August 28, 2025
SIU’s Simon Institute to host virtual talk with philanthropy expert Sept. 3
CARBONDALE, Ill. — David Callahan, founder and editor of Inside Philanthropy, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual conversation on Wednesday, Sept. 3, about the challenges and opportunities confronting philanthropy during this turbulent time in the United States.
Callahan and John Shaw, institute director, will discuss Callahan’s career in journalism and public policy, along with Callahan’s assessment of how the philanthropic community should respond to current political, social and economic circumstances.
The discussion via Zoom begins at noon and is free and open to the public, but registration to view the conversation is required. The event is part of the institute’s “Understanding Our New World” discussion series. Visit paulsimoninstitute.org/events to register.
Callahan has an undergraduate degree from Hampshire College and a doctorate from Princeton University. He co-founded Demos, a national think tank, was a scholar at The Century Foundation, and was the managing editor of The American Prospect. He is the author of several books including, “The Givers: Wealth, Power, and Philanthropy in a New Gilded Age.”
"David Callahan has a remarkably nuanced perspective about the role of philanthropy in American life. He understands the extraordinary power and reach of philanthropy and its limitations to shape public policy,” Shaw said. “We look forward to hearing his views on how philanthropy can move into areas and shape programs when the federal government departs or scales back.”
Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Callahan on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu.
More information, including a list of the institute’s upcoming events and past speakers and events, is available.