Building Indiana’s talent pipeline of senior professionals and board members within foundations and corporate giving programs.
Applications are open until October 31, 2025, for the 2026 Mutz Institute.
The John Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute identifies and develops transformational philanthropic leaders in Indiana. This cohort-based program provides a continuing education experience that prepares future leaders for board and executive roles at foundations and corporations serving communities across Indiana. With each Mutz Institute cohort, we aim to:
- Bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to the existing philanthropic community.
- Support emerging philanthropic leaders through educational and professional development.
- Elevate Indiana’s philanthropic field.
- Create a network representative of Indiana's diverse communities.
Mutz was instrumental in launching my career in philanthropy.
This institute has changed my life.
These new relationships are invaluable.
One of the best personal and professional experiences I have engaged.
An opportunity to be in the room with diverse thinkers and change-makers.
We are making life-changing connections!
The opportunity to learn from and collaborate with smart, thoughtful leaders from around the state was transformative.
The relationships that you build are amazing and career-altering.
What you thought about philanthropy before will be enriched and broadened.
A rare opportunity to build relations with leaders across the philanthropic spectrum.
I feel more prepared to make a larger impact.
Equipped me to be a better grantmaker.
A valuable investment for personal and organizational growth.
Highlights
- Face time with some of the most influential people in the state and across the nation, including those in economic development, community development, business, higher education, nonprofits, and politics.
- Real-talk on media pitches from Indianapolis Business Journal, IndyStar, Axios, Western Wayne News, Franklin College School of Journalism, and VOX Global.
- Big idea talks with CivicLab, Mission Investment Exchange, IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, AmPhil, Locus Lab, and Monitor Institute.
- Experts shed light on systems change, trust-based philanthropy, being data informed, impact investing, corporate social responsibility, and environment, social, and governance (ESG).
Support Future Participants
Financial constraints should not be barriers for participants. In collaboration with The Putnam County Community Foundation, Mutz Alums established an endowment for future participants. Please contribute today to ensure equitable access for decades to come at www.pcfoundation.org/donate-mutz.
About John Mutz
Born in Indianapolis, John M. Mutz is a graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in advertising and business management. He had a long career in business, including managing a chain of restaurants and serving as president of PSI Energy (now Duke Energy). Elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1967 and to the state Senate in 1970, he was instrumental in introducing the set of legislative reforms that came to be known as Unigov, the creation of IUPUI and the White River Park Commission, among others. From 1980-1988, he served as the 45th Lieutenant Governor, serving under Governor Robert D. Orr. Mutz later served as president of Lilly Endowment Inc. and chairman of the Lumina Foundation board of directors.