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Abe Roll
PHST P450
Definition and Case for Philanthropic Studies as a Discipline
Since the United States came into existence, philanthropy has been a key characteristic of
the nation’s identity. From the “associations”1
de Tocqueville observed in the nineteenth century
to the nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups and university-student movements of today,
“voluntary action aimed at the public good”2
remains an American tradition. Recently,
“philanthropic studies” has emerged as an academic discipline focused on this philanthropy, both
domestically and abroad. Steeped in the humanities, philanthropic studies (PHST) can be
understood as the inquiry into the cumulative “why” of voluntary action,3
and the subsequent
application of this inquiry to any philanthropic/voluntary action. As a discipline, PHST ought to
be given serious consideration, as it transcends the traditional restraints of academic disciplines,
and allows for a diverse expression of values in its application.
Many who engage in PHST as a path of study do so with the intent of pursuing careers in
the nonprofit sector, whether in management, advocacy or other roles. While a traditional
academic preparation for these students would teach them “how” to meet these goals effectively
– through management science, accounting practices, etc. – PHST instead focuses on the “why.”
This means that students will engage in a systematic, pragmatic analysis of philanthropy’s
historical traditions and trends, psychology’s study of pro-social behavior and motivations of
giving, the effect of nonprofits and volunteers on a societal level, and so forth. Ultimately, PHST
1
David C. Hammack, Making the Nonprofit Sector in the United States. (Bloomington: Indiana University Press,
1998), 142 - 153
2
Robert L Payton and Michael P. Moody, Understanding Philanthropy: It’s Meaning and Mission (Bloomington and
Indianapolis: Indiana University Press, 2008), 27.
3
Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. BA in Philanthropic Studies Checklist. Indianapolis: IUPUI, n.d. Print.
Accessed: http://www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/doc/academics/sop_overview_sheet_undergraduate_studies-final.pdf

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students attempt to understand the “why” of philanthropy in order to better the “how” of
philanthropy.
Various scholars have noted this multi-faceted approach of philanthropic studies. Peter
Dopkin Hall notes this approach as a historical trend, and states that “between 1895 and 1970,”
academics engaged in studying philanthropy produced dissertations from thirteen various fields.4
These fields spanned the disciplines, encompassing history and education, sociology and
economics, as well as disciplines of engineering and law. This historical trend in studying
philanthropy correlates with the historical trends of philanthropy itself. Not only have scholars
diversified their focus in studying philanthropy, but philanthropists have long diversified their
application of philanthropy to bettering the world. Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth” is a prime
example. In his 1889 article, Carnegie offered aspiring philanthropists his idea of “quality”
philanthropic investments: the founding of universities, creation of free libraries, founding and
extension of hospitals and medical research, public parks and beautification, meeting/concert
halls, public baths, and churches.5
Both in the study and in application of philanthropy, this multidimensional approach is a
distinguishing characteristic. According to Richard Turner, this is such a distinguishing
characteristic that PHST ought to be considered a “central and centering discipline in the
humanities.”6
Humanities, according to the Stanford Humanities Center, are the study of how
people process and document the human experience.7
The very notion of PHST encapsulates the
humanities, both defining and being defined by them. The discipline not only utilizes the
4
Peter Dobkin Hall, “The Work of Many Hands: A Response to Stanley N. Katz on the Origins of ‘Serious Study’
of Philanthropy,” Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly 28, no 4 (December 1999) 523.
5
Andrew Carnegie, “Gospel of Wealth” North American Review (June 1889) 14 – 23.
6
Richard C. Turner, “Philanthropic Studies as a Central an Centering Discipline in the Humanities” International
Journal of the Humanities vol. 2, no 3 (July 2004)
7
Stanford Humanities, 2016. "Stanford Humanities Center". http://shc.stanford.edu/what-are-the-humanities.

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knowledge of human experience, but aims at improving it in a multitude of ways, be it through
social justice advocacy, cultural/arts enrichment or other mediums.
Instrumental in this type of inquiry is the understanding and practice of collaboration,
which Turner suggests out to be the distinguishing educational tactic of PHST.8
As a student in
the discipline, the idea of collaborating with other students simply makes sense for PHST.
Again, the distinguishing nature of the discipline is its utilizing of a variety of fields in the
humanities and social sciences to understand and better philanthropy. This characteristic lends
itself to collaborative work. Different PHST students have particular interests and focuses in
their studies, and it is the sharing of these unique perspectives, experiences and understandings
that create a well-rounded academic experience in PHST. As such, collaboration should be
considered a defining characteristic of PHST.
While an interdisciplinary approach in the humanities and emphasis on collaboration are
definitive of PHST, it is the applicable nature and transferable skills from these characteristics
that make PHST a discipline worthy of inquiry. The multidisciplinary approach is essential
preparation for any student wishing to engage effectively in voluntary action, especially in
management positions. In my work the FACE Low Cost Animal Clinic, I saw various examples
of managers utilizing various approaches to philanthropic understanding. The volunteer manager
was effective in using her knowledge of philanthropic motivations to find and use volunteers.
The Executive Director’s knowledge of historical trends in giving to the environment/animal
subsector allowed her to target new major donors effectively. Though neither studied PHST
formally, their general understanding of philanthropy in a number of contexts provided
continuous support for their professional work.
8
Richard C. Turner, Collaboration: a Signature Pedagogy for Philanthropic Studies, January 13 2016.

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The collaborative nature of PHST is also of benefit for a number of career paths.
Students wishing to engage in social justice advocacy – particularly in politics – will assuredly
need to collaborate with others. This skill not only allows them to work well with those whom
they agree with, but also encourages effective negotiation and collaboration with those whom
they oppose. In the workplace, this is an invaluable skill. At my internship with FACE, the Indy
Mega Adoption Event – the state’s largest adoption event – was a collaborative effort between
FACE and a number of local nonprofit leaders. The over 700 animals adopted at the event
would still be homeless, or euthanized, if not for a collaborative event with different parties.
Informal philanthropy, too, benefits from PHST, as students are able to apply their
knowledge to their own personal giving and volunteering. By learning the “ins-and-outs” of
philanthropic engagement, students are not only able to articulate their passion for improving
their world and the value system behind it, but also learn how to execute this voluntary action in
the most effective manner possible. This is evidenced in the sheer volume of PHST students
participating in political movements, volunteer work, and civic engagement outside of their
professional experience.
Overall, its humanities core and its collaborative nature can best define PHST. These
traits set the discipline apart as an important field of study that deserves serious consideration
from students and academics. Particularly, the utilization of PHST to students’ career aspirations
shows the discipline’s validity as an applicable, sound field of study. As the discipline continues
to expand and gain expertise, the social problems facing the world are one-step closer to
solution.