Trusted Guidance for Doing Good
We aim to be a global leader in helping you understand, strengthen, and advance philanthropy.
Established in 1992 with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Grand Valley State University (GVSU), the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy is an academic center within GVSU’s Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence.
We envision a world shaped by smart, adaptive, and effective philanthropy that helps to create strong, inclusive communities. We provide:
- Competency-based professional development
- Applied research and evaluation
- Resources and tools to transform communities for the public good
Our core values are excellence, inquiry, community, innovation, sustainability, integrity, and inclusiveness.
We are committed to supporting equity in philanthropy.
Our Guiding Beliefs
The Common Good
Philanthropy advances the common good through private and collective action.
A Diverse Ecosystem
Philanthropy is a diverse ecosystem that includes donors, funders, and nonprofits.
Strong Partnerships
Philanthropy helps create healthy communities, often in partnership with business and government.
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The W.K. Kellogg Foundation helped launch the Johnson Center in 1992 to bring the resources of academic research into communities through the best practices of philanthropy. It continues to do that today.”
La June Montgomery Tabron
President and CEO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
La June Montgomery Tabron
President and CEO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Ready to learn more? Let’s talk.
Let’s work together toward stronger philanthropy and inclusive communities.