About Us

Established in 1992, the Johnson Center for Philanthropy is an academic center focused on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the charitable sector. Our work involves conducting research, teaching effective practices, and providing pathways to service.

We make a difference in three ways: enhancing the impact of foundations nationally and nonprofit organizations regionally, improving the quality of community decision-making in West Michigan, and developing the habit of civic engagement among students and faculty at Grand Valley State University.

Created through the vision of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we are named in honor of Dorothy A. Johnson, an inspirational leader in national philanthropy and a 25-year president of the Council of Michigan Foundations.

Since its establishment, the Johnson Center has grown and evolved to serve the ever-changing needs of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors by developing new initiatives such as the Community Research Institute, The Grantmaking School, The Foundation Review, and nonprofit capacity building programs that provide educational opportunities for nonprofit administrators, directors, and trustees; and by conducting research relating to the sector as a whole and its trends. The Center continues to partner with the School of Public and Nonprofit Administration in support of the undergraduate and graduate education of the next generation of philanthropic leaders and active citizens.

We are a unit of the College of Community and Public Service at Grand Valley State University in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.