Strategic Philanthropy Initiative

The SPI brings together economists and political scientists, social thinkers and NextGen philanthropists, policymakers, and NYUAD students to think about the betterment of our communities through strategic philanthropy. The partnerships built through the SPI will advance the study, reach, and effectiveness of strategic philanthropy in the UAE, the wider region, and the world and drive collective action for change on the most pressing social and environmental issues.

Mariët Westermann, Vice Chancellor

The Strategic Philanthropy Initiative (SPI) is developing an academic, convening (bringing people together to share experiences and ideas), and community-based platform to help shape, support, and champion vigorous, collaborative, and strategic practices of philanthropy in the UAE and across the GCC and broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Strategic Philanthropy Initiative at NYUAD

The SPI is designed to be a resource for all philanthropists in the region. Recognizing the different needs and access points of experienced philanthropists, next-generation philanthropists, grant recipients, students, and members of the public interested in the study and practice of philanthropy, the SPI is using three tracks of research, education, and convening to guide its work in its initial years.

SPI Tracks and Priorities

Research
Convening
Education

- Developing capacity, capabilities, and a visible platform around the academic study and active practice of strategic philanthropy
- Conducting, funding, and publishing academic and contract research that encourages interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research on philanthropy
- Strengthening data gathering and research on strategic philanthropy as a global practice, with a focus on evaluating the success of philanthropic interventions specific to the MENA region
- Promoting the development of policies that can shape more effective philanthropy in the UAE and the MENA region by addressing data gaps, fostering transparency and accountability, and encouraging a secure and enabling regulatory environment for the philanthropic sector
- Developing high-impact conferences and workshops for experienced and next-generation philanthropists
- Hosting a lecture series that generates conversation around philanthropy through a broad perspective of experiences and expertise, with a specific focus on regional relevance
- Executive Education programs for philanthropists, non-profits, and foundations based in MENA who are seeking upskilling for their staff and guidance on institution building
- Degree-granting courses for NYUAD undergraduate students taught by established and globally recognized philanthropy professionals.
- Innovative and impactful student accelerator and incubator programs
- Tapping into NYUAD’s highly qualified and motivated student population, and the broader student community in the UAE and GCC, to inspire serious education about and interest in strategic philanthropy as one pillar of civil and global society today and for the future

Events

BAM... and Then It Hit Me: A Conversation with Karen Hopkins

Date: November 2, 2022
Tour: 6:30‐8pm

Contact Us

The SPI will release its calendar of events in October 2022.

Please register below or email nyuad.SPI@nyu.edu to learn more about SPI and our upcoming initiatives.

Register your interest

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