For release: May 12, 2011
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

The University of Memphis has established the Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (IPNL) in its Division of Public and Nonprofit Administration. The launch will be marked with a breakfast and overview of the Institute on Thursday, May 19, at 8:30 a.m. in the University Center Fountain View Room.

To make reservations for the event, call 901-678-4395 or email ipnl@memphis.edu. There is no charge to attend.

The IPNL is housed under the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy in the College of Arts & Sciences. The Institute will serve as a point of entry for the nonprofit community to collaborate with U of M faculty and students.         

The mission of the IPNL is to promote philanthropy, advance nonprofit leadership practice and strengthen the nonprofit sector through education and research. The Institute will house partnerships that advance and support local nonprofits.

 “The vision for the Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership is to develop a deeper understanding of the forces affecting strategic decision making in our local nonprofit organizations,” said Susan Tomlinson Schmidt, IPNL executive director. “We want the nonprofit community to see the Institute as a point of entry for connecting to the University.”  

Current research projects include organizational strategies in times of economic uncertainty, the role of volunteers in funding decision-making, and how government funding can help with fundraising.

“The Institute will be a great resource for the nonprofit community,” said Dr. Leigh N. Hersey, IPNL director of research. “I am particularly excited about the research aspect. Our projects are relevant and responsive to the Mid-South. We look for opportunities to engage nonprofit partners in the research process to build theory as well as inform nonprofit decision-makers.”

More information is available at www.memphis.edu/ipnl.