The Center on Philanthropy provides nonprofit practitioners with research services to help improve the understanding and practice of philanthropy. Our research department staff members possess a unique understanding of nonprofit research that enables the Center to conduct comprehensive research projects for local, regional and national organizations.

From survey design and implementation to data analysis and publication, our team can offer a range of services to help you and your organization develop the knowledge you need to manage your organization in today's philanthropic environment. Research staff members are also available for speaking engagements on topics related to charitable giving trends, gender differences in giving, and other research findings.

Recent examples of the center’s research capacity include:

• As consultant and evaluator, the Center identifies best practices and new challenges facing nonprofits, foundations, and corporations. It helps organizations evaluate their current practices, including conducting assessments of their fundraising effectiveness. The Aspen Institute's Nonprofit Sector Research Fund supported a study on foundations' overhead cost funding policies. Target Corporation funded a study of best practices and new ideas in corporate giving nationally, and the National Football League asked the Center to evaluate its NFL Youth Football Fund.
• Bank of America selected the Center to conduct the first ever scientific, random sample study of high net-worth households and their philanthropy.
• The Center's regional studies enlighten communities and states about giving patterns that make them unique, and how they compare to national averages. Examples include cities (Memphis, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Chicago), states (Illinois, Indiana, and New Hampshire), and regions (New England).

One hundred percent of clients surveyed reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of the Center's research work and 94 percent said they were likely to recommend working with the Research department to others. Among the comments offered were "Superb staff," "Tremendous resources and support," "Expertise not found anywhere else in the world," and "lively, intellectual engagement."

The Center is "the first stop for data and thought about the sector" and "the educational and research leader for real nonprofit executives," according to The NonProfit Times.

Contact:
Una Osili, Director of Research
550 West North St., #301, Indianapolis, IN 46202
or (317) 278-8908