- We create accessible publications that guide funding in social justice areas and explore just, socially responsible philanthropic practice.
- We design and host free educational programming, webinars, strategy sessions and other gatherings for funders, their advisors and nonprofit leaders.
- We teach courses, fund fellowships, mentor students and host guest speakers for the Heller-Brandeis community.
- We collaborate with numerous community-based groups, university-based philanthropy centers, social justice funders and national networks to build strategy, co-sponsor events and long-term projects and to support and learn from each other’s work.
Social Justice Giving Circles
On October 6th, 13th, and 20th of 2020, the Sillerman Center hosted a series of Social Justice Giving Circles for Heller faculty, staff and students. Collectively, Circle members made $15,000 in grants to local nonprofit organizations.The Faculty Giving Circle gave a $5,000 grant to Massachusetts Communities Action Network, the Student Giving Circle gave a $5,000 grant to Community Change Inc., and the Staff Giving Circle gave a $5,000 grant to Boston Area Gleaners. Congratulations to all giving circle participants and grant recipients!
New Report: A Steady Habit of Segregation: The Origins and Continuing Harms of Separate and Unequal Housing and Public Schools in Metropolitan Hartford, Connecticut
This report represents a collaboration with several nonprofit partners. It includes recommendations for grantmakers and policymakers who aspire to redress and reduce racial and economic segregation in housing and public schools. We hope this provides a useful model for similar studies in other metropolitan areas.
New Report: Inhabiting Change: Roles for Philanthropy in Reducing and Redressing Housing Segregation
We are pleased to announce the release of “Inhabiting Change: Roles for Philanthropy in Reducing and Redressing Housing Segregation” a report that provides the historical and policy context to inform funding for nonprofit organizations working to redress and reduce housing segregation.
New Report: Community-Centric Youth Philanthropy: A Case Study of Greater Worcester Community Foundation's Youth for Community Improvement Program
We are pleased to announce the release of "Community-Centric Youth Philanthropy: A Case Study of Greater Worcester Community Foundation's Youth for Community Improvement Program." This case study aims to demonstrate how youth philanthropy can be an avenue to democratize philanthropy while it simultaneously benefits young people.
Projects
Our long-term ongoing projects provide learning opportunities for grantmakers and foster community building among funders, scholars and community leaders.
Publications
Our publications explore contemporary issues in philanthropy, provide guidance and resources to socially concerned grantmakers and illuminate equitable, democratic philanthropic practice.
Fellowships
Each year, we select up to three eligible Heller students and help to place them in paid philanthropy-related summer internships.