The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy is an externally-focused unit of Grand Valley State University. We work with nonprofits and foundations, scholars and students, and partners in business and government to connect practitioners to the information and skills they need to make change for good. The Johnson Center offers:
We aim to be a global leader in helping individuals and organizations understand, strengthen, and advance philanthropy.
We envision a world shaped by smart, adaptive, and effective philanthropy that helps create strong, inclusive communities.
More giving by more people is a positive good for the world – across the dimensions of time, talent, treasure, testimony, and ties.
Evidence-based decision-making leads to better outcomes across sectors and scenarios.
Meeting the highest standards of academic research leads to more actionable, reliable, and equitable research outcomes.
Philanthropic practice is at its best when institutions, programs, and goals prioritize fairness, representation, and belonging.
Ethical practice is rooted in trust, honesty, shared power, and reliability, and that these are essential to building strong and lasting ties.
In 1999, the Center for Philanthropic and Nonprofit Leadership at GVSU was renamed for Dorothy A. “Dottie” Johnson upon her retirement as founding president and CEO of the Council of Michigan Foundations. Dottie’s leadership helped to create a robust and passionate ecosystem for community innovation.
We work closely with colleagues across the university to develop research projects, leverage institutional assets, and graduate students and provide world-class learning and enrichment opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
GVSU Charge for Racial Equity & Inclusion: As part of the Grand Valley State University community, we are committed to taking concrete actions to bring about greater justice, equity, and inclusion. Read the official statement from GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella and explore the university’s detailed action plan and anti-racism resources at the link below.
Kathy Agard retired as executive director of the Johnson Center in 2010, after a career providing leadership for the Michigan Community Foundations’ Youth Project and Learning to Give. Each year, two Agard Fellows are selected to engage in research in community philanthropy and to contribute to ongoing research at the Johnson Center.
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year have now closed.
Joel Orosz, distinguished professor of philanthropic studies emeritus at GVSU, founded The Grantmaking School and was a program director at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Each year, two Orosz Fellows are selected to engage in research in philanthropy as it relates to their academic discipline and to contribute to research at the Johnson Center.
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year have now closed.
This fellowship honors long-time president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and co-founder of the Johnson Center, Russ Mawby. One faculty member is selected annually to conduct research focused on the intersection of philanthropy and their field of study. The fellow selects two undergraduate student fellows as research assistants.
© 2026 Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. All rights reserved.
201 Front Ave SW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 | (616) 331-7585 | jcp@gvsu.edu
