Emerging Scholars Research Program
Applications due on September 28, 2025. Apply here
The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is the world’s first school dedicated solely to the study and teaching of philanthropy. Building on the impact of our work on the field of philanthropy and our extensive global network, this Emerging Scholars Research Program aims to strengthen the African scholarly community in philanthropic studies through research, mentoring, and convening. This program is designed to create the space for emerging and senior scholars in philanthropy to share their research and receive constructive feedback. It will be intentionally small with only 12 emerging scholars. There will be additional publication opportunities after the completion of the program.
This program will support research focusing on the theme “philanthropy and higher education in sub-Saharan Africa.” We are open to a wide variety of topics and disciplinary approaches related to this main theme. Several topics are offered below as examples to spark new research ideas:
- Alumni Philanthropy in African Higher Education;
- Digital Fundraising and African Universities;
- Corporate Social Investment and African Higher Education;
- Diaspora Philanthropy and Higher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa;
- Informal Philanthropy and Higher Education in Africa; and
- Fundraising Profession in the Field of Higher Education in sub-Saharan Africa.
Through this program, selected scholars will:
- Receive a grant of $4,500 to conduct their proposed research study;
- Receive guidance from a senior scholar, including direct feedback to their proposed research study;
- Participate in a series of virtual research workshops, presenting their own research and engaging in conversations with peer scholars;
- Attend an invite-only gathering with fellow program participants at the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA) conference in Indianapolis, Indiana in November 2025;
- Have the opportunity to receive partial travel support funding for participants who choose to attend the International Society for Third Sector Research (ISTR) conference in Lisbon in July 2026;
- Be invited to meet with peer scholars at the ISTR conference in Lisbon in July 2026;
- Have opportunities to share their research through the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s network. (For example, authoring short articles to be published on the school’s website.)
Selected scholars are expected to actively participate in all of the virtual research workshops and must complete an academic paper and submit the paper to an academic journal for review by the end of the program.
Eligibility Criteria: To be considered, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country;
- Be an early-career scholar (strong preference will be given to applicants who earned their Ph.D. between 2020 and 2025), and be currently working in a higher education institution in a sub-Saharan African country. This opportunity is open to scholars from any academic discipline relevant to philanthropy, such as nonprofit management, sociology, political science, economics, public administration/public affairs, business administration, religious studies, history, or social work;
- Have a demonstrated research focus on philanthropy, civil society, the nonprofit/NGO sector, voluntary action, or related areas;
- Be committed to applying the knowledge and skills gained from the program to benefit their communities or organizations;
- Be committed to attending a series of virtual research workshops and fully engaging in review of peer scholars’ work, including providing constructive in-depth feedback during the workshops;
- Be committed to completing an academic paper from the proposed study by the end of the program.
Timeline
- Application submission deadline: September 28, 2025
- Notification of award selection: by October 28, 2025
- Program starts in November 2025
- Complete and submit a paper to an academic journal for consideration: August 2026
Application Requirements
- Completed application form.
- Curriculum Vitae (no more than 3 pages, including a list of publications with the most recent listed first).
- Copy of doctoral diploma.
- Statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals, research interests, and reasons for applying to the program (maximum of 500 words).
- A proposal of the research that you would like to conduct during this program (maximum of 500 words, including main research question(s), grounding in the state of knowledge or literature, methodological approach, potential contribution of the research, and 2-3 key citations).
- Name, institutional affiliation, and email address for two references. (The applicant will be notified before references are contacted.)
- One recommendation letter from academic mentor or supervisor.
Applications must be submitted by September 29, 2025. Please submit your application materials through this online form. Please direct any questions to , Research Associate (magriff@iu.edu).
About the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, and the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, or Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.