Tyrone McKinley Freeman is assistant professor of philanthropic studies and the director of undergraduate programs at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Previously, he served as a fundraiser for community development, youth social service and higher education organizations. He also served as the associate director of The Fund Raising School where he trained fundraising and nonprofit professionals across the United States and in Asia, Africa, and Europe. His research focuses on African American philanthropy in historical and contemporary contexts, the history of philanthropy, and philanthropy and fundraising in higher education. He is currently writing a book about Madam C.J. Walker and African American philanthropy during the early Jim Crow era.

His writings have appeared in the International Journal of Educational Advancement, Achieving Excellence in Fundraising, 3rd and 4th Editions, and Advancing Philanthropy. He is the co-author of Race, Gender and Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2011. He earned a bachelor's degree in English/liberal arts from Lincoln University, a master's degree in urban and regional planning from Ball State University, a master's degree in adult education from Indiana University, and a doctorate in philanthropic studies from Indiana University.