Elizabeth M. Gillespie

Dr. Elizabeth M. Gillespie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Public and Nonprofit Administration at the University of Memphis, where she joined in 2020. She is also an affiliate faculty member with the Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. Dr. Gillespie has established herself as a prominent researcher in nonprofit organizations and philanthropy, with a particular focus on women's philanthropy, women's grantmaking foundations, social change organizations, and nonprofit fundraising capacity. Her work bridges academic research with practical application through strong connections with the Memphis nonprofit community.

Dr. Gillespie's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (2015-2020)
• M.P.A. from Drake University (2013-2014)
• B.A. in History, with minors in French and English, from the University of Iowa (2000-2005)

Dr. Gillespie's research centers on philanthropy, women's giving, nonprofit fundraising, grantmaking foundations and funds, and feminist and social change organizations. Her work often examines nonprofit and philanthropic approaches to social change, gender equality, and public administration, incorporating feminist theories and practices. Women's philanthropy forms a central theme in her scholarship, with specific attention to women's grantmaking for economic security, empowerment-focused philanthropy through women's funds, and girls' philanthropy in educational settings. Her research seeks to enhance understanding and advance effective strategies within the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, fostering impactful social change.

Analysis of Dr. Gillespie's publication record reveals a clear trajectory focusing on women's roles in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Her work spans theoretical explorations of feminist organizations, empirical studies of women's foundations and funds, and practical applications in community settings. A notable trend is her increasing focus on intergenerational philanthropy, particularly with her 2025 publication on girls' philanthropy in girls' schools. Her research consistently connects feminist theory with organizational practice, demonstrating how women-led philanthropic organizations can drive social change while addressing gender inequities.

Through her professional activities, Dr. Gillespie bridges theory and practice in meaningful ways. She performs consultant work for nonprofits, specializing in resource development and capacity building through her role at the University of Memphis. Additionally, she writes grants for small to mid-sized nonprofits through her work with Change Granted. In 2025, she co-founded The Women's Giving Collective (WGC), a philanthropic women's giving circle dedicated to empowering women through collective giving. The WGC invests in causes that strengthen communities, transform lives, and advance gender and social equity through collaborative, values-driven philanthropy.

Dr. Gillespie serves on the boards of The Memphis Challenge, Academic Women in Public Administration, and The Arc Mid-South, demonstrating her commitment to community engagement and leadership development. Her nearly decade of prior nonprofit leadership experience, beginning at the Women's Resource and Action Center during her undergraduate studies, informs her academic work and commitment to preparing the next generation of nonprofit leaders.