The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy has announced a gift from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to establish a faculty chair focused on community foundations.

Created to commemorate the centennial of the first community foundation in the United States, the first such academic chair in the country will elevate the level of research in the field, provide insights that  further improve the work of community foundations, and incorporate new knowledge into practice for community foundation professionals and volunteers. The holder of the chair will teach and conduct research at the school, serve as a public scholar, and help boost the impact of community foundations in the U.S. and around the globe.

"Since 1979, Mott has granted more than $150 million to encourage the development of community foundations in the United States as well as globally," said Neal Hegarty, vice president of programs at the Mott Foundation. "It is fitting that we honor this legacy — and the centennial celebration of community foundations — by establishing a base of pooled talent, intellect, and leadership for the field at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy."

"This is an ideal way to honor the invaluable role community foundations play in communities and to help ensure their success in enhancing communities for generations to come," said Gene Tempel, founding dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. "The research and education generated as a result of this gift will equip community foundation leaders, staff and board members with increased knowledge and innovations to enrich and strengthen the myriad ways they serve their communities."