About The Project for New Philanthropy Studies

The Project for New Philanthropy Studies engages scholars in deeper research, reflection, and analysis about the role of philanthropy and voluntary action in a free society.

We seek:

• to advance the state of interdisciplinary scholarship and conversation on philanthropic and voluntary action;
• to explore promising developments in philanthropic practice;
• to articulate a compelling and cohesive rationale for philanthropic and voluntary action; and
• to identify tools and resources that can improve the effectiveness of giving.

The question of how philanthropy can promote a free society is a new one, as twentieth-century philanthropy was largely predisposed toward the centralizing tendencies of the Progressive movement. We are thus exploring largely uncharted waters. At present our research priorities are focused on looking at philanthropy through four lenses:

• Social Order and Change
• Institutional Order and Change
• Human Action and the Role of Knowledge
• Tradition and Discovery in Philanthropy

We welcome inquiries and comments from scholars and practitioners exploring these and related questions.