Welcome to the school where Gen Z learns philanthropy as billionaire wealth explodes—with a 100% job placement rate

Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy offers a unique educational path for young people eager to make a difference in the world. Founded in 2012 by the Lilly Endowment, the school is the world’s first dedicated solely to the study and teaching of philanthropy. Over the past decade, enrollment has skyrocketed more than 300%, from around 50 students to roughly 230, reflecting a growing interest in careers that combine profit and purpose.

The school’s success extends beyond academic prestige. It boasts a 100% job placement rate for the past three years, outperforming even the university’s business school. This impressive statistic underscores the practical value of a philanthropy education in an era where wealth is increasingly concentrated among a wealthy elite.

As the $124 trillion Great Wealth Transfer—a transfer of baby boomer fortunes to younger generations—approaches, the role of philanthropy in shaping a more equitable society is becoming more critical.

Amid this context, Gen Z students are increasingly drawn to philanthropy as a viable career path. A survey by the Walton Family Foundation found that 79% of Gen Z participants desire a future job focused on helping others or making a positive impact. This growing interest is also reflected in their career choices. Nearly 44% of Gen Z have left jobs they felt lacked purpose, while 40% have rejected job offers from employers that didn’t align with their values.

Educators at the Lilly Family School emphasize that philanthropy offers more than just a meaningful career—it also comes with financial stability. Nearly two-thirds of nonprofit workers earn more than $75,000 annually, often surpassing the average U.S. salary. Fortune 500 companies offering philanthropy-related roles can pay well into the six-figure range.

For instance, Walmart advertised a grant manager role paying up to $180,000, while a Microsoft position offered compensation of up to $275,000 for a community affairs role.

Patrick Lindenmeyer, a 34-year-old financial services professional, took a unique path into the world of philanthropy. After nearly 17 years in the industry, he decided to leave his lucrative job and pursue a master’s degree in philanthropy. Lindenmeyer’s previous experience in financial services provided him with valuable technical skills for structuring assets and leveraging impact. However, it was the school’s focus on the “why” behind philanthropy that truly resonated with him.

The Lilly Family School offers a variety of courses that equip students with the skills needed to make a tangible difference. One such course involved deciding how to distribute a real $10,000 grant. Traina and her classmates worked together to allocate the funds, applying what they had learned about storytelling for social change and the history of philanthropy.

Traina’s goal is to work in impact evaluation, helping nonprofits measure the effectiveness of their programs. She hopes to contribute to a society where less people suffer and have basic human needs met.

In conclusion, Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is at the forefront of a global movement that recognizes the importance of philanthropy in addressing societal challenges. As wealth continues to shift from older generations to younger ones, the demand for professionals equipped to navigate the complexities of philanthropy will only grow.

With its impressive job placement rate, competitive salaries, and focus on purpose-driven careers, the school is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of philanthropic leaders.