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The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University, has announced the Emerging Scholars Research Program.
The initiative is designed to strengthen the African scholarly community in philanthropic studies through research, mentoring, and convening.
The program will provide a platform for both emerging and senior scholars in philanthropy to share research and receive constructive feedback.
The program is intentionally small, selecting only 12 emerging scholars, and additional publication opportunities are available after completion.
The program supports research under the theme “Philanthropy and Higher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa” and welcomes a variety of topics and disciplinary approaches.
Suggested areas of research include:
- Alumni philanthropy in African higher education
- Digital fundraising and African universities
- Corporate social investment and higher education
- Diaspora philanthropy and higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Informal philanthropy and higher education in Africa
- Fundraising profession in the field of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa
Selected scholars will:
- Receive a $4,500 grant to conduct their proposed research study
- Work closely with a senior scholar who provides direct guidance and feedback
- Participate in virtual research workshops, presenting their research and engaging with peers
- Attend an invite-only gathering 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 to attend the International Society for Third Sector Research (ISTR) conference in Lisbon in July 2026
- Share research through the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s network, including authoring short articles for the school’s website
Scholars are expected to actively participate in all virtual workshops and complete an academic paper based on their proposed study, which must be submitted to an academic journal by the end of the program.
This highly selective program will admit only 12 emerging scholars, providing a unique platform for academic growth, professional networking, and publication opportunities in the field of philanthropy.
To be eligible applicants are required to:
- Be citizens of a sub-Saharan African country
- Be early-career scholars, with preference for those who earned their Ph.D. between 2020 and 2025
- Be currently employed at a higher education institution in sub-Saharan Africa
- Have a demonstrated research focus on philanthropy, civil society, nonprofit/NGO sectors, voluntary action, or related areas
- Be committed to applying knowledge and skills gained through the program to benefit communities or organizations
Timeline:
- Application submission deadline: September 28, 2025
- Notification of award selection: by October 28, 2025
- Program start: November 2025
Academic paper submission for journal consideration: August 2026
The program offers a unique opportunity for early-career African scholars to advance research in philanthropy, gain mentorship from senior academics, and engage with an international scholarly network.
Participants will have access to resources and platforms that support knowledge exchange, professional development, and meaningful contributions to higher education and philanthropic studies across sub-Saharan Africa.
About The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University
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.
