The Johnson Foundation sponsors conferences in the public interest. Our meeting facilities include Wingspread and an adjacent building, The House. Wingspread conferences are intensive, one- to four-day meetings of small groups convened in partnership with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, universities, and other foundations. One-day conferences may include up to 50 people, but in our experience smaller groups are more productive. For overnight conferences, our Guest House can accommodate up to 40 conferees and two Wingspread Fellows.

PROGRAM AREAS

Education
As education is at the heart of democracy, the Foundation seeks conferences to boost academic achievement in public schools. Our areas of emphasis include comprehensive school reform; leadership, governance, and management; standards and assessment; teachers and teaching; and choice. On higher education, we support conferences that address the consequences of K-12 reform on college and teacher readiness, the invigoration of the liberal arts, and the civic mission of colleges and universities. (Program Officer: Carole M. Johnson)
Current Education Conferences

Sustainable Development and the Environment
Land use and development affect communities and the environment. The Foundation seeks conferences to advance the regeneration of cities and the management of sprawl. We also encourage proposals on incentives for sustainable business practices, resource use, and conservation on private lands.
Current Sustainable Development and the Environment Conferences

Democracy and Community
In an effort to cultivate democratic dispositions and enrich civic life, the Foundation seeks proposals on the formative role that politics and religion play in the viability of self-government. We also encourage proposals that seek to reverse civic and political disengagement. (Program Officer: Christopher Beem)
Current Democracy and Community Conferences

Family
As community life depends upon the stability of family life, the Foundation encourages conferences that strengthen the family. We devote specific attention to issues concerning welfare reform and the relationship between work and family. (Program Officer: Christopher Beem)
Current Family Conferences

Media
Under this new program area, the Foundation seeks conferences on the formative role that the media play in our society and around the world. We encourage proposals on all journalistic mediums: print, broadcast, internet, etc. (Program Officer: Theresa Oland )

The Keland Endowment Fund
This separately endowed Foundation fund supports conferences that promote the arts and environment and assists persons with severe disabilities.

Racine and Southeastern Wisconsin
The Foundation supports programs to help sustain our community of southeastern Wisconsin and the Racine metropolitan area in particular. We are engaged in everything from the restoration of the downtown to reform of the public schools.

SUPPORT

The Johnson Foundation provides the conference facilities of Wingspread, planning and logistical support, meals and other amenities during the conference, and local transportation between the conference center and Milwaukee airport. Conferees lodge at the Guest House.

The Foundation expects others to fund travel and lodging. The Foundation does not make grants.

Our conference facilities and Guest House are available only to educational/charitable organizations participating in a conference.