Why I Give

by Megan Kirby

Given their passion for art and education, Anita and Prabha Sinha are actively engaged with both the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and the Art Institute of Chicago museum.

This fall, Anita is concluding a six-year term as the first woman to chair the Board of Governors at SAIC where she has provided instrumental leadership through the pandemic and beyond. Prabha serves on the Board of Trustees at the Art Institute of Chicago and is the first Asian American to do so.

The Sinhas were born and raised in India in families that prioritized education. “Education was everything in our families,” Anita said. They see their philanthropy as a way to continue these ideals and believe that breaking down barriers allows talented students to gain access to a world-class education at SAIC.

Their philanthropy includes the founding of the Sinha-Kikeri Fellowship program. Established in 2017, this fund allows students to travel and take study trips to India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. When students return from their travels, the Sinhas often hear first-hand stories of how these opportunities changed their lives. “Hearing from them and witnessing the transformative impact that our support has had on their lives is palpable and very rewarding,” said Anita.

The Sinhas’ most recent funding priority has been the First-Generation Fellows program. An endowed fund set up by the couple helps provide scholarships for students who are the first in their families to attend college. The Sinhas’ investment secured the future of the program’s support for first-generation students in perpetuity. Twenty percent of the student body at SAIC identifies as first-generation; first-gen students are more likely to drop out before receiving a degree, and this program is already improving those odds. Since its launch in 2021, the program has helped more than 36 first-gen students by providing scholarship support, educational workshops, peer-led programs, and even exhibition opportunities specifically geared toward first-generation students. 

“Hearing from them and witnessing the transformative impact that our support has had on their lives is palpable and very rewarding”

When Prabha reflects on their time working with the School and the museum, he’s proud of the growth the institutions achieved during hardships. “Even though it was very intense during COVID, we became so much stronger,” he said.

As President Elissa Tenny prepares to retire in the spring of 2024, Anita is chairing the search committee for the new School president—and taking time to reflect on their years working side by side. “It’s been an incredible joy working with Elissa throughout her tenure,” said Anita. “I’m proud of where the School is today, and excited about its future.” ■