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

Interested in Working with the SPI?

We are currently recruiting for an Executive and Research Director and Manager.

Highlights from Our Events and Programs

Antonios Vouloudis of NYU Abu Dhabi, Laila Mostafa Abdullatif of Emirates Nature – WWF, and Ayla Bajwa of DP World

Climate Philanthropy Forum | Strategic Philanthropy in Climate Change Solutions

On October 16, 2023, the Strategic Philanthropy Initiative (SPI) at NYUAD, in collaboration with The Pearl Initiative and Circle, hosted the Climate Philanthropy Forum in Abu Dhabi. The forum brought together philanthropic leaders and experts from various sectors to discuss the crucial role of philanthropy in combating climate change. The event featured a high-level panel discussion with Laila Mostafa Abdullatif of Emirates Nature – WWF and Ayla Bajwa of DP World, moderated by Antonios Vouloudis of NYU Abu Dhabi. The panel explored strategies for effective climate change mitigation funding. After the panel, attendees participated in expert-facilitated workshops on specialized climate-related topics, hosted by organizations like AVPN, Dalberg, Global Ventures, and NYU faculty, aiming to provide practical insights and solutions for climate philanthropy.
Panelists: H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Badr Jafar, John McCaffrey, Mariët Westermann, Nandan Nilekani, Rohini Nilekani, and Shoshana Stewart

Panel on Effective Philanthropy: Strategies for Sustained Impact

On November 29, 2022, the Strategic Philanthropy Initiative (SPI) at NYU Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Pearl Initiative’s Governance in Philanthropy programme, held an in-person interactive panel discussion at NYU Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The event featured a distinguished panel of philanthropic leaders from the Gulf region and South Asia, including H.E. Huda I. Alkhamis-Kanoo, Badr Jafar, John McCaffrey, Mariët Westermann, Nandan Nilekani, Rohini Nilekani, and Shoshana Stewart. The discussion delved into the significance of strategic philanthropy and the optimization of philanthropic resources for social impact. Panelists, with entrepreneurial backgrounds, explored the idea of treating philanthropic capital as risk capital and social investments while sharing strategies and approaches for achieving sustainable and scalable philanthropic impact.
Group picture from Strategic Philanthropy and Altruism Conference 2022 (SPAC).

Strategic Philanthropy and Altruism Conference 2022 (SPAC)

In April 2022, the Strategic Philanthropy Initiative joined forces with Effective Altruism at NYU Abu Dhabi to successfully host the 2022 Strategic Philanthropy and Altruism Conference (SPAC) at NYU Abu Dhabi. This two-day event served as a workathon designed to enhance awareness and practice of effective philanthropy among university students from both NYUAD and the American University of Sharjah. The conference featured informative workshops on effective philanthropy, networking opportunities, and an engaging competition, all led by representatives from the Strategic Philanthropy Initiative and professionals in the UAE and MENA region who embraced the principles of effective altruism.

Contact Us

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

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Strategic Philanthropy Initiative

SPI Tracks and Priorities

Interested in Working with the SPI?

Highlights from Our Events and Programs

Climate Philanthropy Forum | Strategic Philanthropy in Climate Change Solutions

Panel on Effective Philanthropy: Strategies for Sustained Impact

Strategic Philanthropy and Altruism Conference 2022 (SPAC)

Contact Us

Register Your Interest