The study-abroad program from May 20-31 under the auspices of Pamala Wiepking from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy provides students with a firsthand learning experience in philanthropy from a comparative European perspective. Participating students will have the opportunity to learn from Dutch and German professors, researchers, policy-makers, and leaders from the nonprofit sector.

The program also includes visits to state and federal agencies, local nonprofit organizations, think tanks, and philanthropic foundations. The Netherlands has the largest nonprofit sector in the world, closely followed by Germany. These two countries provide relevant comparative perspectives on philanthropy and public provisions because most basic needs are met through extensive social welfare policies, thus leaving philanthropic organizations to concentrate on addressing needs that are considered not being served as primary public goods and services.