The Sillerman Center identifies and advances grantmaking practice designed to make philanthropy more equitable, accessible, and better informed by history, research, and the life experiences of people most affected by social problems.
Our publications, events and educational programming focus on solutions and paths forward for the philanthropic sector. We highlight existing best practices in the vast and varied philanthropic landscape. We also help guide grantmakers concerned about today's complicated social challenges, but, like many of us, may feel overwhelmed.
Our work is a response to contemporary critiques of philanthropy’s inherent inequities and power imbalances. In equal measure, our work grows from the inspiring, often unseen work to change philanthropy that is being accomplished by grantmakers, grantee partners and others across the United States.
The Sillerman Center:
- Publishes and disseminates useable knowledge publications that uplift promising practice in social justice philanthropy and inform grantmakers on a range of contemporary social challenges and giving opportunities.
- Designs and delivers engaging seminars, webinars and other programming to inform social justice grantmaking and grantmaking strategies.
- Supports Heller graduate students through fellowships, dissertation awards and independent studies to ensure the field is preparing knowledgeable and socially conscious philanthropic leaders.
- Teaches courses at the Heller School to educate students in the complexities of being a grantmaker and enable students to make real-dollar grants to nonprofit organizations.
- Provides technical assistance and support to youth philanthropy organizations in Massachusetts.
- Partners with major foundations, community-based leaders and nonprofit organizations to support our peers and amplify the voice and advance the interests of social justice practitioners and philanthropists.
The Sillerman Center was established in 2008 by a generous gift from Laura and Robert Sillerman ’69.