“I was immensely fortunate to be a child of the 1960s at Brandeis where I formed a strong sense of social consciousness. Laura and I hope that this gift inspires others from our generation to make similar donations. Our generation has the responsibility to follow through on the ideals we voiced in our youth and to attempt to change the world in ways we could only imagine in the 1960s. It is our time now to give generously.”

- Robert F.X. Sillerman

THE SILLERMAN CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF PHILANTHROPY at Brandeis University is committed to strengthening and increasing philanthropy that advances social justice -- the philanthropy that can make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable groups and others disconnected from the economic and social mainstream. As an academic center, we are committed to expanding knowledge in philanthropy through education, research and knowledge-based action and influencing social policies.

Scholarship Contributing to Philanthropy

The Sillerman Center will promote new scholarship that will contribute theory, knowledge and practice to the field of philanthropy. Our faculty and staff will engage in original research on cutting edge issues in philanthropy. We will also attract students who wish to generate knowledge and become experts in philanthropy. Through the Heller School’s existing degree programs at both the doctoral and master’s level, future researchers, managers and policy analysts will be trained to advance philanthropy.

Shared Knowledge Promoting Better Decisions

The Sillerman Center was developed to share knowledge with individual philanthropists and family foundations in order to promote better grantmaking decisions. We encourage the incorporation of research and evaluation into decision-making processes. We also focus on linking philanthropists to policy to ensure their actions have widespread impacts. Just as civic engagement is important for an informed citizenry, foundation engagement in solving problems on a policy level could leverage much greater results than direct services alone.