Education for Philanthropy Professionals
Applications Now Open For FALL 2026
November 9 - 13, 2026 on Stanford campus, November 18 - 19, 2026 course continues online
About The Program
The Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative (EPLI) at the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS) is pleased to offer Education for Philanthropy Professionals, an executive-style learning program with one week on Stanford campus, followed by four virtual days. The program is taught by experienced Stanford faculty and staff and includes notable guest speakers with expertise in philanthropic scholarship and practice. Cohort sizes are limited to ensure in-depth learning and effective networking with peers.
Stanford PACS Education for Philanthropy Professionals on April 23 2025. Photography by: Christine Baker
Fall 2026 Dates
In person
November 9 -13, 2026, on Stanford campus
Enjoy learning and networking with peer leaders in person on the beautiful Stanford University campus.
Virtual
November 5, 2026 Virtual Pre-Session
November 18 -19, 2026
Continue your learning with engaging speakers and virtual workshops.
Certificate Awarded
Certificate of Effective Philanthropy awarded upon completion of the course.
Stanford PACS Education for Philanthropy Professionals on April 23 2025. Photography by: Christine Baker
Alumni Testimonials
“The Stanford PACS program was incredible and is by far the most treasured educational experience I’ve had in connection with my work in philanthropy. It was extremely comprehensive in scope but efficient, with no wasted topics or moments. I found the staff, instructors, and guest lecturers to be particularly engaging and expert, and I left much more aware of the philanthropic water we all swim in. The program gave me concrete skills and tactics to use in my work, and I loved the diverse group of high performing philanthropists I met as fellow participants.”
“I’m glad I took this course eight years into my career in philanthropy; I also wish I had taken it eight months in.”
“Professionals who are new to the philanthropic sector, transitioning from other fields, or have years of experience in this space, will find this course tremendously valuable.”
“I found the EPP curriculum compelling and comprehensive, covering everything from systems and strategy to the history of philanthropy and contemporary trends. The cohort included an impressive international group and the participants’ varied and unique perspectives helped to reinforce course materials and make for robust discussions. I would highly recommend the EPP course to any philanthropy professionals interested in an executive style learning program.”
Stanford PACS Education for Philanthropy Professionals on April 23 2025. Photography by: Christine Baker
What The Course Will Cover
- Donors’ values and focus areas for giving
- Social problems, their causes, and strategies for solutions
- Historical and societal contexts of philanthropy
- Contemporary trends in philanthropic practice
- Relationship-, community-, and trust-building
- Strategies for governance and managing family dynamics
- Governance and vehicles for structuring gifts
- Causes such as racial justice, democratic institutions, and global giving
Past Speakers April 2026
Madeleine Alegria, Head of Philanthropy Research, Giving Compass
Bronwyn Bevan, Vice President, Research, The Wallace Foundation
Ashley Blanchard, Philanthropy Practice Leader, Lansberg Gersick & Associates (LGA), NCFP Chair
Lydia Bransten, Executive Director, The Gubbio Project
Paul Brest, Professor, Stanford Law School, former president of the Hewlett Foundation, and co-author of “Money Well Spent: A Strategic Guide to Smart Philanthropy”
Angie Chen, Executive Director, Skyline Foundation.
Rhodri Davies, Founder and Director, Why Philanthropy Matters, Pears Research Fellow in the Center for Philanthropy at the University of Kent, and host of the podcast “Philanthropisms.”
Jason Elliott, President, Versus Solutions. Former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of the State of California.
Stacey Faella, Executive Director, The Woodcock Foundation, and Board Member, NCFP
Sam Mar– former Executive Vice President, Energy, Elections & Explorations, Arnold Ventures
Micah McElroy– Co-director, Project on Private Wealth and the Public Good. Former Associate Director of Research, Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative
Vera Michalchik, Director, Philanthropy Research and Education, Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative; Senior Research Scholar, Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
Ben Soskis– Senior Research Associate, The Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy, The Urban Institute.
Nick Tedesco– President, National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP)
Eric Weingartner– President and CEO, The Overbrook Foundation
Irene Wong– CEO, Palo Alto Community Foundation
Policies and Procedures (FAQ)
Application and Eligibility:
The application form is designed to assure a fit between participants and program offerings, with priority given to professionals who best meet the program’s criteria for who should attend (see section above). Accepted applicants will receive notification by April 5th, 2026.
Stanford is committed to providing equal educational opportunities for disabled students. Disabled students are a valued and essential part of the Stanford community. We welcome you to our class.
Acceptance and Registration:
Once accepted, you will be asked to register for the course and be provided further information regarding program fees.
Program Fees
The program fees include tuition, course materials, and additional resources. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the in-person sessions. Travel and lodging are not included. Lodging on Stanford campus at the Stanford Guest House is available for the first ten interested accepted participants; rates are nearly half the price of local, comparable hotels.
Please note that program specifics, particularly regarding faculty and session topics, are subject to change.