Thinking

In this paper, the Communications Network shares what we’ve learned from a series of conversations held over the past year with people who work at or with foundations and nonprofit organizations. The conversations focused on communications: how people and organizations communicate with each other and external audiences, how they invest in communications, how they even define the word “communications.” We remind you why we initiated these conversations, what we learned from them, and what we think this means for the Communications Network moving forward.

Board Chair Minna Jung shares her thoughts on the importance of Communication Matters and the value of online tools in the digital age.

Creating change requires that organizations effectively communicate their vision in a way that draws in both existing allies and “unusual suspects.”

A look at how the Center for American Progress is using innovative communications strategies to reach the broadest possible audience.

Communications is not an opportunity for nonprofits; it’s a necessity.

A look at how Freedom to Marry used communications to make the “impossible” … “inevitable”

A conversation with communications expert Jonah Berger on how to build support for ideas and gain momentum on social change.

Three steps to driving large-scale change through strategic communications.

Collaboration between philanthropic organizations has the potential to revolutionize sector efficiency.

Three guiding principles for foundations contemplating a more-ambitious and impactful communications strategy.

Five steps to building and leveraging the engine that fuels national conversation: influence.

How to give voice to public support—seven lessons from ONE Campaign.

How one organization took advantage of a major transition to move away from third-party vendors and build an in-house communications team.

The independence of foundations gives them the unique ability to communicate uncomfortable truths to entrenched power. When it comes to strategic communications, however, there are three things of which every foundation could do more.