Trusted Guidance for Doing Good
Our mission is to understand, strengthen, and advance effective philanthropy. We work with you to build strong, inclusive communities.
Professional Development
Ramp up your skills.
We provide competency-based professional development and capacity building for individuals and organizations.
Applied Research & Evaluation
Put research to work.
We can help improve your practice and strengthen your impact with applied research and evaluation.
Resources & Tools
Find the right tools.
We provide resources and tools to make data and research useful for practitioners.
Events & Workshops
Wed March 30
FREE! This session will help you better understand how engaging kids in giving can realize the deeper potential of philanthropy. Join us to see philanthropy with fresh and more critical eyes, thanks to the wisdom of children, and explore how you can incorporate these lessons in your work, in the field, or at home.
12:00 pm
Wed March 30
Proposal Analysis in Grantmaking 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
Thu April 14
This 4-hour session 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.
1:00 pm
In the Media
Thu March 3
Nonprofit trends in 2022: Technology will be a double-edged sword
Source: Crain's Detroit Business
Fri February 18
Johnson Center defines trends for nonprofit sector
Source: Grand Rapids Business Journal
Wed February 16
Teri Behrens, head of GVSU philanthropy center, to retire
Source: Crain's Detroit Business