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Latest from the Blog

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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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.
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Celebrating 15 Years of Knowledge Building for Transformation
Celebrating 15 Years of Knowledge Building for Transformation
This special anniversary issue presents the most-read articles from the journal’s 15-year history, each with author commentary in newly written prologues, as well as a book review and new article for 2024.
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Financial Stress and Philanthropic Influence: The Precarious Promise of Generation Z
Financial Stress and Philanthropic Influence: The Precarious Promise of Generation Z
As nonprofits and philanthropy consider how to engage Gen Z (those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s) — and what to expect from them, a thorough understanding of their economic reality will be critical.
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Upcoming Events
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Wed October 30
Site Visit Essentials for Grantmakers
Learn how innovative site visit methods can help balance power dynamics and establish more authentic relationships, enabling grantees to showcase their strengths within their authentic context.
1:00 pm
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Thu November 14
Grantmaker Risk Management
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
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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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In the News
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
Tue September 10
Is it unethical — or selfless — to anonymously donate to a political party?
Source: MarketWatch
Mon September 9
In Family Philanthropy, Embracing Differences Can Pay Off
Source: Kiplinger