Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
Scholars. Practitioners. Leaders.
The Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS) is a global interdisciplinary research center and publisher of the Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR). Stanford PACS develops and shares knowledge to improve philanthropy, strengthen civil society, and address societal challenges. By creating a shared space for scholars, students, and practitioners, Stanford PACS informs policy and social innovation, philanthropic investment, and nonprofit practice.
Give to the Stanford PACS
Consider making a donation to support Stanford PACS in its mission towards a more robust and integrated civil society creating positive social change.
Throughout PACS’ seventeen-year history, our research and programs have sought to examine, critique and address both entrenched and emerging issues influencing and defining philanthropy and civil society, and increasingly, democracy. Every donation, large or small, provides vital support to our continued operations towards expanding the body of research, increasing the pipeline of scholars, practitioners, & leaders, and informing practice and action on pressing Issues.
Thank you for making a gift online today and supporting the future of PACS and a thriving civil society.
Our Work
Events
Effective Philanthropy for Advisors Webinar
Join us for an interactive workshop with Stanford University on their latest tools designed specifically for advisors and clients interested...
June 3 - 4th, 2025
Integrating Philanthropy & Investing to Maximize Impact
Beyond Philanthropy: Unlock the Power of Your Total Portfolio For the first time, Stanford PACS and the Center for Sustainable...
October 6 - 8th, 2025
Stanford University
Education for Philanthropy Professionals Course
Executive education course April 22-25 (in person) and April 30, May, 1, 7 & 8 (virtual), 2025 The Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative (EPLI)...
April 22 - 25th, 2025
News
Philanthropy and Digital Civil Society: Blueprint 2025
Philanthropy and Digital Civil Society: Blueprint 2025 is the 16th annual industry forecast about the ways we use private resources...
Read MoreUpdates from the Digital Civil Society Lab
Dear Friends and Colleagues, After ten years of research, teaching, convenings, and investing in postdoctoral scholars and community-based fellows, the...
Read MoreStanford Social Innovation Review
Recent Publications
How Board Dynamics Impact Organizational Change: The Case of Transparency International (A)_Case Study
A milestone in the pursuit of gender equality: Predicting first women presidents in U.S. higher education institutions, 1980–2018
Professions and Wealth: The Philanthropy of High-Earning Professionals
From Doing Good to Being Good: The Movement for Nonprofit Social Responsibility
Toward a Better Understanding of Social Origins Theory: A Historical Narrative of Vienna’s Civil Society Organizations
Announcing: Australian Edition of the Toolkit
The Virus And The Vote: Administering the 2020 Election In A Pandemic
The Rule of Law in the Real World
Money Well Spent: A Strategic Guide for Smart Philanthropy, Second Edition (2018)
Serve or Conserve: Mission, Strategy, and Multi-Level Nonprofit Change During the Great Recession
Universal Basic Income: Safety Net 2.0
Our Community
Stanford PACS is committed to providing an online environment that is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We are working on updating our digital communications platforms to be inclusive. If you cannot access content or use features on our website due to a disability, please contact us so we can accommodate your request.