Technology
Telling a Fair and Balanced Story
Civil Society in America faces the challenge of storytelling. Democracy thrives on the free availability of information and viewpoints. We must guard against hegemony that stifles innovation and protect voices of the marginalized. To do so, we should ensure that everyone's story is told.
Making…
Philanthropy and the Health of the Internet
On Feb. 11, the Ford, Knight, Open Society, MacArthur, and Mozilla, Foundations together launched NetGain: Working Together for a Stronger Digital Society as a major shared initiative. The NetGain initiative advocates that building the Internet as an open, global public resource is a social issue…
Giving As Good As We Get
As my boss and Blackbaud CEO Mike Gianoni noted, “#GivingTuesday has gone from a simple idea to become a genuine global phenomenon.” The unofficial start to the end-of-year giving season once again kicked off this #GivingTuesday, December 2nd 2014, and with #UNselfies shared and charitable gifts…
Increasing Influence and Measuring Impact for Organizational Social Media
An article recently published in Research & Development shared how researchers are using social media to draw attention to their research. Discussing their work with reporters and sharing on social media seemed to increase the likelihood that one’s research is cited, thereby increasing their…
“But We’re Not the Broadband Foundation”: The critical role of philanthropy in increasing Internet access and use
“As the Internet becomes a gateway to democratic participation, economic opportunity, and human expression, it is critical to the future of our country — and our philanthropic missions — to ensure that everyone has high-speed access to an open Internet.”
- Former Ford Foundation President Luis…
Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity
This post is part of the #CF100 Series of blog posts. The Council on Foundations is marking the 100th anniversary of the nation’s first community foundation, The Cleveland Foundation, by highlighting the roles of community foundations with this series.
See where it all began at ourFall Conference…
6 Reasons to Play with Matches
The idea of coordinated giving days is gaining momentum. These social media campaigns provide an image-building opportunity for community foundations as well as opportunities to build the capacity of our grantees to raise money for themselves. Rather than providing technical assistance, project…
4 Lessons About Getting Started with Giving Days
Online giving days are generating huge interest among community foundations.
Giving online is increasing in double digit percentages year over year, yet in our community, many of the nonprofits we serve have barely have a website let alone a “Donate Now” button. As a result, we thought it was…
Rhode Island Community Foundation breaks the mold with Innovation Fellowships
Lessons Learned
Jessica David, vice president of Strategy and Community Investments for the Rhode Island Foundation says the Innovation Fellowship been an ongoing learning process in a range of ways. Among her key takeaways for managing an initiative that is a departure from traditional…
19 Years Searching for a Cure to AIDS
A lot has been accomplished over the years since HIV/AIDS first was discovered. Scientists have come a long way toward finding a cure, and in the process many of those afflicted with the disease are living much longer than in the past.
It’s the incremental steps made by scientists around the world…
More than just a window to the web - Apps and extensions for your browser
Do you know more about apps for your phone than apps for your browser? Many are unaware that apps and other add-ons are available for their browsers, are often free, and can provide unique tools to make their online experience better. So if you are a busy philanthropic professional, what apps might…
2014 Annual Conference Call for Sessions
Call for Sessions
Be a part of the 2014 Annual Conference: Philanthropy Exchange!
The Council is issuing a Call for Sessions to leading civil and social innovators. We are looking to you for well-developed sessions that offer diverse perspectives, concrete solutions, and fresh insights into our…
Registration is Now Open for the 2014 Annual Conference: Philanthropy Exchange
A brand new conference experience – Philanthropy Exchange – supercharges the Council on Foundations' Annual Conference with enhanced networking opportunities, an inclusive perspective on the shared values of the field, and a focus on the issues that matter to you.
Join over a thousand of your…
Data-driven Philanthropy for Community Foundations
One of the most pressing topics for community foundations is the reinvention of their position as catalysts for change. Foundations are increasingly taking on new, proactive roles within their communities, capitalizing on their ability to lead and advocate. They are independent and unencumbered…
Clutter-Free Travel: Load, Store and Print Documents from Your Smartphone
As I sat in the lobby before a recent meeting at a nonprofit, I saw a woman carrying a stack of folders in one arm and tugging at her luggage with her free hand. She tripped, but caught herself before she spilled the stack. As she made her way out the door, I wondered if she had ever considered…
Four Lessons About Marketing Learning
I recently presented an infographic learning session using Google+ Hangouts on Air. While I’ve scheduled virtual learning sessions through my affinity group and another organization in the past, registration numbers for these events have usually topped out around 70. But this event grew to almost…