The philanthropic sector needs more knowledge about effective ways to fund nonprofit organizations. That is why the Center for Grantmaking Research encourages the co-creation of knowledge about philanthropic funding and its impact. The center connects researchers, policymakers, professionals from charitable lotteries, nonprofit managers, fundraisers, government officials and other stakeholders.
Established in March 2021, the Center for Grantmaking Research is part of the Center for Philanthropic Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The first project studies the advantages and disadvantages of free-spending funding. This research is led by Prof. Pamala Wiepking, who holds the part-time chair "Social Significance of Charitable Lotteries" at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in addition to her position as Visiting Stead Family Chair in International Philanthropy at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The research is made possible by a generous contribution from the National Postcode Lottery. More information about the Center for Grantmaking Research can be found here.