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Tyrone McKinley Freeman

Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies, Indiana University

Tyrone McKinley Freeman is an associate professor of philanthropic studies and the director of undergraduate programs at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

In 2022, he won the Dan David Prize, "the largest history prize in the world" for his work centering philanthropy in marginalized communities. That prestigious honor followed the publication of his book, "Madam C.J. Walker's Gospel of Giving: Black Women's Philanthropy during Jim Crow," (University of Illinois Press 2020). His research focuses on African American philanthropy in historical and contemporary contexts, the history of philanthropy, and philanthropy and fundraising in higher education. He is the co-author of "Race, Gender and Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations" (Palgrave Macmillan 2011).

His work has appeared or been cited in the New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, TIME, Harvard Business Review, Stanford Social Innovation Review, HistPhil, Chronicle of Philanthropy, and Black Perspectives.

Previously, he served as a fundraiser for community development, youth social service and higher education organizations. He also served as the associate director of The Fund Raising School where he trained fundraising and nonprofit professionals across the United States and in Asia, Africa, and Europe. He earned a bachelor's degree in English/liberal arts from Lincoln University (PA), a master's degree in urban and regional planning from Ball State University, a master's degree in adult education from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in philanthropic studies from Indiana University.

Experience

  • –present
    Assistant Professor of Philanthropic Studies, Director of Undergraduate Programs, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis