The Importance of Philanthropy

01 Jun 2018

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Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends over many years, HBS is fortunate to have an endowment that provides a foundation of support for core priorities. However, contrary to popular belief, the endowment does not cover all our financial needs. Annual giving to the HBS Fund for Leadership and Innovation has become an increasingly important component of the School’s economic model.

Why Give Annually?

“Giving annually to the HBS Fund is THE way for all alumni to directly and immediately support the School in delivering on its mission to educate leaders who make a difference in the world.”

Ashley Garrett and Alan K. “AJ” Jones (both MBA 1987), HBS Fund Chairs

When you make a gift to the HBS Fund—in any amount—you decide where your support goes. You can direct your gift to student financial aid, educational innovation, pathbreaking research, global understanding, HBS-Harvard collaborations, or wherever needed most.

Examples of donor Impact

Enabling New Modes of Learning

FIELD (Field Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development): Introduced in the MBA Program in 2011, the required FIELD course gives first-year students the opportunity to translate the knowing they gain in the classroom into the doing and being of leadership.

83%

of Harvard University students have engaged with the i-lab since it opened.

83%

of Harvard University students have engaged with the i-lab since it opened.

Spurring Entrepreneurial Thinking

Harvard Innovation Labs: What began in 2011 with the opening of the i-lab in Batten Hall has blossomed into an innovation ecosystem of programs and facilities well situated on Harvard’s expanding campus in Allston.

Reaching New Audiences

HBX: Launched in 2014, the School’s online platform has brought the distinctive features of the HBS classroom—real-world cases and problem solving, active learning, and peer engagement—to a worldwide audience, numbering more than 25,000 learners to date.

48%

of new field cases published in FY17 are globally oriented.

48%

of new field cases published in FY17 are globally oriented.

Expanding Global Understanding

Regional Research Centers and Offices: This global network in 14 cities helps HBS faculty develop new cases and courses and facilitates opportunities for students and faculty members to gain firsthand exposure to new ideas and business practices around the world.

Featured Alumni

Ashley Garrett

MBA 1987, Section F

AJ Jones

MBA 1987, Section F

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