Robert T. Grimm Jr.

Robert T. Grimm Jr. is a Professor of the Practice and the inaugural Levenson Family Chair in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy. As Director of the Do Good Institute, he leads a campus-wide initiative empowering students to drive social impact through programs like the Do Good Challenge and the Food Recovery Network. His work has spurred transformative partnerships, resulting in new faculty endowments, facilities like Thurgood Marshall Hall, and initiatives such as the Do Good Accelerator.

He holds a PhD from Indiana University, Bloomington, and has served in senior roles at AmeriCorps, including developing the Social Innovation Fund. His research focuses on philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and civic engagement, with notable contributions to understanding volunteerism trends and charitable behavior in the U.S.

• Affiliations: Civic Innovation Center, Do Good Institute Leadership, NASPAA Board
• Key Achievements: Founded the Food Recovery Network, launched the Do Good Challenge, and contributed to national policy through congressional testimony.

His awards include the 2021 Regents Award for Public Service Excellence and the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award from Indiana University. Grimm’s research bridges academic inquiry with practical solutions, shaping nonprofit strategies and student leadership programs.

Grants and partnerships have enabled programs addressing food waste, mental health access, and environmental conservation. The Do Good Institute’s ventures include 400 menstrual product dispensers on campus and partnerships saving millions of pounds of food annually.

Labs/Teams: Directs the Do Good Institute and collaborates with the Do Good Lab, focusing on actionable research to advance social innovation and nonprofit efficacy.