Back to top
Back to top

Communications Peer Community

Each philanthropy-serving organization (PSO), depending on its size, scope of its membership, and needs of its constituents, has something unique to offer to the field of philanthropy. The ability to share this information and these experiences with colleagues is one of the Forum's top priorities. Resources for PSOs in this area are easily accessible on this page including resources around social media, working with the media, and marketing and branding. If you have resources to share, please share them online or by emailing Brandon Iracks-Edelin

Communications Peer Community

The Communications Peer Community is for those with a communications role at a PSO. Topics for discussion may include newsletter, social media strategy, website and other content curation, writing op-eds, etc.

  • Communications Listserv (communicationsstaff@lists.unitedphilforum.org)- You must be a member of the Forum & this Peer Community to post to this list.
  • Three round-robin calls per year
  •  Forum’s Annual Conference virtual session

Interested in joining this Peer Community? Submit your email address on the form at the bottom of the Our Networks page

Forum Staff Leads: Tirrea Billings and Brandon Iracks-Edelin, (202) 991-5217

Co-Chairs

Gail Fuller, Disability & Philanthropy Forum

Gail Fuller is the senior director of program and communications for the Disability & Philanthropy Forum. Prior to her current role, she served as the communications strategist for the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy. As a black woman with a non-apparent disability, Gail is committed to aligning her professional experience and personal commitment. She works to deliver on the Forum’s mission to engage the philanthropic sector in a collective learning journey about disability that moves toward a more equitable, inclusive future.

With more than 30 years of experience, Gail’s career has spanned several industries, including nonprofit, corporate, publishing, sports, and philanthropy. Her philanthropic career has included serving as vice president of marketing and communications for the San Francisco Foundation and director of communications for the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. During her days in sports, she developed and spearheaded the Orlando Magic’s first corporate communications strategy. Early in her career, she served as a public relations consultant for AT&T.

Gail holds a Master of Business Administration from Nova University and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications from Wake Forest University. As a recipient of the Central Florida YMCA Black Achiever Award and the YMCA Greater New York-Harlem Branch’s Black Achievers in Industry Award, she is a two-time YMCA Black Achiever honoree recognized for her accomplishments in her field and community. Read Gail’s story, “Black and Disabled: I Have Lived in the Shadows.”

Working with the Media

More and more regional and national philanthropy-serving organizations are becoming a go-to source on philanthropy for media professionals. Below are sample policies for how our members work with the media.

Secrets of the Media Savvy

An excellent tipsheet of Do's and Don'ts during the interview process with media developed by Tom Wadsworth of Wadsworth Communications.

MCF Process for Handling Media Calls

This policy details the internal process for handling calls from the media at Minnesota Council on Foundations. 

MCF Media Call Information Notes

A template that organizes crucial and common information for responding to and documenting a media inquiry.

Marketing and Branding

Sample Communications Plans, Goals & Templates

Sample communications plans, goals, email templates and marketing calendars used by philanthropy-serving organizations to guide their communications work.

Community Foundations: Local Partners in Promoting Philanthropy

A guide to understanding, recruiting, and retaining community foundation members.

Corporate Foundations and Giving Programs: Philanthropy's Place in Business

A similar guide for corporate foundation members.

Family Foundations: A High-growth Force for Philanthropy

The final guide in the series, aimed at recruiting and retaining family foundation members. 

Google Analytics

Google Analytics is an essential tool to managing your website, spotting trends, and serving your members' interests.

Listserve Discussion Website Traffic Benchmarking

This spreadsheet compiles ongoing Google Analytics bench marking research among regional associations.

Google Analytics Goal Identification Worksheet

This worksheet developed by Minnesota Council on Foundations helps Google Analytics users identify goals for their sites.

Website Optimization Worksheet

Minnesota Council on Foundations developed this worksheet to help Google Analytics users optimize their website to top search engine results, improve user experience, and accomplish organizational goals.