PhD Student

Megan Hillier-Geisler

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Pioneering philanthropic inquiry through folklore

Get to Know Megan

Philanthropic Studies & Folklore Researcher, Fundraiser, NPO Innovation Specialist

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    Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, PhD Student

    Megan Hillier-Geisler holds an MPA from the University of Utah, a BA in Folklore and Religious Studies, and a Nonprofit Management and Fund Development certificate from Indiana University (Bloomington). Her research interests include the application of folklore to modern fundraising, philanthropy in the private and public domains, and sports philanthropy. In her doctoral work, Megan argues that the artistic expression of folklore plays a pivotal role in our concepts of charity, deciding who deserves help, and how we express giving. She plans to further research concepts of "philklore" and "folklanthropy" that originated in her work, and study the use of personal narrative in fundraising, and explore the material culture of giving after completing her dissertation. Prior to her academic work, Megan was the Director of Innovation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Native Hoosier, Lifelong Learner

Pursuing a doctoral degree at Indiana University's IUPUI campus (which houses LFSOP) has been a homecoming for Megan. Having grown up in Indianapolis, she then worked for nonprofit organizations in Washington, DC, Salt Lake City, and managed fundraising and innovation events across the country. She loves women's soccer, Chicago Cubs baseball, and Indiana University Basketball (men's and women's). She is a kayak enthusiast, a contemporary legend junkie, and a proud Indiana University Dance Marathon alumna. Her favorite causes are:

Trinity Haven - https://www.trinityhavenindy.org/

Pink Hearts Rescue - https://www.instagram.com/pinkheartrescue/?hl=en


No Questions Asked Food Pantry - https://www.facebook.com/NoQuestionsAskedFoodPantry/

Megan currently resides in Indianapolis with her wife Alyssa and a gaggle of pets.

    Experience

    Fundraiser, Academic, Community Builder

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