James Ferris

Say the word "philanthropy" and most people envision benevolent tycoons bequeathing billions to far-reaching societal institutions.

But study the scope and reach of philanthropy and its impact on nonprofit, business and governmental organizations, and you get a far more complicated picture. As director of the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy, James M. Ferris works to provide a better understanding of philanthropy's role in society.

Through forums, roundtables, lectures and seminars, Ferris and the center promote the creation and dissemination of knowledge that increases the effectiveness of philanthropists and philanthropic institutions and that encourages partnerships with government and business to solve public problems. The center also examines how public policies can, in turn, strengthen philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.

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