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Latest from the Blog

Julia Coffman Named Editor-in-Chief of The Foundation Review
Julia Coffman Named Editor-in-Chief of The Foundation Review
The Johnson Center is thrilled to announce that Julia Coffman, senior advisor and founder of the Center for Evaluation Innovation (CEI), will be the next editor-in-chief of The Foundation Review, beginning January 2025.
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Social Justice Donors vs. Mainstream Wealthy Donors: A Comparative Analysis
Social Justice Donors vs. Mainstream Wealthy Donors: A Comparative Analysis
A new report reveals social justice donors' intentional focus on systemic issues, broader giving, and strategic philanthropy, in stark contrast with general wealthy donors.
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With Thousands of Incarcerated Students Enrolled in Higher Education, How do We Measure Success?
With Thousands of Incarcerated Students Enrolled in Higher Education, How do We Measure Success?
Leaders across philanthropy, higher ed, and government are wrestling with the traditional use of recidivism as a marker of success, and are considering alternative measures.
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TikTok: A New Frontier for Philanthropy?
TikTok: A New Frontier for Philanthropy?
TikTok users are embracing a new form of community-driven philanthropy by helping creators earn money through engagement, highlighting a unique, algorithm-fueled approach to mutual aid.
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Democracy, Equity, and Power
Democracy, Equity, and Power
In this special 15th-anniversary issue on democracy, equity, and power, we explore the implications of the current climate at the intersection of philanthropy, social justice, and nonprofit support.
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A Year of Reflection, Learning, and Action
A Year of Reflection, Learning, and Action
Fiscal year 2024 was a time of energizing and honest reflection for the Johnson Center — a year of learning and of action.
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Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities and Disaggregated Data
Michigan Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities and Disaggregated Data
Michigan's task force improved data collection on racial disparities in COVID-19 to address systemic healthcare inequities.
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A Wake-Up Call for Investing in the South
A Wake-Up Call for Investing in the South
Despite facing generational challenges, the U.S. South has seen relatively little institutional philanthropic investment. Major new investments and initiatives could spark a larger shift in attention and funding.
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Affordable Housing is a National Crisis with a Distinct Local Impact
Affordable Housing is a National Crisis with a Distinct Local Impact
This article explores how place-based funders and new collaboratives are working at the local level to address the widespread issue housing availability and affordability.
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Influencer Philanthropy Is On the Rise, but the Platform Matters
Influencer Philanthropy Is On the Rise, but the Platform Matters
In a time of declining donor engagement and donation size, new partnerships and paradigms between social media influencers, nonprofits, and communities may be advantageous for all.
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Upcoming Events
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Thu January 16
Introduction to Board Service
This virtual program is designed for people interested in board service or those looking to strengthen and refresh their knowledge and skills, and for executive directors to more effectively work with their boards.
12:00 pm
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Wed January 29
Philanthropy 101
Philanthropy 101 is a two-day, online course designed to ground new professionals in the basics of foundations, nonprofits, grantmaking, the field of philanthropy, and how philanthropy interacts with other sectors — namely, business and government.
12:30 pm
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Wed February 12
11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2025 Webinar
FREE! Join a panel of national field experts for a conversation about emerging sector trends and how they will affect your work in 2025.
2:00 pm
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In the News
Fri October 18
‘Kindness’ influencers on TikTok give money to strangers. Why is that controversial?
Source: AP News
Thu October 17
Wealthy philanthropists reevaluate role of donor anonymity in giving
Source: Crain Currency
Wed October 9
Only 2% of charitable giving goes to women. Can Melinda French Gates change that?
Source: NPR
Fri September 27
Ubuntu in Action: How Black Giving Circles Redefine Community Support
Source: Ms. Magazine