
Trusted Guidance for Doing Good
Our mission is to understand, strengthen, and advance effective philanthropy. We work with you to build strong, equitable, and inclusive communities.
Professional Development
Ramp up your skills.
We provide competency-based professional development and capacity building for individuals and organizations.

A Closer Look
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.
The Johnson Center provides resources and tools to make data and research useful for practitioners.

A Closer Look
Upcoming Events
Thu August 25
FREE! Join our conversation with representatives from the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan, the Michigan Immigrants Rights Center, and Welcoming America to learn how community philanthropy and multi-sector stakeholders can work together to build inclusive, welcoming communities.
1:00 pm
Wed August 31
FREE! Join us for a virtual conversation with the community leaders bringing “The Soul of Philanthropy” — a powerful exhibition sharing stories of generosity among Americans of African descent — to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
12:00 pm
Wed August 31
Please join us for a special reception with a dual purpose: to congratulate Executive Director Teri Behrens on her retirement and to welcome and introduce staff who have joined the Johnson Center since 2020!
5:00 pm
In the Media
Wed June 29
Here’s How a Longtime Family Foundation Fractured, and Shifted Gears for a Meaningful Final Act
Source: Inside Philanthropy
Tue May 17
One of Southeast Michigan's largest private foundations is shifting to a spend-down model
Source: Crain's Detroit Business