Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy

Whether implicit or explicit, social justice and human rights are part of the mission of many philanthropies. Evaluation produced, sponsored, or consumed by these philanthropies that doesn’t pay attention to the imperatives of cultural competency may be inconsistent with their missions. The American Evaluation Association’s Statement on Cultural Competence provides those who produce, sponsor, and use evaluation an opportunity to examine and align their practices and policies within a context of racial and cultural equity and inclusion. The use of such a lens is paramount when evaluating a program whose goals touch on issues of equity or inclusion. This article — one of the most popular in the history of #TheFoundationReview — seeks to open a discussion of how philanthropy can use an equitable-evaluation approach to apply the principles of the AEA statement, present the concept of equitable evaluation alongside an approach for building equitable-evaluation capacity, and apply equitable-evaluation capacity building to philanthropy. Authors: Jara Dean-Coffey (she/her/hers), Jill Casey, & Leon D. Caldwell, Ph.D. Full Article → https://lnkd.in/g6B3ewBV

? Registration closes this Friday, October 11!

Are you headed to the Council of Michigan Foundations' 52nd annual conference next week? Be sure to check out these sessions presented by Johnson Center team members: → Monday, Oct. 7 @ Noon A Disaster Simulation: Philanthropy's Role in Relief, Recovery & Resilience w/ Mandy Sharp Eizinger and Michael D. Layton → Wednesday, Oct. 9 @ 9:45 a.m. Impact Investing: A Deep Dive on Deals & Operationalizing for Impact w/ Lesley D. Slavitt (she/her) We'll see you in Traverse City! #MIphilanthropy

Despite facing generational challenges in poverty, healthcare, systemic racism, and other issues that are often top-of-mind for major funders, the U.S. South has seen comparatively little institutional philanthropic investment over the decades. Major new investments and initiatives from prominent players like the Ford Foundation, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, and others — along with the ongoing fallout from Hurricane Helene — could spark a larger shift in attention and funding. Trish Abalo and Tory Martin take a closer look in this piece from our latest Trends report. → https://lnkd.in/gHwz5Azy #South #Funders #Philanthropy

“Giving circles?empower women?and people of color — historically marginalized groups who have been underrepresented in traditional philanthropic spaces — to reclaim agency, align philanthropy with their values, and directly impact their communities.” In a new piece for Ms. Magazine, Ilyasah N Shabazz highlights how collective giving is empowering Black women to change the status quo in philanthropy. Read more → https://lnkd.in/gDWwsU-C Download our latest report on collective giving, produced in partnership with Philanthropy Together and Colmena Consulting. → https://collective.giving/

Our full winter/spring course schedule for The Grantmaking School is now posted! Check out all these great learning and professional development opportunities: Proposal Analysis in Grantmaking ? October 16 & 17, 2024 ? December 4 & 5, 2024 ? February 19 & 20, 2025 ? May 7 & 8, 2025 Site Visit Essentials for Grantmakers ? October 30, 2024 Grantmaker Risk Management ? November 14, 2024 Financial Analysis for Grantmakers ? November 20 & 21, 2024 ? March 12 & 13, 2025 ? May 21 & 22, 2025 Philanthropy 101 ? January 29 & 30, 2025 Philanthropy’s Quest for Equity: Past. Present. Future. ? February 26, 2025 Grantmaker Ethics and Accountability ? March 26, 2025 Intermediate Guide to Reading Form 990 ? April 17, 2025 View the full calendar & register online → https://lnkd.in/etnXMgY

Foundation-supported program evaluation has historically focused on goal attainment as intuitively and inextricably linked to evaluation. This article from the latest issue of?#TheFoundationReview?asks funders and evaluators to overcome two ubiquitous misconceptions about goal-free evaluation (GFE): that it is simply a clever rhetorical tool, and that it lacks a useable methodology. Authors Brandon Youker and Allyssa Ballard present the facts of GFE, describe aspects of its methodology, and demonstrate that goal-free evaluation is a perspective that belongs in a grantmaker’s toolbox. Watch Dr. Youker's introductory video below, then read the full article for free: https://lnkd.in/g-HThJrC

How can #funders set the stage to advance equity and authentically share power with community organizations? It all starts with proposal solicitation and analysis. “Proposal Analysis in Grantmaking” is a virtual course from #TheGrantmakingSchool designed to challenge grantmakers to learn as much as possible about the grantee organization, program, and community so that opportunities to build capacity and partnerships are recognized and supported. Join instructors Sarah Berger and Surabhi Pandit on October 16 & 17 as they guide you through the process of designing and implementing an equitable, efficient, and clear proposal process. REGISTER → https://lnkd.in/gTjx62jr

In 2008, a generous endowment from the Frey Foundation helped establish the?Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy?— the nation’s first endowed chair in family philanthropy — at the Johnson Center. The Frey Foundation has long been a supporter of and partner in the work of the Johnson Center. This year, the Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary, having awarded more than $187 million in grants over the past five decades, impacting more than 1,300 organizations across Michigan. We're thankful for the partnership of Holly Johnson, Tripp Frey, and the entire Frey Foundation and celebrate your commitment to service in our community. Cheers to 50 years! Learn more about the history and work of the Frey Foundation in this look-back from Shandra Martinez for Rapid Growth Media: https://lnkd.in/d8UgA5jf

UPDATE: Deadline extended to Friday, October 4! Want to share your insights, reflections, or lessons learned in an upcoming issue of The Foundation Review? We are currently accepting abstracts of up to 250 words for Volume 17, Issue 2, a special themed issue on funder listening for equity. Sponsored by the Fund for Shared Insight, this issue will focus on the role of listening in helping foundations be more responsive and accountable to the people and communities most affected by their decisions. LEARN MORE → https://lnkd.in/ge5GBg2M #funders #CFP #TheFoundationReview