Name of Center
The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy
School of Policy, Planning, and Development
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
www.usc.edu/philanthropy
About the Center
The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy promotes more effective philanthropy and strengthens the nonprofit sector through research that informs philanthropic decision making and public policy to advance public problem solving. Using California and the Western region of the U.S. as a laboratory, the Center conducts research on philanthropy, volunteerism, and the role of the nonprofit sector. In order to make the research a catalyst for understanding and action, the Center encourages communication among the philanthropic, nonprofit, and policy communities. This is accomplished through a series of convenings and conversations around research findings and policy issues to help key decision makers work together more effectively to solve public problems and to identify strategies for action. The Center is directed by James M. Ferris, Professor and Emery Evans Olson Chair in Nonprofit Entrepreneurship and Public Policy.
Students pursuing their professional masters degrees in public administration (MPA), public policy (MPP) or urban planning (MPL) can concentrate in philanthropy, nonprofit management or nonprofit policy and management. Course work includes courses of the nonprofit sector, contemporary issues in philanthropy, nonprofit management and leadership, social entrepreneurship, and nonprofit advocacy.
Major Education Initiatives:
- None listed
Major Research Projects:
- Foundation roles and strategies for impacting public policy
- The changing landscape of philanthropy and its relationship to the world of public problem solving
- Emerging issues in philanthropic stewardship and public accountability