The Sillerman Center: Informing and advancing social justice philanthropy

In a world where traditional philanthropy often prioritizes the interests of the wealthy, Social Justice Philanthropy is emerging as a more meaningful and equitable approach. This movement is transforming traditional giving by addressing root causes of social issues and empowering those most affected to create lasting, systemic change. Join the Sillerman Center as we challenge the status quo and share best practices in Social Justice Philanthropy. Together, we can reimagine philanthropy to ensure it works for all.

At the Sillerman Center:

  • 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.
Sign up to receive our emails and newsletters!

Featured News and Publications

Navigating Social Justice Philanthropy: Principles, Practices, and Investment Strategies

Social Justice Philanthropy (SJP) is an ever evolving field. As social problems propel us to an uncertain future, we are compelled to uncover and share potential ways of collectively doing better. 

Ceding Power to Seed Community Recovery

This opportunity brief explores two cases of hyper-local democratic resource allocation that enabled historically marginalized members of defined communities to make decisions about how money gets spent.

Segregation Yesterday and Today: Exploring Possibilities for Systemic Change

This report, with our colleagues at the National Collaborative for Health Equity, explores the root causes of racial segregation and its far-reaching harms and also explores efforts across the nation to realize repair and redress. 

Brandeis University Women's Soccer GiveBack 2024

Congratulations to the Brandeis Women's Soccer Team and Waltham Boys & Girls Club for another successful GiveBack! For our 4th annual GiveBack, the group selected Friends of the Children - Boston to receive a grant. 

Our Work

Plant with $100 bill wrapped around it

Projects

Our long-term ongoing projects provide learning opportunities for grantmakers and foster community building among funders, scholars and community leaders.
Sillerman folder on table

Publications

Our publications explore contemporary issues in philanthropy, provide guidance and resources to socially concerned grantmakers and illuminate equitable, democratic philanthropic practice.
Wall with "Make Good" mural painted on it

Fellowships

Each year, we select up to three eligible Heller students and help to place them in paid philanthropy-related summer internships.