LearnPhilanthropy Moves to Grand Valley State University’s Johnson Center for Philanthropy
For the Field, By the Field, LearnPhilanthropy.net Promotes Knowledge Sharing
Grand Valley State University’s Johnson Center for Philanthropy will now host, further develop and enhance LearnPhilanthropy.net, an online portal that will serve as a clearinghouse of philanthropic knowledge, skill development and research for foundations and those who work with philanthropy. The project, which was incubated at the Council on Foundations, was transferred officially in August. The Johnson Center will soon be able to announce grants from several national foundations to support LearnPhilanthropy.
LearnPhilanthropy.net is a virtual platform and forum for sharing existing knowledge about the practice of philanthropy. In addition to the site, the LearnPhilanthropy initiative will seek to build new knowledge through research and supporting online networks to foster knowledge sharing. Unlike other sites, LearnPhilanthropy is "by the field, for the field." It will be guided by a national advisory board of expert leaders and practitioners in philanthropy and benefit from the knowledge of over 34 content providers working collaboratively in support of this important effort. Renée Byng Branch, vice president for programs, will represent the Council on Foundations as part of that advisory board.
“With over 20 years as a leading center on philanthropy, the Johnson Center for Philanthropy is well suited to steward LearnPhilanthropy.net,” said Vikki N. Spruill, president and CEO, Council on Foundations. “The Council looks forward to continued partnership and collaboration with LearnPhilanthropy, so that Council members and the field at large - whether they are newcomers or seasoned leaders - have the resources they need to fulfill their missions and to advance the common good. I’d also like to acknowledge the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, who served among others as a valuable partner to the Council on this project.”
"As an academic center dedicated to improving grantmaking programs and sharing knowledge, the Johnson Center welcomes LearnPhilanthropy." said Teri Behrens, Ph.D. who is directing this project.” “LearnPhilanthropy aligns with our mission and work.”
The Johnson Center has built a national reputation as a source of information and skill development for philanthropic professionals and nonprofit practitioners. Hosting LearnPhilanthropy.net at Grand Valley will help introduce the site to field academics, researchers, and students across the nation through the university’s leading role with the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council, a national membership organization of 47 university-based centers supporting the work of philanthropy and nonprofits throughout the country.
For more information on LearnPhilanthropy.net, contact Robert Shalett at shalettr@gvsu.edu or (202) 365-0273.
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Established in 1992, the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy is an academic center serving nonprofits, foundations, and others seeking to transform their communities for the public good. The Johnson Center is recognized for its applied research and professional development.
The Council on Foundations (www.cof.org), formed in 1949, is a nonprofit membership association of grantmaking foundations and corporations. Members of the Council include more than 1,700 independent, operating, community, public and company-sponsored foundations, and corporate giving programs in the United States and abroad. The Council’s mission is to provide the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance, and sustain their ability to advance the common good.
