The Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation at Arizona State University works to develop nonprofit leadership. Robert Ashcraft is executive director.

Baylor University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership & Service emphasizes faith-based nonprofits in its study and research. Jim Roberts is the director.

The Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich. publishes The Foundation Review. Kathy Agard is executive director and can discuss the general health of nonprofits, including religion-based ones, in the Grand Rapids area.

The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society at the City University of New York has done research into philanthropy among some religious and ethnic groups in the New York area. Kathleen D. McCarthy is the director.

Mary Oates is a lecturer in economics at Regis College in Weston, Mass. She is an expert on Catholic philanthropy in America.

Naomi Levine is executive director of New York University’s Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising and is an expert on Jewish philanthropy and nonprofits.

New York University’s Heyman Program for Philanthropy and Fundraising provides professional development training for nonprofit executives, employees and volunteers.

The Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College, a Jesuit school, examines the relationship between spirituality, wealth and giving. Paul Schervish is director.

The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy at the University of Southern California conducts research on philanthropy and nonprofits. The center maintains a list of experts on philanthropy, both national and local.