Philanthropic Foundations and Intermediary Organizations: Mapping the College Completion Agenda

• In Event: 81.018 - Who Sets the Agenda? Exploring the Role of the Courts, Intermediary Organizations, and State Regulators

Abstract

Intermediary organizations (IOs) have become influential policy actors in higher education. Yet, little is known regarding the role of philanthropic foundations in sponsoring and even launching IOs linked to systemic reform. Relying on statistical analysis, semi-structured interviews, and social network analysis, this study outlines the most central IOs within foundation-sponsored networks, documenting rationales behind this grant making strategy. Data includes 1,680 higher education directed grants, representing nearly $890m in funding for 2014. This study reveals that the most central IOs within philanthropic-sponsored networks have been linked to the college completion agenda, a powerful reform movement seeking to increase the number of postsecondary degrees nationally. Furthermore, grants flowing toward these IOs tend to focus on advocacy and policy purposes.

Author

• Nabih Haddad, Michigan State University