Jonathan Hannah

Jonathan Hannah is Director of AmPhil’s Center for Civil Society. He previously worked as a policy analyst in Washington, D.C., has been an instructor at the Lewis University College of Business, and teaches a course on philanthropy and the common good at the University of Notre Dame’s College of Arts & Letters.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University, a master’s degree from Lewis University, a juris doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy, and an LL.M. from the Notre Dame Law School.


foundations and grants
Fundraising when times are bad: foundations and grants

Worried about shrinking foundation endowments? That’s going to happen during a recession, but that doesn’t mean you should pull back.

philanthropy students
How higher education development offices can instill philanthropy on campus

Colleges and universities can foster a culture of philanthropy on campus by engaging students in the development efforts.


privacy is important
Why donor privacy is important

As Americans, regardless of our own political beliefs, we should demand that our government and courts interpret our First Amendment rights broadly. The Bonta case is a great example of this tradition.

privacy is important
Why donor privacy is important

As Americans, regardless of our own political beliefs, we should demand that our government and courts interpret our First Amendment rights broadly. The Bonta case is a great example of this tradition.


corporate philanthropy
How small businesses and nonprofits can strengthen civil society

Business leaders may not agree on whether they have a social responsibility to “give back,” but there is plenty of data to suggest that it improves employee satisfaction. Here are a few ways businesses can support civil society.

national parks
Can philanthropy save our national parks?

Our national parks are one of our nation’s greatest treasures, but they need caring for. Private philanthropy can help.


What Malcolm Gladwell gets wrong (and right) about university endowments

Malcolm Gladwell’s critique of university endowments is not misguided, but it fails to ask some key questions.

Lawmakers should make donor-advised funds more appealing, not less

Efforts to legislate philanthropy should focus on making charitable giving benefits accessible to more Americans—not more complicated and less accessible.


A more equitable charitable tax policy

In 2020 and 2021, all taxpayers will be able to take a $300 above-the-line deduction. This is good, but there is room to expand the policy to the benefit of taxpayers and their communities.

A tax policy for the common good: renew the CARES Act’s charitable tax deduction permanently

The 2020 CARES Act offered average taxpayers a $300 above-the-line charitable deduction. This should be extended permanently, for the sake of the common good.