Institute for Philanthropy

a photo of person or place for the testimony

“WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR”

Greetings! We’re glad for your visit to our webpage. The Institute for Philanthropy, founded in 2013 and the first of its kind in Lithuania, exists to research and promote the love and service of our neighbors and communities. We are building a research agenda with fellows and partner universities in the multidisciplinary study of the philanthropic sector. We also conduct events on campus to promote philanthropic understanding and action among students. This dual emphasis supports LCC’s desire to be a flourishing academic community rooted in Christian faith that produces graduates who serve society.

I would be glad to talk with you further about the Institute and your interests.

Dr. Andrew Williams
Director, Institute for Philanthropy

“WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR”

Greetings! We’re glad for your visit to our webpage. The Institute for Philanthropy, founded in 2013 and the first of its kind in Lithuania, exists to research and promote the love and service of our neighbors and communities. We are building a research agenda with fellows and partner universities in the multidisciplinary study of the philanthropic sector. We also conduct events on campus to promote philanthropic understanding and action among students. This dual emphasis supports LCC’s desire to be a flourishing academic community rooted in Christian faith that produces graduates who serve society.

I would be glad to talk with you further about the Institute and your interests.

Dr. Andrew Williams
Director, Institute for Philanthropy

Purpose Statement

The mission of the Institute for Philanthropy is to research and promote the love and service of our neighbors and communities.

We envision individuals and societies in which the love and service of neighbors, community, and refuge seekers—as exemplified in the parable of the Good Samaritan—are fundamental characteristics.

Research Agenda

Area 1: Philanthropia – An Academic Journal

In 2024, the Institute for Philanthropy launched an academic journal, Philanthropia, on the study of philanthropy and civil society from the perspectives of the humanities. Our first issue includes an extensive literature review of scholarship on philanthropy from 1998 to 2023, which shows the overall paucity and decline in research from disciplines such as history, philosophy, literary studies, religious studies, classical studies, theology, linguistics, anthropology, ethics, communications, rhetoric, and political theory. Philanthropia welcomes high-quality original research from any of these areas.

Area 2: Collaborative Research

The Institute for Philanthropy is currently exploring partnership possibilities with universities in Asia, Europe, and North America. In the near future, we will likely formalize collaborative research agreements with several institutions focused on the study of philanthropy.

Area 3: Independent Research

Our staff and research fellows regularly publish original research in the field of philanthropic studies. We are open to additional research fellows who align with the mission and vision of LCC and the Institute for Philanthropy.

What is philanthropy?

voluntary action intended for the public good

Philanthropy is one of the seven core distinctives of LCC. But what is philanthropy? We adopt the definition promoted by the pioneering scholar of philanthropy, Dwight Burlingame: philanthropy is “voluntary action intended for the public good.”

Working to enhance human welfare around the globe

This statement encompasses everything from informal support of one’s friend or neighbor to local organizations to billion-dollar foundations and transnational non-governmental organizations working to enhance human welfare around the globe. Burlingame’s definition also acknowledges the difficulty and messiness of work that is “intended” for good, but falls short of that goal at times.

Legacy of LCC

LCC has a rich history of voluntary action that has advanced the public good in Klaipeda, in Lithuania, and internationally. The Institute for Philanthropy is a product and steward of that legacy.

Teaching philanthropy

The Institute operates under the auspices of the International Relations and Development (IRD) department at LCC, which offers a variety of courses in philanthropy and related subjects. These courses include: