The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI has contributed significantly to the science of women’s philanthropy. WPI has conducted research on such topics as the factors that shape gender based giving programs, women’s foundations and funds, and gender and giving across communities of color. If you are not already familiar with WPI and the important work they are doing, please check out their research.
Recently, WPI named Jeannie Sager its new director. Jeannie brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience to the role and was most recently director of philanthropy for the Indiana University Health Foundation. I had the good fortune of running into Jeannie and my old friend Andrea Pactor from IUPUI in Boston last week, before they led a conversation on women’s giving. I was heartened to see that Jeannie is hitting the ground running.
WPI will be hosting their symposium in Chicago March 31 – April 1 in Chicago. This year’s theme is focused on creating community in the digital age. If you are eager to learn more about the science of women’s philanthropy and become part of a vibrant community of practioners, I highly encourage you to attend. Here is a link to the registration site.
There is an art and a science to philanthropic development and I sleep better at night knowing that respected institutions like WPI add credibility to our profession.