Public Administration Receives $92,500 Grant from Oak Foundation to Support MPA Student

Public Administration has received a $92,500 grant from Oak Foundation to support an MPA student for 2 years as the Oak Foundation Fellow. After an extensive application process, Gary Wood Jr. became the recipient of this award. Oak Foundation commits its resources to address issues of global, social and environmental concern, particularly those that have a major impact on the lives of the disadvantaged. With offices in Europe, Africa, India and North America, Oak Foundation makes grants to organizations in approximately 40 countries worldwide.

As an Oak Foundation Fellow, Gary will be assisting with the analysis of grant applications, which may include reviewing financial documents, narrative proposals, and supplementary information. He will also be conducting background research related to a wide range of topics, along with editing documents and communicating with grantees.

“The fellowship provides experience with not only fund development but also grant writing. Fund development and grant writing are two significant areas in which are needed to have a successful nonprofit. With the experience at Oak, I am better equipped for the classes I will be taking within the MPA program. Spending time at Oak Foundation will broaden my perspective across the nonprofit area. Dealing with a variety of nonprofits who work closely with the foundation is a significant benefit.”

After the MPA program, Gary plans to become a Public Administrative Consultant. He wants to write recommendations on how to achieve goals and increase efficiencies, as well as aiming to give advice on how to increase funding for the organization or to assist in developing a policy to help the organization meet its goals.

The School of Public and International Affairs will be following alongside Gary during his fellowship journey. 

To develop principled and skilled public service professionals who fulfil leadership roles within governmental and not-for-profit organizations. North Carolina State University’s Master of Public Administration department focuses on practical and problem-solving skills and emphasizes public service values – including efficiency, effectiveness, equity and accountability.