Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy?
What does the Center do?
What is the Center trying to accomplish?
What's different about the Center from other philanthropic organizations that study philanthropy?
Who leads the Center?
How is the Center funded?
How could I support the Center?
Does the Center award grants to nonprofits?
Does the Center award degrees?
How do I get on the Center's mailing list?
How can students get involved with the Center?

What is The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy?
The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy is an academic research center in the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at the University of Southern California. The Center's mission is to promote effective philanthropy and strengthen the nonprofit sector through research and communication activities that inform philanthropic decision making and encourage public problem solving.

What does the Center do?
The Center conducts research and analysis on philanthropy, volunteerism, and the role of the nonprofit sector. The Center also shares its findings with the philanthropic, nonprofit and policy communities and works to engage these sectors in an exploration of key issues through forums, roundtable discussions, lectures and seminars.

Based at the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at USC, the Center also offers a West Coast perspective on key developments in philanthropy and benefits from the multicultural urban "laboratory" of Los Angeles and the global and demographic significance of California and the West.

What is the Center trying to accomplish?
The Center is working to foster a better understanding of philanthropy, develop strategies for philanthropy to work more effectively with their partners in the nonprofit, government and business sectors to solve public problems.

What's different about the Center from other philanthropic organizations that study philanthropy?
The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy enjoys the unique advantage of focusing on the intersection of philanthropy and public policy. The Center not only conducts and publishes research, but also actively seeks to share its findings and to engage key constituencies in activities that strengthen philanthropy and the nonprofit sector and to advance public problem solving.

Who leads the Center?
The Director of the Center is James M. Ferris, the Emery Evans Olson Chair in Nonprofit Entrepreneurship and Public Policy at the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at USC. The Center is guided by a board of advisors comprised of senior leaders in philanthropy, the nonprofit sector and business.

How is the Center funded?
The work of the Center is funded with a combination of endowment, research grants, sponsorships, and grants and contributions from foundations, corporations and individuals which are used for the Center's core operations and activities.

Does the Center award grants to nonprofits?
No, the Center does not offer grants to nonprofit organizations. The Center itself is a nonprofit, with tax-exempt status under the University of Southern California. See Resources for the Field for links to helpful sites for grant-seekers.

How could I support the Center?
The Center invites financial support at all levels, but recognizes organizations that give at the $10,000 level and individuals who give at the $5,000 level as "Philanthropic Partners" of the Center. Sponsorship opportunities for Center events like the annual Distinguished Speakers Series are also available.

Does the Center award degrees?
No. The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy itself does not offer a degree program. However, the Center is housed in the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at USC, which offers master's level degrees in Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy (MPP), and Planning (MPL), as well as a Ph.D. degree in Policy, Planning and Development. Students in these degree programs can take electives or choose a 3-course concentration that is tailored to work in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. For further information on programs and how to apply, please contact the SPPD Office of Student Affairs at (213) 740-6842 or visit the SPPD website at www.usc.edu/schools/sppd.

How do I get on the Center's mailing list?
Please fill out the mailing list (link to mailing list) form on our website to receive communications from the Center.

How can students get involved with the Center?
The Center typically employs two to three graduate students at a time, both as research assistants and administrative program assistants. We also utilize student volunteers during our Distinguished Speakers Series events and periodically invite students to meet with Distinguished Speakers and/or to attend research seminars. The Center sends email announcements to the SPPD student listservs as opportunities arise.