Do Good Institute

Do Good Institute. An academic center at the University of Maryland, College Park dedicated to advancing social innovation, nonprofit leadership, and civic engagement. Founded in 2017 with a transformative gift from alumnus Robert H. Smith, it operates within the University of Maryland School of Public Policy and the A. James Clark School of Engineering. The institute's core mission is to equip students with the skills and mindset to create positive social change through experiential learning, rigorous research, and cross-sector collaboration.

History and mission

The institute was formally established in 2017 following a major philanthropic commitment from real estate developer and philanthropist Robert H. Smith, a prominent alumnus of the University of Maryland, College Park. Its creation built upon the legacy of the earlier Do Good Campus initiative, which sought to embed a culture of service across the university. The founding director was Robert T. Grimm Jr., a scholar of philanthropy and nonprofit management. The institute's mission is explicitly tied to the land-grant university's public service mandate, aiming to cultivate the next generation of leaders for the social sector. It seeks to translate academic theory into practical action, addressing complex challenges from poverty and inequality to environmental sustainability and public health.

Academic programs and initiatives

The institute oversees a comprehensive curriculum, including a minor in Nonprofit Management and Social Enterprise and a graduate certificate program. Signature experiential programs include the Do Good Challenge, a university-wide competition for student-led social ventures that awards significant funding, and the Social Innovation Fellows program, which provides intensive mentorship and seed funding. Students gain hands-on experience through the Do Good Accelerator, which supports early-stage social impact projects. Courses often involve collaboration with the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and the Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The institute also manages the Do Good Fund, a student-run philanthropic fund that makes grants to local nonprofit organizations.

Research and impact

Faculty and affiliated scholars conduct research on effective philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and the measurement of social impact. Key research initiatives have examined trends in millennial giving, the scalability of social innovations, and the role of technology in civic engagement. The institute's impact is measured through the growth and funding of student ventures, such as those competing in the Do Good Challenge, which have collectively raised millions of dollars and affected thousands of lives. It also studies broader patterns in the nonprofit sector, contributing to academic fields like public administration and social work. The institute frequently publishes case studies and reports that inform practitioners at organizations like the United Way and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Partnerships and collaborations

The institute maintains robust partnerships across the university, including with the School of Public Health, the College of Arts and Humanities, and the Office of Community Engagement. Externally, it collaborates with a wide network of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and private foundations in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and beyond. Key partners have included The Washington Post, Capital One, and the Meyer Foundation. These collaborations provide students with internship opportunities, project sponsorships, and access to professional networks. The institute also co-hosts events with entities like the Aspen Institute and participates in global networks of social innovation educators.

Leadership and organization

The institute is led by an executive director and reports administratively through the University of Maryland School of Public Policy. It is guided by a faculty steering committee with representatives from multiple colleges and an external advisory board composed of leaders from the social sector, business, and government. Notable figures who have served on its board or as guest speakers include former U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski and executives from Google and the American Red Cross. The institute's physical home is in the Stamp Student Union, a central hub for student activity at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Category:University of Maryland, College Park Category:Nonprofit organizations based in Maryland Category:Educational institutions established in 2017