while analyzing how to enhance the ways in which we give.

because of Philanthropic Studies. Furthermore, it has served as a catalyst for me finding my own

purpose providing me insight, inspiration, and valuable skills that are applicable to enhancing

my community. I believe that understanding how philanthropy influenced the world that we live

in has expanded my consciousness and motivated me to play a vital role in the change that I want

in the world. Overall, Philanthropic Studies is valuable, needed, and will help us promote

prosperity within humanity.

References

Payton, R. & Moody, M., (2008). Understanding Philanthropy. Bloomington, IN:

IndianaUniversity Press.

Turner, R., (2004). International Journal of the Humanities. Philanthropic Studies as a Central
and Centering Discipline in the Humanities, Volume II:3 , pages 2083-2086.
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Curti, M., (1957). Chicago Journals. The History of American Philanthropy as a Field of
Research, Volume LXII:2 , pages 352-363.