ABOUT SPIF

The Summer Public Interest Fund (SPIF) was established at Wharton in 1998. This venture helps members of each class pursue summer internships in the public interest sector by supplementing the salaries that they earn from their employers. The program has supported students exploring careers in diverse fields such as international development, environmental protection, and urban public education. Students must apply for funding and are screened on the criteria of potential impact and commitment. Prior to the launch of SPIF, Wharton students found it almost impossible to pursue opportunities in the public sector during the summer because most public interest organizations typically are unable to adequately offset the opportunity cost of MBA-level employees.

How is the program funded?

The success and scope of the program depends almost entirely on the support and generosity of the Wharton student body. SPIF is financed by students who voluntarily pledge 1% - 2% of their gross salary from summer employment. While student contributions are the primary source of funding, SPIF also works to secure donations from interested Wharton alumni.

Why should I donate money?

• Support organizations that seek to tackle pressing social issues including education, poverty, and healthcare

• Encourage classmates who have forgone lucrative summer internships in favor of nonprofit work

• Empower our classmates to serve as ambassadors for the Wharton brand

• Compete with other leading business schools, including Harvard, Yale and Stanford, that have successfully established similar funds to support exploring careers in public interest through summer internships

• 1% of your summer salary amounts to four hours of your time – and donations are tax deductible

How will the money be allocated?

The administration of the fund and disbursement of grants is overseen by a committee composed of faculty members and second-year students. Students requesting funding must submit an application detailing their project, the host organization, how their MBA skills are important to the host organization, the benefit that will result from the internship, and all sources of potential summer income. The Evaluation Committee determines the amount of funding to provide to successful applicants by considering all summer funding sources and will supplement a students’ summer salary up to a total summer income of $8,500. Historically, SPIF grants have averaged between $2,000 and $3,000.The Evaluation Committee will be composed of at least four members of the Wharton community.

How do I make a pledge?

Donors may pay now or pledge their donations for collection in the fall of 2006 through the following channels:

• WGA Store

• Through your cohort community service representative

• In the MBA Café during lunch hours (April 17 – 21 only)

Pledge your support now

Your donation is tax deductible. Checks can be made to “WGA – Summer Public Interest Fund”.

Thank you for your support!

See FAQs for more information about SPIF.