Johnson Center for Philanthropy

Lack of cash poses risks to many Michigan nonprofits, but foundations may be able to increase distributions

A large percentage of Michigan nonprofit organizations face risks of a break in operational continuity due to a lack of cash on hand, according to an analysis of tax return data by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University.

Jun 23, 2020


How will COVID-19 impact the nonprofit sector? Johnson Center research offers insights

As the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the United States and the rest of the world, financial implications on employees and businesses are profound. Impacts are being felt across the economy, and the nonprofit sector is not immune. Researchers at Grand Valley's Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy have analyzed IRS 990 form data and have identified trends in the nonprofit sector that nonprofits can expect to contend with as the pandemic evolves. 

Mar 27, 2020


How climate change, millennials and tainted donors are impacting philanthropy

Climate change, millennials becoming a majority of the workforce, and increasing critiques of tainted donors are changing the nonprofit sector in profound new ways, according to experts and thought leaders at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University.

Jan 14, 2020


GVSU launches project to help develop nonprofit boards

While leaders of nonprofit organizations know that their board members can have a significant impact on the work an organization does, few resources exist to help leaders build their own abilities to work with board members and select board members who can effectively foster success. The Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University is working to help the nonprofit sector develop more diverse and inclusive boardrooms while ensuring effective board experiences that will help organizations thrive.

Jul 17, 2019


Johnson Center experts predict 11 trends for philanthropy in 2019

Philanthropic giving in the United States is a massive sector of the economy, topping $400 billion, and countless community and national organizations are benefitting from a surge in public interest.

Jan 15, 2019


Behrens named executive director at Johnson Center for Philanthropy

Teresa (Teri) Behrens has been appointed executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley. 

Nov 6, 2018


Big Data Month events to focus on FOIAs, health care, climate change and more

The benefits of data analysis in areas such as journalism, climate change, health care and even analyzing ancient Greek texts, will be examined during multiple Big Data Month events at Grand Valley throughout September.

Aug 31, 2018


New position at GVSU to study diversity, equity issues in nonprofit sector

Leaders in the field of philanthropy from across the country have noticed a shortcoming in how the nonprofit sector applies principles of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout its critically important and economically substantial work. With this need in mind, the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University is adding former Aquinas College president Juan Olivarez to its ranks to help study, understand and share knowledge about how to improve inclusive practices in the nonprofit sector.

Jul 2, 2018


Community philanthropist funds innovation

The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy will be one step further in its mission to advance the public good and transform communities with a generous gift from namesake Dorothy A. Johnson.

Mar 15, 2018


Johnson Center experts identify 11 trends in philanthropy for 2018

The nonprofit sector in the United States employs approximately one in 10 workers in the country, and the field is changing quickly. A group of experts and thought leaders in the nonprofit sector at Grand Valley State University's Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy have examined changes in the field and identified 11 trends in philanthropy they expect to materialize in 2018.

Jan 8, 2018