Professional Learning at the Johnson Center
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At the Johnson Center, we offer a range of professional learning opportunities designed to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and impact of those working in philanthropy. Grounded in research and informed by practice, our programs support individuals, organizations, and networks in navigating complex challenges, increasing access and opportunity, and building a culture of learning across the sector.

350+
Foundations Served
The Johnson Center has been providing professional learning programs for grantmakers like you for over 20 years.
3,000+
Grantmakers Reached
Together, we’re creating a network of highly effective philanthropy practitioners with the skills and knowledge to do more good.
40+
Countries
Grantmakers from across the U.S, and around the world have participated in our courses.

Ways to Learn

We offer a variety of formats and approaches to fit your learning needs.

Public or Private Offerings

Join your peers from around the country for one of our public courses to learn together in a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged and connections are made. Interested in training your whole staff or network? Contact us to discuss private delivery of our Core Courses for Grantmakers or Special Topics.

Online or In Person

Our programs are designed for both virtual and in-person delivery depending on your individual or group needs. Minimal modifications to the content or activities may be required, but the key learning objectives and adherence to best practice in adult learning are consistent. Public programs are typically offered virtually. Private programs are available in either format.

Standard or Custom Curriculum

We are eager to help you and your colleagues build the knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to do impactful work. Contact us to discuss delivery of our standard course content or to explore opportunities for customizing our program to your particular region, mission area, foundation type, or other context. Not seeing a course that fits your needs? Contact us about developing and delivering a new program for your audience.

On Your Timeline

Explore our full library of recorded webinars and programs at your convenience. Hear from Johnson Center experts and colleagues from around the world as they reveal research findings, discuss current trends, pose big questions, and share new ideas and perspectives.
Upcoming Public Courses
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Wed September 17

Philanthropy 101

12:30 pm

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Thu September 25

Professional Writing for Grantmakers

12:30 pm

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Wed October 8

A Disaster Simulation: Philanthropy’s Approach to Disaster Response, Recovery & Resilience

12:30 pm

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Why Learn With Us?

Our Research-to-Practice Mission

Our professional learning programs build meaningful connections between cutting-edge university research and the real-world achievements and challenges of community change. Grounded in the latest research, theory, and data, our programs equip you with practical tools and insights to strengthen your daily work and rethink the broader systems that shape philanthropy.

The Program Officer Competency Model

Each course is grounded in the Johnson Center’s Program Officer Competency Model©—a rigorously validated, research-based framework that articulates the essential knowledge, skills, and behaviors of effective program staff. By aligning course content with this model, we ensure participants gain practical, highly-relevant skills that reflect the current standards of excellence in philanthropy.

Experience and Expertise

The Johnson Center has provided professional learning programs and resources for grantmakers for over two decades. Our programs are designed and delivered by professionals with deep experience in philanthropy, extensive knowledge of research and learning best practices, and a commitment to valuing what each learner brings to the classroom – including prior knowledge, perspectives, and connections.