The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy has named a new Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy.
Elizabeth J. Dale will join the Johnson Center as the second holder of the chair beginning September 1.
The Frey Foundation Chair for Family Philanthropy was established in 2010 through the generosity of the Frey Foundation – one of the largest family foundations in West Michigan, itself established in 1974 by Edward J. and Frances T. Frey.
In 2023, a second gift from the Frey Foundation and a commitment from an anonymous donor were made to ensure the Chair continues to play a robust and deeply impactful role in supporting family donors and foundations into the future.
In this position, Dale will be responsible for shaping and pursuing an applied research agenda that leverages the power of rigorous research to advance transformative family philanthropy. Together with a network of national partners and colleagues, she will explore and address key questions in the field through a comprehensive program of speaking and writing, professional education and teaching, and other activities.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Johnson Center in this vital role and look forward to building on the Center’s national and international reputation of leading research in family philanthropy,” Dale said. “As the Frey Foundation Chair, I will pursue research on the impact of philanthropic planning, democratizing philanthropy, involving next-generation family members in giving, and continuing the Center’s existing work on limited life philanthropy.
"Ultimately, my hope is to contribute research-based knowledge to improve the practice of philanthropy and create mutual benefit between donors and recipients. I also look forward to learning more about West Michigan’s rich philanthropic history and meeting the community.”
Dale joins the Johnson Center after eight years with Seattle University – where she most recently served as associate professor and director of the Nonprofit Leadership program – and a successful career as a development director and certified fund raising executive (CFRE) in Chicago.
She has presented nationally and internationally on her research, received the AFP Early Career Emerging Scholar Award in 2021, and has provided commentary for The New York Times, Forbes, Bloomberg and other major outlets.
