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Latest from the Blog

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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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.
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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.
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Upcoming Events
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Wed November 20
Financial Analysis for Grantmakers
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
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Wed December 4
Proposal Analysis in Grantmaking
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
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Wed December 11
From Article to Action: Using Insights from The Foundation Review to Make Change
FREE! This webinar will feature authors from The Foundation Review and a panel discussion to share innovations, examples, and tools for taking concrete steps toward change.
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