Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy

🤔 With ongoing conversations about shifts and reductions in federal funding, many are asking: Could philanthropy make up the difference? To be clear, the federal government spends public dollars on a vast range of programs and functions that are outside of #philanthropy’s purview (such as printing money or regulating commerce) so we’re not precisely comparing apples and apples. But there’s enough overlap between what the federal government funds and what philanthropy funds to prompt the question. So, we ran the numbers. The short answer? …No. While philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting communities across the globe, the scale of federal funding is simply unmatchable. Even if all private and community foundations were to convert all their assets – even the furniture – into cash today and start spending, it wouldn’t come anywhere close to replacing public investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social services. The money would last about 79 days. That said, there are countless ways philanthropy can support organizations and communities as they navigate change – including, for instance, increasing general operating support and multi-year commitments, adjusting application and reporting processes, increasing support for administrative overhead, convening multi-sector partnerships, and advocating for communities. As foundations work to meet the needs of their communities and grantee partners, each organization is likely to answer differently questions about their unique role in society and the day-to-day work of mission-focused efforts. Sources: U.S. Government Annual Expenditure, 2024: https://lnkd.in/emNB9zWH Total Assets, Private & Community Foundations: IRS Business Master File, December 2024

Our friends at the Council of Michigan Foundations are accepting session proposals for their 53rd Annual Conference in October! Staff and trustees from CMF member organizations, and philanthropy partners across the country are invited to submit a session for consideration. Is your team leading work that could be shared as a high-impact session, or a unique voice your organization brings to the field that can ignite attendees’ thinking? CMF welcomes your ideas for workshops, panel presentations, immersive experiences in the region, and beyond! Learn more & submit your proposal by March 7: https://lnkd.in/gNY9_G3C

Mark your calendars — don't miss these upcoming courses from The Grantmaking School! Philanthropy’s Quest for Equity: Past. Present. Future. 📅 Feb. 26 Led by Jennifer Lawson, Ph.D. Register: https://lnkd.in/gn82qJ63 Financial Analysis for Grantmakers 📅 March 12 & 13 Led by Julie Couturier & Mike Goorhouse Register: https://lnkd.in/gsP3_6qD Grantmaker Ethics and Accountability 📅 March 26 Led by Jennifer Lawson, Ph.D. Register: https://lnkd.in/gBPesn-k Intermediate Guide to Reading Form 990 📅 April 17 Led by Julie Couturier & Jeff Williams Register: https://lnkd.in/g5pXUP_r Proposal Analysis in Grantmaking 📅 May 7 & 8 Led by Caroline Altman Smith & Jennifer Lawson, Ph.D. Register: https://lnkd.in/gGQPb5wk

Three things we know about this unique moment in history at the intersection of wealth, power, and philanthropy: • Women are leading collaborative giving. • Women are already decision-makers with philanthropic capital. • Women are at a historic moment financially. Thanks to Amy Dornbusch for this piece in Ms. Magazine on the power of women and collective giving, featuring research from the Johnson Center and our partners at Philanthropy Together and Colmena Consulting! Read more → https://lnkd.in/em3yreuj

A lot of #foundations and #nonprofits right now are wondering whether increasing payouts and tapping their endowments could help their communities and partners respond to yet more unprecedented threats. In 2020, they were asking the same questions. My colleague Jeff Williams at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy ran the numbers to help organizations make decisions and plan for the future. While these numbers are tagged to 2020, they reveal important information for those looking to respond right now. What's likely to happen if you increase your payouts? We can help you answer that. https://lnkd.in/gEWYmSgv

📈 Over the past two decades, thousands of collective giving groups have formed, each with unique characteristics and approaches. As these groups have flourished, distinct patterns have emerged in their purpose, structure, and processes. Our latest report, published in partnership with Philanthropy Together, highlights seven archetypes that capture the diversity and innovation within the collective giving movement. Download the report, then watch the webinar recording as experts Michael D. Layton and Isis Krause explore these archetypes and discuss how they will shape the future of collective giving! Read the full report → https://lnkd.in/gzaHJQwT Watch the webinar recording → https://lnkd.in/eynjEKzN

Join us on a virtual journey through 150 years of philanthropic history in this fascinating course led by Jennifer Lawson, Ph.D. "Philanthropy's Quest for Equity" is a two-hour course examining important milestones on the timeline of American philanthropy. This course will help you understand the historical context for equity in philanthropy and ask you to consider your own organization’s future by addressing changes in paradigms, wealth, and power. If you work in philanthropy, this is the perfect fundamental workshop to help you gain ideas for advancing equity and resources to explore further. February 26 // 2–4 p.m. ET // Online REGISTER → https://lnkd.in/gn82qJ63

FREE WEBINAR: Don't miss this engaging exploration of the latest trends in philanthropy and their relevance to the daily work of nonprofits, foundations, donors, advisors, community members, and others. Guest panelists Aisha Benson, Aaron Dorfman, and Allen Smart will join moderator Lesley D. Slavitt (she/her) to explore and discuss the issues, tensions, and opportunities that philanthropy faces today. Join us! Register → https://lnkd.in/guakCuyX #Philanthropy #Webinar #Trends

TikTok is back... for now. With more than 170 million active users in the U.S., the app continues to drive unique forms of engagement and connection among people of all ages. Today we're taking a look back at this piece from Karen Hoekstra on how TikTok users have embraced a new type of philanthropic engagement on the app — one that researchers are calling "algorithmic mutual aid." Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gNMhi2kU

On February 19 and 20, join us to explore how proposal solicitation and analysis set the stage to advance equity and authentically share power with community organizations — all while working within the foundation’s overall mission and grantmaking philosophy. Instructors Matthew Henkes and Jennifer Lawson, Ph.D., lead this comprehensive and virtual proposal analysis course that will guide you through the process of designing and implementing an equitable, efficient, and clear proposal process. Learn more & join your peers in philanthropy! → https://lnkd.in/gNPp46YM