Communications and Connections
Through the Forum, regional associations can communicate with national colleague organizations, with the Forum, and most importantly with each other. Each regional association, depending on its size, scope of its membership, and needs of its constituents, has something unique to offer to the field of philanthropy. The ability to share this information and these experiences with colleagues is one of the Forum's top priorities.Networking opportunities include:
- Two major meetings a year providing an opportunity to network in person with other regional associations and colleague organizations.
- Several email listservs used to poll fellow regional association staff members.
- Interactive "members only" Web site feature that allows regional associations to share important and useful products, publications, and research.
- Collective participation in national initiatives and grantmaking projects either started or endorsed by the Forum (i.e. Building Grantmaker Effectiveness & Accountability initiative and Knowledge Management initiative).
In This Area
- Google Analytics
This section provides information on how regional associations are using Google Analytics to track and improve the use of their Web sites. - Listserves
Regional associations of grantmakers can network with one another using the Forum's listserve services. - Marketing/Branding Project
Here you will find marketing and branding materials developed in partnership with Bob Tobin of the Williams Group. - Meetings
Networking opportunities for regional association staff and CEOs are one of the most important benefits offered by the Forum and occur throughout the year. - Newsletters
The Forum publishes two e-newsletters for our members to share network updates, highlight the work of regional associations, and provide information from the field. - Social Media
Learn how regional associations are connecting to their members through online social networking, including strategies, best practices, and other resources. - Web Content for Regional Associations
High quality vetted content on current philanthropy issues for use in newsletters, Web sites, and other communications vehicles. - Working with the Media
This section provides sample policies on how regional associaitons work with the media.
Materials
- AGF Communications Plan (DOC)
A sample communications plan developed by Arizona Grantmakers Forum. - Social Media & E-communications Guide (DOC)
A Social Media and e-communications guide developed by Arizona Grantmakers Forum to supplement their communications plan. - San Diego Grantmakers 2012 Communications Plan (DOC)
A sample communications plan developed by San Diego Grantmakers in 2012 includes a situation analysis, SWOT analysis, and detailed communications goals. - RA Member Only Login Information (DOC)
Listing of the username and passwords available for member only restricted portions of regional association Web sites. - Ohio Grantmakers Forum Annual Report Postcard (PDF)
A sample post card sent to advertise OGF's online annual report.
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Links
- Recording: How to Play Nice with Google: SEO Best Practices
Recording of the "How to Play Nice with Google: SEO Best Practices" webinar presented by Cary Walski of MAP for Nonprofits and Kevin Watson, communications coordinator for alumni relations at Hamline University on October 25, 2011. This webinar provides practical guidance on how to optimize your web content for higher rankings in search results on major search engines such as Google, Bing, and others. - ASAE Media Finder
ASAE's site allows you to compose letters to the editor, or just find and contact national and local media. Search by ZIP code, name or title. Or simply select the state where you would like to find newspapers, TV and radio stations. - A Room with a Viewpoint
How can you create an online press room that reporters will find useful? Find best practices for effective online pressrooms from Fenton Communications. - Guidelines for Evaluating Nonprofit Communications Efforts (PDF)
Evaluation offers multiple benefits to foundations investing in communications. Find realistic guidelines that foundations can use to evaluate their communications efforts from the Media Evaluation Project. - How to Make the Most of Your Marketing and Communications Professionals: A Practical Guide for Organizations Out to Make a Difference (PDF)
Choosing a communications consultant with the right skills, chemistry, and cost-structure isn't easy. Learn how to select and working with consultants to accomplish what you want and get good value.
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