Philanthropy and Public Policy in the US

Undergraduate / Graduate

Philanthropy in the U.S. plays a unique role in advancing social change by influencing public policy, both directly and indirectly. Philanthropy's role and actions in shaping policy has long been a subject of scrutiny and debate, which has intensified under the current administration. Foundations can utilize a range of tools including grantmaking, convenings/collaborations, educating and advocating, amplifying their grantee partner's work and more. They may engage in these activities with the intent of directly or indirectly educating, influencing, or mobilizing the broad public, voters, policymakers, and/or other decisionmakers. Led by an experienced practitioner and supplemented by guest speakers, this course will provide both an intellectual and experiential understanding of the contemporary philanthropic field in the U.S. and how it can influence public policy. In addition to a seminar component examining the philanthropic landscape, students engage in hands-on case studies and other exercises involving identifying and defining key social and/or environmental issues, conducting primary and secondary research on possible interventions, analyzing research findings and developing a philanthropic strategy to influence public policies that address that problem.