Challenges and Opportunities for Foundations Communicating in a Digital Age

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Center for Digital Information’s session on philanthropy and the digital public dialogue at theCouncil on Foundations Annual Conference in Los Angeles.

Jeff Stanger, director of the center, arranged a session that brought together 21st century thought leaders from across the country, including The Patterson Foundation’s Debra Jacobs, to discuss the future of communications in the changing digital landscape.

The conversation focused on the role foundations can play in this emerging environment—including how they can use advances in digital technology to more effectively communicate issues of concern—along with the challenges foundations face communicating in a rapidly evolving media environment.

The discussion touched on the convergence of communications and technology and spoke to the heart of The Patterson Foundation’s values, including uplifting communications in the sector. It was really great to see a group of people from a sector that can sometimes be averse to risk pushing themselves and their organizations into the future.

And because the panel focused on the future of communications in the 21st century, I was pleased to see that the session was packed, with many people Tweeting their thoughts on the topic. These are some of the more interesting takeaways from the discussion:

What are your thoughts on challenges and opportunities for foundations in the digital age?

Roxanne Joffe is strategic communications lead at The Patterson Foundation.