This post was mentioned on Twitter by execSearches: Advice on Long-term vs. Short-Term Development Success http://bit.ly/3EWUWG from @PamelaGrow #nonprofit #fundraising (via @sbsfundraising)…

No. I don’t have any either anecdotal or systematic stories specific to social media — I think that it is still too early in the game for that.

When I first began in nonprofit work, following several years working for a fairly large foundation, one of my first priorities was always to quickly develop the organization’s communications – from connecting with all of the local print press to connecting with local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, etc. to connecting with local and state elected officials – all to gain maximum positive exposure. I see the use of social media as a natural extension of that work AND as a form of stewardship. I think that Twitter, Facebook, Youtube – all provide great venues for connecting to a wider audience and for COMMUNICATING mission.

I don’t know that foundations are all that “up” on social media – but I do know that, in the course of a proposal review they will most definitely review an organization’s website. Some red flags would include outdated staff listings, a site that clearly has not been updated since 2006 and a site that does not feature online giving.

Thanks for writing!

Are there some anecdotal and/or systematic stories you tell for helping those less versed in social networking platforms better understand the “seriousness” of these tools? Have there been clear statements from the foundation or grant-giving world on the importance of presenting non-profit work (research and policy analysis in my case) in these forums?

Best, Geoff

Thanks so much for this link and the link for your article about having a system in place for grants. I’m sure they’ll help to point me in the right direction! I appreciate you taking the time to reply on the DEVELOPMENT-OFFICE list.

Sincerely,
Kylie