Designed for communications and program staff members.

Digital Strategies For Community Foundations

Sunday, September 9 - 1-5 p.m.
This event is free, but separate registration is required.

The Knight Digital Media Center at USC/Annenberg is hosting this workshop for community foundation leaders who want to explore strategic opportunities in the digital age. Aimed at CEOs and program and communication professionals, the session will cover strategies, new approaches, and best practices for fostering informed, engaged communities.

Community Indicator Reports: How Data Supports Action and Affects Branding

Monday, September 10 - 2:30-4:00 p.m.

Hear how community foundations are using research and data to strengthen and improve overall community well-being and make a case for increased action, new coalitions, engaged philanthropy, and positive change. This information also can play a major role in determining how foundations are perceived in their local communities. In addition, panelists will share how they conducted their research and some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Digital Communications Strategies That Work

Monday, September 10 - 4:30-6:00 p.m.

To develop and support an effective website, you need to apply strategic thinking to your messaging, apply a curator’s eye to content and design, and make sure your copy is crisp and compelling. This session will provide you with tools and techniques for focusing your online communications—including content strategy—with an eye toward storytelling and best practices for usability and design.

Donor Perception Studies and The Insights They Provide For Communications Strategies

Tuesday, September 11 - 10:00-11:30 a.m.

The Center for Effective Philanthropy has done hundreds of donor feedback studies for community foundations. Panelists involved with these studies will discuss some of the lessons they’ve learned and provide actionable strategies for more effectively engaging and communicating with donors.

GAB Fest 2012

Tuesday, September 11 - 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Embolden’s GAB Project premiered at last year’s Fall Conference to a wildly receptive audience. Get an update and see how this unique tool allows you to compare your website’s key usage metrics with those of your peers and provides unique insight into the effectiveness of your website and online communications initiatives.

Site Session: The Brainstorming Bus Tour: Communicating Your Impact

Tuesday, September 11 - 2:30-5:00 p.m.

Climb aboard as the Greater New Orleans Foundation leads a bus tour through the heart of the city to visit three nonprofit organizations: Market Umbrella, devoted to cultivating the field of public markets for public good; Idea Village, a leader of local entrepreneurship; and The Lens, an award-winning, Web-based news site. Learn more about these organizations and share best practices in communications with your peers.

Innovations and Super Cool Tools for Communicators (Extended Learning Lab)

Wednesday, September 12 - 10:00-11:00 a.m.

There are many tools available today to help you share your stories easily and effectively. This fun and engaging session will introduce you to an arsenal of super cool tools and techniques—from low-tech to sophisticated—to make your community foundation’s stories stand out.