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Latest from the Blog

Inside The Foundation Review, Vol. 15 Iss. 2
Inside The Foundation Review, Vol. 15 Iss. 2
This issue of The Foundation Review highlights examples of systems-change philanthropy, community-building philosophy, the evolution of foundation staff roles, place-based efforts, and more.
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The Benefits of Reciprocity
The Benefits of Reciprocity
Author Sofia Michelakis argues that wealth should not be defined solely by financial capital, but rather more holistically, incorporating human capital and the value of reciprocity, for the benefit of all.
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Policymakers are Paying Increasing Attention to Moving More Money Faster
Policymakers are Paying Increasing Attention to Moving More Money Faster
The U.S. Congress appears increasingly interested in philanthropy’s spending habits — from donor-advised funds and foundation payout rates to the influence and reach of wealthy individual philanthropists.
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The Public is Holding Nonprofits Accountable to Living Their Mission and Values
The Public is Holding Nonprofits Accountable to Living Their Mission and Values
Methods for holding a nonprofit accountable — for their actions, fiscal choices, community relationships, etc. — have not always been clear, accessible, or publicized. That seems to be changing now.
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The Role of Employee Belonging in Organizational Transformation
The Role of Employee Belonging in Organizational Transformation
The article underscores the need for organizational transformation, driven by inclusive cultures and adaptive leadership, to create environments of belonging — where individuals communicate openly, contribute to team success, and thrive.
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Celebrating 30 Years of the Johnson Center
Celebrating 30 Years of the Johnson Center
Our 2022-2023 annual report highlights the Johnson Center’s 30th anniversary, a new executive director, and other key moments from the fiscal year.
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Hanh Cao Yu Named Editor-in-Chief of Special Issues for 15th Anniversary of The Foundation Review
Hanh Cao Yu Named Editor-in-Chief of Special Issues for 15th Anniversary of The Foundation Review
Hanh Cao Yu, Ph.D., former chief learning officer at The California Endowment, will serve as editor-in-chief of special issues for The Foundation Review journal of philanthropy in 2023-2024.
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For-Profit News Outlets are Exploring Nonprofit Models
For-Profit News Outlets are Exploring Nonprofit Models
As journalism’s traditional business model continues to stumble, many for-profit news outfits — legacy brands and 21st-century digital natives alike — are moving to explore, adapt, and adopt the nonprofit model.
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Indigenous and Afro-descendent Ancestral Practices and Community Philanthropy in the Americas
Indigenous and Afro-descendent Ancestral Practices and Community Philanthropy in the Americas
Indigenous communities in the Global South have long practiced reciprocal assistance to strengthen mutual trust, pool assets, build capacity, and help community members adapt to changing conditions and opportunities.
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Rethinking What Capacity Building Should Be — and Who Should Decide
Rethinking What Capacity Building Should Be — and Who Should Decide
As more nonprofits and funders look to further their impact and sustainability, power and equity are at the center of a growing movement to reimagine the language and practices of capacity building.
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Upcoming Events
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Tue December 12
Intermediate Guide to Reading Form 990
This interactive, virtual course will help funders and nonprofit professionals better understand the funding perspective and how to use 990s as a tool to assess organizational or collective impact.
1:00 pm
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Wed January 24
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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Tue January 30
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.
1:00 pm
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In the News
Tue November 28
Generous gift creates permanent funding for endowed chair at Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy
Source: WGVU News
Wed November 22
$2.2 million in gifts solidify Grand Valley's first fully endowed chair at Johnson Center for Philanthropy
Source: Grand Valley State University
Tue September 12
Second Annual Nonprofit Board Connect Takes Place September 19
Source: WGVU Morning Show
Thu August 24
‘The Single Best Tool for Forcing Public Scrutiny': New Collaboration to Expand Access to Nonprofit Data
Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy