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Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy reveals sector trends for 2019

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gvsu.edu

Philanthropy is a $400 billion economic sector. Experts and thought leaders at Grand Valley State University’s Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy have evaluated the challenges and opportunities facing the philanthropic sector in 2019.

From the unknown impacts of the 2017 Tax Cuts to a downturn in religious participation, researchers are turning to a mix of experimentation and data-driven strategies for addressing challenges and forecasting what lies ahead. The Johnson Center for Philanthropy has identified 11 trends for 2019.

At the top of the list is the blurring of boundaries between philanthropy and business. While this can lead to great innovation there are some very real pitfalls.

Next, churches traditionally receive the largest share of philanthropic dollars, but data shows Americans are turning less religious. That means nonprofits need to better understand the evolution of faith-based giving.

And there’s the impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that many nonprofits are still trying to understand and determine its impact. There’s even the question of the tax code continuing in its current form through 2019.

A summary of the 11 trends can be found at johnsoncenter.org/trends

Patrick Center, WGVU News.

Patrick joined WGVU Public Media in December, 2008 after eight years of investigative reporting at Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV8 and three years at WYTV News Channel 33 in Youngstown, Ohio. As News and Public Affairs Director, Patrick manages our daily radio news operation and public interest television programming. An award-winning reporter, Patrick has won multiple Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter/Anchor awards and is a three-time Academy of Television Arts & Sciences EMMY Award winner with 14 nominations.