Our Community
Scholars
Stanford PACS offers a number of opportunities to support new interdisciplinary research from emerging scholars studying topics related to philanthropy and civil society.
RESEARCH
We see new models of philanthropy emerging in the 21st century, and the rapid advance of digital technologies that have transformed civil society and social innovation. Stanford PACS uses an interdisciplinary approach to study philanthropy and civil society more broadly. We leverage the intellectual assets of a diverse, world-class faculty across the University and currently support 8 active research projects. Learn more. Learn More
FELLOWSHIPS
We offer post-doctoral fellowships to promising scholars pursuing original research related to philanthropy, social innovation, civic engagement, democracy, and civil society. Post-doctoral fellowships are full-time, benefits eligible positions and may be offered for a period of 1-3 years. Stanford University stipulates that postdoctoral fellows must have received their PhD within four years of the start of the fellowship. Learn More
EVENTS
The annual Junior Scholars Forum brings together researchers—including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty—from leading universities around the world. It provides an opportunity for scholars working in the areas of civil society and the nonprofit sector to participate in a cross-disciplinary intellectual community with the goal of enhancing the quality and visibility of research in these fields. Learn More
Students
Stanford PACS offers courses, fellowships, research grants and internship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students interested in careers related to philanthropy and civil society, whether as scholars, nonprofit or foundation practitioners, policy makers, or in for profit business.
COURSES
Stanford PACS supports interdisciplinary teaching and classes marrying the humanities, social sciences, and computer science which explore wider ranging subjects like the history of philanthropic practice, the evolution of civil society, and the ethical and social impact of technological innovation, among others. Learn More
GRANTS
We offer small grants to support student research related to philanthropy and civil society. These grants typically support undergraduate honors theses, masters’ students’ capstone projects, and doctoral student research, and offers students the opportunity to chart productive careers in the study or practice of philanthropy. Learn More
FELLOWSHIPS
Stanford PACS offers fellowships to graduate students at Stanford University studying the institutions and activities that define civil society, and the changing role of associational life in a digital age. The fellowship provides up to a full academic year of support for PhD students. Learn More
Philanthropists
We engage in research, teaching, events, and the dissemination of materials to improve the practice of philanthropy.
RESOURCES
The Stanford PACS Guide to Effective Philanthropy is a new publication to help emerging philanthropists understand the essentials of improving their philanthropic practice in one easy-to-follow resource. Learn More
EVENTS
the Philanthropy Innovation Summit is a biennial conference hosted by Stanford PACS to provides insights from experts and peer philanthropists for high capacity individual donors in a non-solicitation environment. Learn More
Civil Society
Through a mix of research, convenings, partnerships, and publications, Stanford PACS strives to be a bridge between rigorous scholarly research and social sector practice.
Philanthropy Intermediaries
Stanford PACS uses an interdisciplinary approach to study philanthropy and civil society more broadly. Through a mix of research, events, partnerships, and publications, we strive to be a bridge between rigorous scholarly research and social sector practice.
RESOURCES
The Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative at Stanford PACS uses survey and ethnographic research to learn about the realities of philanthropy for high capacity donors and those who support them. Learn More
EVENTS
Stanford PACS hosts an array of Public Events all year round. These events are intended to inform and encourage discourse with scholars, practitioners, and other stakeholders. Learn More
Policy makers
Stanford PACS is dedicated to driving knowledge transfer between the private, public, and academic sectors by leveraging Stanford’s reputation as a trusted higher-education research institution to inform policy changes and corporate decisions, while building partnerships with other academic centers and organizations to build the global field of research.
RESEARCH
Our research aims to create a cross-disciplinary community at Stanford by bringing together recognized scholars and support research needed to strengthen democratic processes.
COURSES
We offer a number of courses for educating the next generation of scholars, technologists, and policy makers and developing, testing, and proactively sharing curriculum and knowledge with relevant audiences with the aim to inform policies and business decisions that may potentially impact democratic institutions. Learn More