As a follow up to the inaugural MCF ComMotion Network meeting last week (a member network for grantmaker communications staff) and the MCN Technology and Communications Conference, here’s a quick entry about GrantCraft’s survey of over 1,500 grantmakers on how they’re using web-based communications tools to connect with the community, grantees and other stakeholders.
The free report, entitled How Do Web-based Tools Fit in Your Communications Strategy?, can be downloaded from the GrantCraft website after registering.
The report breaks down the popularity of certain tools, and it includes a wealth of one-liner anecdotes about how grantmakers have used online technology to connect more effectively. According to the report, four of the most popular ways of using web-based tools to connect with stakeholders is through online surveys (55%), followed by online videos (34%), social networking (32%) and webinars (28%).
The report cautions that, although online technologies can be well-suited for engaging those in rural communities, grantmakers should keep in mind bandwidth issues that may limit access to online media, especially video and webinars.
Finally, keep accessibility issues in mind when considering online communications. Some groups don’t have access to the internet at all. And persons with disabilities and others are often under-served when sites are not made accessible with new adaptive technologies.
If you’re investigating web-based tools for your organization, check out GrantCraft’s “What’s a Wiki Anyway?” page. It has a list of different tools and services grantmakers reported using in the survey, and links to learn more.
Join the Conversation: At the MCF ComMotion Network meeting, members discussed how they’re using social media and other technologies to engage their stakeholders. If you’re a grantmaker, what new technologies have proven useful to you? If you’re a nonprofit, what’s been your experience with grantmakers using new communications tools to evaluate grants or to communicate with you? Please share your thoughts by commenting on this post.
- Cary Lenore Walski, MCF web communications associate
