Rosie Tarlton

Dr. Freeman
Capstone
01/27/18
What is Philanthropic Studies? Why study it?

Philanthropy is an up and coming field that I personally feel honored to have the

opportunity to pursue at IUPUI. There are a few reasons as to why I have landed in this career

path. Philanthropic studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has

allowed me expand my knowledge, skills, and perspective of philanthropy and what it is today.

However, there are key figures that built the foundation that I learn in my courses such as

Payton, Moody, Hall, Curti, and many others. With research, scholars continue to build onto the

foundation that has been created. Since 2012, the program has been preparing students to enter

the nonprofit field with the knowledge of historical background, practical skills, and

philosophical and economic drives of giving (Lilly). As this field does exist today, I believe that

there is a strong background and theme behind the development of Philanthropic Studies.

Philanthropy, as defined by Payton and Moody is voluntary action for the public good

(Payton). In which Payton and Moody recognize that this is a definition that makes the most

sense when individuals look at philanthropy through the lenses of their unique experiences. This

definition of philanthropy is important because it leads to the discussion of philanthropic

autobiographies which is a culmination of an individuals skills, experiences, beliefs,

involvement, and personal “story” in regards to philanthropy. I resonate with this definition

because I am able to recognize as definitions for philanthropy evolve and the field is further

developed, it is important to emphasize and recognize the key historical events that have led to

beliefs of modern philanthropy.

 Rosie Tarlton
Dr. Freeman
Capstone
01/27/18
History is an important factor that has been a driving force within the field of

philanthropy because of numerous reasons. Different historical documents also are key factors

that back up these historical events and movements. Anheier highlights the impact that such

documents and events have on philanthropy. Another aspect that Anheier discusses is how

philanthropy shaped history. It is important to realize that it goes both ways and has many

different implications. Anheier mentions that historical outcomes also provide uncertainty

however, because of this aspect that is why it is essential to realize the impact that history has

within philanthropy (Anheier). All in all, history has been an important ingredient as far as the

foundation of philanthropy.

While philanthropy is an ever-evolving field, as I mentioned above, this has turned into a

degree program, which is Philanthropic Studies. I believe this program is important because we

are able to learn more about the why behind philanthropy. This would include but is not limited

to developing theories to support why people give, why someone has a strong force of drive

towards their philanthropic efforts, the ethics behind philanthropy, and why philanthropy has

become what it is today. Philanthropic Studies is difficult to define but I personally view it as the

platform that teaches and provides research to develop the skill sets that are desired to make a

positive change in the world, ability to pursue your passion, and prepare your values to

accomplish positive outcomes for the public good.

Being able to pursue this opportunity as an undergraduate in the program proves to have

many different benefits. I have no doubt that a lot has changed just from my time not since the

first class that has gone through this program. I think this is a benefit because even after I
 Rosie Tarlton
Dr. Freeman
Capstone
01/27/18
graduate I will be able to recognize trends and changes that take place during the field. This

means that this program will allow me to be a more informed member of our society. Still to this

day we have historical events that take place, political changes that evolve, and social movement

that’s have an impact on the changes within this field. My knowledge and background from this

degree program will prove to be beneficial no matter what I decide to pursue within the nonprofit

field.

Along with the benefits from this field of study at the Indiana University Lilly Family

School of Philanthropy I am developing many different aspects of my life. Those developments

that I am creating from this major are skills, knowledge, experiences, opportunities, as well as

professional networks. All of which culminate to help explain who I am as an emerging graduate

in Philanthropic Studies. First, I am able to take part in different student organizations while

gaining a deeper understanding of how to turn my passion over to make a positive change.

Jagathon is an example of an experience that I am able to pursue. This article written in Inside

IUPUI by Becky Hart says it best “ Being united for the kids – or FTK, as you’ll often see on

campus – is really the driving force behind Jagathon, which is celebrating its 15th year. It’s also

something that drives Tarlton.” (Hart). This proves that I am able to turn my passion into

something that proves to make a positive impact. Next, I have had the opportunity to participate

in a scholarship competition. This will provide me with more than one experience in itself

because I will be taking a trip late spring because I was a finalist. I was able to improve my

public speaking skills, present a topic within philanthropy, and will soon be able to explore

philanthropy in depth. Often times my developments overlap within one another, which allows

me to create stronger skills.

 Rosie Tarlton
Dr. Freeman
Capstone
01/27/18

I have been able to create a background and foundation for how things work in the

nonprofit field. This foundation that I have built while pursuing this program helped me to

successfully achieve an internship opportunity this summer. I will be able to implement the

knowledge from my fund development course such as stewarding, communication, and

engagement of donors. Philanthropic Studies aided me in being a top candidate for this position

because of the knowledge I proved to have to the interviewers. My courses have allowed me to

narrow down what I would like to do within the nonprofit field and also what area I want to

focus on.

Philanthropy is extremely important and accounts for much of the world today. The

timeline of this field is something that has been interesting to learn in my courses throughout my

undergraduate career in the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. History, social movements,

political climates, and much more factor into shaping philanthropy into what it is today. I am

thrilled that I have this opportunity to be one of the few cohorts to be going through this

distinguished and unique program at IUPUI. I have been able to pursue different opportunities,

gain skills, knowledge, and experiences that I would not gain elsewhere. I hope that in the near

future I transform what I have learned in the classroom to change the communities wherever I

might be. I believe that my journey as an undergraduate has exemplified that philanthropy and

philanthropic studies are extremely important within the communities that we live in.
 Rosie Tarlton
Dr. Freeman
Capstone
01/27/18
Works cited

Anheier, Helmut K. Nonprofit Organizations: Theory, Management, Policy. Routledge, 2014.

Hart, Becky. “IUPUI.” Recovered Riley Kid Gives Back with IUPUI Jagathon: Headlines: Inside
IUPUI: Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, 28 Feb. 2017,
archive.inside.iupui.edu/headlines/2017-02-28-headline-jagathon.shtml?utm_source=2017-02-
28&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_content=For-the-kids&utm_campaign=2017-inside-iupui-
distribution.

“Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.” Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, philanthropy.iupui.edu/.

Payton, Robert L., and Michael P. Moody. Understanding Philanthropy: Its Meaning and Mission.
Indiana University Press, 2008.