Philanthropic Studies is a vibrant area of both interdisciplinary and international scholarship, teaching, and professional practice with relevance to numerous academic disciplines and fields. Among these are political science, sociology, journalism, media and technology studies, third sector (also known as civil society or nonprofit) studies, history, and public affairs (government and public policy studies).
Yet, even though “philanthropy is everywhere” as experts have noted, its influence in setting and advancing social and policy change agendas remains unknown to many.
Thus, the goal of this course is to make visible the roles governmental, corporate, and social impact funders play in public affairs. Specific attention is placed on how program officers mobilize their “portfolio thinking” through strategic investments in programs, projects, partnerships, and collaborations that influence the trajectory of particular policy issues. These might include climate change, democracy, international development, human and civil rights, economic development, poverty alleviation, education, open government, public health, mental health, technology in society, migration/immigration, peace and security, social/gender/racial justice, voting rights, and reproductive health, among others.
Using mini lectures, guest speakers, small investigative assignments, films, academic and non-academic readings, student projects, as well as robust class discussions, the course begins by providing students with a general understanding of the theory and history of the concept of philanthropy in democratic societies. We then review the institutional and regulatory structure of the social impact sector in the U.S. (also known as the tax-exempt, or nonprofit, sector). The course then turns to examining various types of public, private, and social sector activities that have been contributing to shaping public understanding and debate about reproductive health issues in Texas. We draw on a charity-to-change framework of analysis to map who has been funding what, how, and why related to reproductive health in Texas. The course ends with a Poster Session where students present and discuss their visualizations and mapping of a specific set of funding patterns that advance conversations having to do with reproductive health specifically in Austin.
Course Testimonials:
"One of the most enlightening takeaways was understanding the relationship between the non-profit, private, and public sectors in philanthropy. I came into the class thinking that philanthropy was solely the domain of the non-profit sector. However, through research on areas of interest and listening to various speakers, I learned how these three sectors can and need to work together synergistically to drive social change. Understanding this interconnectedness expanded my view of how comprehensive and collaborative efforts can enhance the effectiveness of philanthropic initiatives." – Sandra Banda, 2nd year MPAff candidate at the LBJ School of Public Affairs
"The Role of Philanthropy in Social/Policy Change course helped me gain a more sophisticated appreciation for the intricate ways philanthropic organizations support social change. From convening stakeholders to direct thought partnership, from frontline services and direct action to long-term strategic planning—the course explored how philanthropy, utilizing a lot more levers than just money, operates to make social change possible. Additionally, students come out with practical work products that they can use as a starting point to pursue their professional or research interests beyond the duration of the course. The more you put in it, the more you get out of it." – Felipe Barroso, 2nd year PhD student, Community and Regional Planning, School of Architecture
"Dr. Lentz artfully educated graduate students on identifying a "Theory of Change" relevant to their research, incorporating various philanthropic funding experts in the course schedule, allowing our direct experiences and insights to help prepare students to successfully present their research to different funders for award purposes. Leaving the class, my mind was filled with new approaches to achieving systemic and lasting social change. This program course is wonderful for those who genuinely want to make a difference and move the needle, rather than just sustaining philanthropy as a sector." – Nehemiah Pitts III, Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA) Leader, Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission (CTTC), and community observer in the spring 2024 course