Can Indianapolis Be the Nation’s Capital of New-Generation Philanthropy?

Indianapolis – The transcript of Hudson Institute’s Ideas in Indiana event, “Can Indianapolis Be the Nation’s Capital of New-Generation Philanthropy?” is now available at: http://www.hudson.org/publications/ideas_in_indiana.pdf

At this July 31st Ideas in Indiana event, co-sponsored by Smith Weaver Smith, leading Indiana businesspeople, philanthropists, and concerned citizens considered Indiana’s position as a philanthropic leader from viewpoints ranging from economic development to social progress. Attendees heard from Paul M. Brooks of The Helixx Group, whose cutting-edge ideas on the formation of a “civic capital market” are influencing philanthropic decision-making across the nation; from Barbara Weaver Smith, former president of the Indiana Humanities Council and co-founder of SWS, a firm devoted to incubating social ventures in Indiana communities; and from Eugene R. Tempel, Executive Director of The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, one of the key institutions that allows Indianapolis to aspire to national leadership in philanthropy.

Ideas in Indiana events are designed to go beyond short-term entertainment and to “seed” ideas for lasting impact. This event followed luncheon presentations with a focused and moderated discussion. Considered in the discussion were specific obstacles and opportunities that will determine whether Indianapolis can become a capital of philanthropy in the way that it is a capital of amateur sports. The discussion group included leaders of an Indianapolis initiative working towards the goal of placing Indianapolis at the forefront of American cities in the philanthropy “industry.”

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