Posted by The Fellows Initiative
After months of meeting and connecting with students from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI, The Patterson Foundation is pleased to welcome Hannah Saeger Karnei as the first emerging nonprofit leader to participate in its Fellows Initiative.
The Patterson Foundation’s Fellows Initiative provides graduates of the world’s first school dedicated solely to the study and teaching of philanthropy a year-long opportunity to learn innovative philanthropic principles and share their expertise. Through the exploration of The Patterson Foundation’s initiatives, Hannah will have high-value assignments in an in-depth curriculum that will afford opportunities to gain experience on an approach to philanthropy that generates lasting change and demonstrates value beyond traditional grants.
“The Patterson Foundation is thrilled that Hannah Saeger Karnei is the inaugural TPF Fellow,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Through the Fellows Initiative, both The Patterson Foundation and Hannah will be strengthened as we share wisdom, experience, and innovation.”
Hannah was selected through a competitive application process and will begin her time as a fellow after earning her Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree in May. In addition to receiving a renowned education from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, she has gained professional philanthropic experience through working as a marketing and development assistant for LifeSmart Youth in Indianapolis, a nonprofit that focuses on empowering youth to make responsible choices and adopt healthy behaviors through a variety of programs. During her time with the organization, she successfully spearheaded its first Giving Tuesday campaign.
“I’m honored to have been chosen for this opportunity to learn The Patterson Foundation’s unique approach to philanthropy through hands-on contributions to its initiatives,” said Saeger Karnei. “I look forward to applying the lessons learned during my time as a fellow to guide my future work in an effort to create real change for the people and communities I aspire to serve.”
Supporting and engaging in a variety of initiatives focused on shared aspirations, The Patterson Foundation has worked to strengthen people, organizations and communities since 2010. Through the Fellows Initiative, The Patterson Foundation aspires to build a network of future philanthropic leaders aligned in their innovative approach, which emphasizes sharing homegrown knowledge gained through working in diverse initiatives while creating platforms to learn the latest innovations for generating sustainable impact.
“Hannah exemplifies the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Laurey Stryker, former assistant commissioner of the Florida Department of Education and president of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, who is the Fellows Initiative manager for The Patterson Foundation. “I can think of no better institution to partner with as The Patterson Foundation builds a network of leaders aligned in their approach to strengthening the impact of philanthropy.”
As the vanguard of philanthropy education for more than three decades, Indiana University and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy educate and prepare students and practitioners to be thoughtful, innovative leaders who awaken generosity and inspire change. Students enrolled in its Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies degree program learn through a combination of in-depth research, study of the history, culture, and values of philanthropy and hands-on professional practice in areas such as fundraising, volunteering, and civil society.
“The Patterson Foundation’s innovative philanthropic strategy is impressive, and our first TPF Fellow will have a terrific career-building experience as part of its team,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D., the Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the school. “Similarly, The Foundation will benefit from Hannah’s fresh insights and thoughtful creativity. She is a great representative of our school, and she exemplifies the best of the philanthropic sector’s future leaders.”
Hannah will work and learn with The Patterson Foundation in Sarasota, Fla. from June 3, 2019, through May 29, 2020. Future graduates of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s master’s degree program will be eligible to apply for future cohorts of the Fellows Initiative.
For more information on the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and its programs, visit philanthropy.iupui.edu. To learn more about The Patterson Foundation, visit thepattersonfoundation.org.