Lehn Benjamin

Lehn Benjamin is an Associate Professor of Philanthropic Studies and Affiliate Faculty at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Indianapolis. His work focuses on addressing inequity through nonprofit practices, public policy, and community development. He previously served on the faculty at George Mason University and held roles in South Africa, the U.S. Senate, and the Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund.

Education: PhD in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University; MRP in City and Regional Planning from Cornell; BA in Speech Communication (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Minnesota.

Research interests include nonprofit impact evaluation, beneficiary agency, and how accountability requirements shape organizational practices. Notable publications explore client-citizen dynamics, co-production in nonprofits, and systemic inequities. His work bridges academic theory with real-world policy, emphasizing grassroots perspectives.

Recipient of multiple best article awards from leading nonprofit research organizations. His courses include qualitative methods, nonprofit management, and community collaboration strategies.

Advising focuses on doctoral students in philanthropy and public administration. Active in Lilly Family School of Philanthropy initiatives and affiliated with IU’s urban planning networks.