Illuminating Love and Purpose through Philanthropic Psychology

In March 2026, Professor Jen Shang joined Tim Sarrantonio and Kerrin Mitchell on the Untapped Philanthropy podcast for a heartfelt conversation about how Philanthropic Psychology can uncover hidden insights within our understanding of family foundations. 

Tim’s journey with philanthropic psychology began several years ago when he completed the Institute’s Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology. That experience transformed how he viewed giving — no longer as a transaction, but as a reflection of identity and love. Reflecting on its impact, Tim shared, “I can say with absolute confidence that I would not be on the path toward a much happier and healthier life without her in it.” 

Jen was deeply moved by Tim’s words, humbled to have played a part in his journey of discovery and growth. 

What Is Philanthropic Psychology? 

 At its heart, philanthropic psychology is the scientific study of how people love. It’s a field that invites us to look beyond the “how much” of giving and into the “who” — who we are when we give, and who we become through giving. 

As Jen explains,  “For me, the concept of identity, love, and psychological well-being are central to fundraising. These concepts were not properly defined, researched, taught, or practiced when I entered the field of fundraising some 20 years ago.” 

Philanthropic psychology challenges us to see giving not as a duty, but as an act of self-expression that can uplift both giver and receiver. It offers us an extraordinary opportunity: to enhance people’s psychological well-being through love in action. 

Seeing the Whole Person in Family Foundations 

When we apply these ideas to family foundations, a fascinating question arises: What might we be missing if we only focus on funding outcomes and their associated strategies and tactics? 

Every foundation is made up of individuals: people with rich histories, values, and family identities. They are parents, children, grandparents, and siblings, each bringing their whole selves to the table. When we explore these identities alongside professional roles, we begin to see the vibrant human connections that drive philanthropy at its best. 

Recent research with our partner Instrumentl revealed that authenticity — the ability to live and give from one’s true self — varies widely across philanthropic environments. In some spaces, people feel truly seen and valued. In others, they feel invisible. 

Jen reminds us that the difference often lies in the questions we choose to ask. “We only see the more human side of family foundations when we ask questions about identity,” she says. This is especially the case if our questions are driven by a genuine loving curiosity about who they are. By shining light on those deeper human layers, we open the door to more compassionate, cohesive, and authentic partnerships. 

Creating Space for Love and Connection 

Instead of focusing solely on generating action, Jen encourages us to create space — space to listen, to connect, and to nurture genuine love. 

“The only thing I’ve learned that can’t be forced is genuine love,” she reflects. “It can’t be bought, made, or persuaded — people either want to love, or they don’t.” 

For those who choose love, science and education can help it flourish. Jen’s mission is to help people rediscover their most beautiful sense of self and to bring that same compassion into their philanthropic work. Every interaction between donors, foundations, and partners can become an opportunity to make someone feel seen, heard, and loved. 

Learning and Living Philanthropic Psychology 

The concepts of identity, love and psychological wellbeing have emerged out of 15 years of research, where Jen has explored more than 500 concepts as drivers of giving. These three concepts of identity, love, and psychological wellbeing kept coming up across different types of donors; mass to major, new to recurring. They came up in terms of predicting behaviour intentions as well as in actual behaviour, especially around retention. All of this combined research has suggested these are the most important concepts to focus on. 

Through the Institute’s four- and eight-week courses, participants explore these ideas in a safe, reflective environment — learning not only how to apply them in their work but also in their own lives. Many describe profound personal transformation: seeing their families with fresh empathy, finding healing in times of loss, or deepening bonds in everyday relationships. 

When people integrate these principles personally, they bring new authenticity to their professional roles — and that authenticity becomes a gift that ripples outward to others. Donors are amongst the most important beneficiaries of their learning. 

To learn more about the courses and listen to the full conversation with Tim, Kerrin, and Jen, please use the links below: 

Course: Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology 

Podcast: Why People Give: Identity, Love, and the Psychology of Philanthropy with Jen Shang