Latest from the Blog

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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
Meet Elizabeth Dale, Ph.D., the New Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy
Meet Elizabeth Dale, Ph.D., the New Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy
The Johnson Center is pleased to welcome Elizabeth Dale, Ph.D., as the second holder of the Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy.
Learn More
The Fiscal Sponsorship Model: A Growing Trend in the Nonprofit Sector
The Fiscal Sponsorship Model: A Growing Trend in the Nonprofit Sector
Launching a new nonprofit is complex and challenging work. But fiscal sponsorship is gaining ground as an increasingly popular alternative model — one that can lift a mission’s administrative burdens and accelerate the work.
Learn More
Incorporating Art into Youth Philanthropy Programs
Incorporating Art into Youth Philanthropy Programs
Art is an effective way to engage youth and increase their motivation and passion for philanthropy. This post suggests several ways to embed art in youth philanthropy programs to strengthen young people’s drive to make positive change.
Learn More
Upcoming Events
Thu November 14
This virtual workshop from The Grantmaking School explores a trust-based, risk-tolerance/management framework that both honors the grantee partnership and leads to increased impact.
1:00 pm
Wed November 20
This two-day, interactive course takes a deep dive into the fundamentals of grant proposal financial review and analysis, including organization and project budgets, financial statements, audits, and the IRS Form 990/990EZ.
12:30 pm
Wed December 4
This two-day, virtual course from The Grantmaking School is designed to challenge grantmakers to learn as much about the grantee organization, program, and community as possible so that opportunities to build capacity and partnerships are recognized and supported.
12:30 pm