Philanthropic Studies

About the philanthropic studies major

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed by the generous donation of money to good causes. Graduates of the philanthropy major lead nonprofit and philanthropic organizations using their skills in fundraising, grant making, foundation leadership, social impact, and much more. Our graduates are leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is the first school in the world to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Philanthropic Studies (Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, 2019).

Skills and abilities this major develops: fundraising, strategic planning, and management.

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Career and leadership preparedness

From internships to networking to mentoring, go beyond the classroom for a smoother transition to the workplace.

Research

Projects include identifying emerging trends, as well as increasing knowledge and best practices for fund raising and philanthropy.

Study abroad

Learn about the world of the nonprofit sector abroad!

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 10,000 openings for fundraisers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024).

According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2019, the average starting salary reported for philanthropy graduates with a bachelor's degree was $39,500, and the median salary was $37,500.

The national median annual salary for fundraisers was $64,160 in 2023 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Philanthropy graduates often pursue advanced degrees in public administration (M.P.A.) or law.

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Ethics and values in philanthropy
Giving and volunteering in America
Internship in philanthropic studies
Learning by giving
Philanthropy—calling and community

Possible careers

Foundation manager
Fundraising specialist
Grants officer
Nonprofit program manager
Special events coordinator
Volunteer coordinator

Where could I work?

Arts organizations
Hospitals and health clinics
Nonprofit organizations
Social services agencies
Volunteers of America

Complementing interests

SSocial

EEnterprising

CConventional

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

(University Hall 3000)

Certified Fund Raising Executive International

Career and leadership preparedness for philanthropy majors

Enterprise, Policy, and Planning Cluster

This major is part of the Enterprise, Policy, and Planning (EPP) cluster. The EPP cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing or interested in business; economics; labor studies; organizational leadership; public and environmental affairs; sport management; and tourism, conventions, and event management.

Learn about the EPP cluster

Learn about other clusters

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