Our Philosophy
At JGA, we take a thoughtful, collaborative approach to philanthropic consulting. In our work with nonprofits, we focus on the concepts of mission, strategy, and accountability that underlie the philanthropic relationship with donors.
With that authentic, joyful relationship in mind, we help clients and their organizations move beyond just raising money to focusing on the meaningful and enduring impact of their work.
Our Commitment
JGA takes pride in serving our clients with honesty, authenticity, and integrity. We help our clients achieve high standards, and we set high standards for ourselves. We promise to:
- provide the highest-quality service at all times.
- provide authentic and strategic philanthropic consulting that is thorough, innovative, community focused, and client focused.
- advance equity, access, and inclusion of diverse people and perspectives in our work as a team, with our clients, in the philanthropic sector, and in the community.
Our History
Since 1994, Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates (JGA) has empowered nonprofit organizations to make the world a better place through philanthropy.
Founded in 1994 as a partnership between Don Johnson and Ted Grossnickle, JGA began in a small office in Franklin, Indiana, and initially provided counsel for six organizations. Since then, the firm has grown in terms of clients, staff, reputation, and national thought leadership.
In early 2005, the firm relocated to Greenwood, Indiana, to make room for a growing staff. Our clients, while diverse, have primarily represented education, healthcare, faith-based, arts and cultural, and community organizations in the central United States.
In our more than 30 years, JGA has served more than 600 clients, celebrating long-term, multi-year relationships with many of them. We have partnered with organizations as they have undertaken strategic planning and moved through the fundraising cycle – often beginning with a philanthropic assessment or development audit, through a feasibility study, and subsequent campaign counsel. Over three quarters of our clients are returning partners with JGA.
JGA truly believes in teamwork and transparency, and it is not only evident in the work we do for clients, but also in how we run the firm. In 2002, JGA expanded ownership through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), which allowed shared ownership of the firm by its associates. This means that each JGA team member has a personal stake in the firm’s success.
Meet the JGA team here.