Michael Moody, Ph.D.

Michael Moody, Ph.D. is the Frey Foundation Chair for Family Foundations and Philanthropy at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy. As Frey Chair, he works with a network of national advisors and partners to implement a comprehensive program of applied research, teaching, professional development, and public service, all designed to advance and promote the field of family philanthropy. He teaches nonprofit management and philanthropy courses for SPNHA.  After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from Indiana University, Michael was one of the first employees of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University where he helped develop the Jane Addams Fellows program. He went on to receive a master's degree in social science from the University of Chicago and a doctorate in sociology from Princeton University, with a research focus on philanthropic giving and nonprofit organizations. Michael has held previous faculty positions at Boston University and the University of Southern California. From 2008 to 2010, Michael was president of Moody Philanthropic Consulting based in Richmond, VA, providing research and writing, project development, advising, and related services. Michael is co-author (with the late Robert L. Payton) of the book, Understanding Philanthropy: Its Meaning and Mission, and has published articles on topics such as family foundations, the challenge of ethical giving, venture philanthropy, donor education, diversity among foundation executives, "giving back" as an explanation for philanthropy, and how nonprofits advocate for the public good.