Indiana University is one of the first universities in the U.S. to offer critical insight into the history, culture and values of philanthropy, along with the skills needed for effective nonprofit management. The Center on Philanthropy, an academic unit of the university, is dedicated to education, research, and public service in philanthropy. The Center's priority is to understand the role of philanthropy in society and to contribute to the knowledge base of the field.

Established in 1987, the Center on Philanthropy defines philanthropy as including service, association, and giving. We promote the study of philanthropy and the philanthropic tradition across lines of academic disciplines in both liberal arts and professional education. The Center seeks to improve the understanding and practice of this field through observation, study, and critical analysis. The Center is headquartered on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, a major urban campus offering undergraduate, graduate and professional education.