News & Stories from CCPS
Our State of Generosity
March 15, 2016
The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy is excited to announce the launch of OurStateofGenerosity.org , an interactive online platform which explores the past 40 years of Michigan’s changing landscape of philanthropy, its impact and its leadership. Our State of Generosity (OSoG) is a joint effort of the Council of Michigan Foundations, Michigan Nonprofit Association, Michigan Community Service Commission, and the Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). The Johnson Center is the managing partner and has been working on its development since 2011.
Our State of Generosity’s online platform and related archives include 40 years of original documents from the partner organizations with text search access online; video and audio interviews with Michigan’s philanthropic leaders; profiles of these leaders, major Michigan projects, and the partner organizations; “how to” guides for nonprofit/foundation professionals; and lesson plans for the use of teachers in grades 4-12, provided by Learning to Give. OSoG provides access to rich original content that can be used in teaching history, sociology, leadership, nonprofit studies, education, business, and political science.
GVSU's Libraries house the digital collection of original documents and interviews. Members of the GVSU community that serve on OSoG’s Advisory Committee include: Dr. Lee VanOrsdel, Dean of University Libraries; Dr. Michael Moody, Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy; Dr. Sal Alaimo, Professor of SPNHA, and former GVSU Board Member Dorothy A. Johnson.
Dr. Kathryn Agard, retired executive director of the Johnson Center for Philanthropy, served as the primary author and interviewer for the project. Dr. Agard worked closely with Dr. Joel J. Orosz, former program director of Philanthropy and Volunteerism at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, founding director of The Grantmaking School at the Johnson Center, and GVSU Distinguished Professor of Philanthropic Studies, Emeritus. Dr. Orosz served as the primary editor for OSoG. Together, Dr. Agard and Dr. Orosz created a narration of key factors and concepts which played a significant role in the development of Michigan’s philanthropic infrastructure. This narration was split into five chapters, covering servant leadership, the power of resources, philanthropy and public policy, national and global engagement, and lessons learned from the Michigan experience.
Our State of Generosity connects the stories of organizations, leaders, and projects that have allowed Michigan's philanthropic culture to thrive. Through its historical documents, profiles, how to guides, and chapters, the history is woven together and provides a blueprint for how communities can build a strong foundation for philanthropic participation.
OSoG resources will be useful for scholarly research in the areas of philanthropy, nonprofits, and volunteering; in preparation of students and professional development for nonprofit staff members who lead in the charitable sector; as orientation for new nonprofit and foundation board members to Michigan's culture of giving; and in preserving the history of Michigan's extraordinary success in improving and increasing philanthropy.
Enjoy your tour of Our State of Generosity at OurStateofGenerosity.org !