Center for Public Interest Communications

Foundations have an identity problem. Research shows that telling better stories can help. Over the past year, we have worked with our partner, the Council on Foundations, to better understand narratives around philanthropy and what foundations can do to build trust in the sector. Today, we are excited to share the culmination of this phase of work: “Philanthropy’s New Voice: Building Deeper Trust With Stories and Clear Language.” “Philanthropy’s New Voice” is the most extensive study we’ve found of narratives about philanthropy, rooting its recommendations in a mixed methods approach that included: - A national survey of 3,557 Americans; - Fourteen interviews with practitioners, scholars and policymakers; - A survey of sector storytellers; - Social listening; and - Multiple types of content analyses. Download the report for free on the Council's website (you need to register to download it): https://lnkd.in/gdyRJCDb We will share more insights from the report over the next few weeks. Today, we want to start with a round of applause for the people who made this project possible. Thank you Nicole Bronzan and your team for coming to us with this amazing idea and for partnering with us on the research. Thank you to our UF colleagues who helped with the research, our peer reviewers, BitterSweet Creative for designing the report, and our fantastic Center research team.

Meet Emily Mavrakis, Senior Writer at the University of Florida College of Medicine, and learn how our Strategic Communications Academy helped her bridge the gap between her team and the students they serve. By applying the strategies she learned, Emily transformed how students engage with communications at the College of Medicine. Ready to elevate your communication strategies? Join our Science Communication Short Course, now open to all! Register today and take the first step toward meaningful, strategic communication. Secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/grUCzBg6 #ScienceCommunication #StrategicComms #Changemakers

Ready to elevate your data visualization game? Effective data visualization is more than just charts and graphs—it’s about telling the right story with your data. By asking two key questions, you can ensure your visuals are clear, persuasive, and aligned with your research goals. Want to learn how to master these techniques and transform your research into compelling visual stories? Our Science Communication short course has you covered. 👉 Dive deeper and sharpen your skills. Register here: https://buff.ly/46GeL21 #ScienceCommunication #DataVisualization #PublicInterestCommunications #ResearchExcellence

We spent Friday morning engaging with 80 nonprofit leaders from Southwest Florida on the Back-of-the-Envelope Strategy. This dynamic group of leaders and communicators is deeply committed to making their region a great place for all who live and work here. A special thank you to the Collier Community Foundation , Naples Children & Education Foundation, founders of the Naples Winter Wine Festival, and Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation for making this session possible. Bonus: We were also thrilled to have Tiffany Danielle Chisholm Pineda join the training in person for the first time, and it was a pure joy to work with her. Read more about the Back-of-the-Envelope Strategy here: https://lnkd.in/em7j-RNj

This fall, we’re hitting the road to connect, learn, and contribute to the most important conversations in storytelling and strategic communications. From groundbreaking research to shaping the future of giving, we’re excited to be part of these pivotal events. Will we see you there? Comment below and let us know! 📍 Indianapolis, IN Science of Philanthropy Initiative Conference 2024 | Sept. 18-19 We’re diving into the latest experimental research on charitable giving to better understand what drives generosity in today’s world. https://buff.ly/4fX0fHs Philanthropy Leads Conference 2024 | Oct. 7-9 We’re excited to see our very own Aaron Zeiler lead his session, “Hello, Is It You I'm Looking For? Understanding Your Audience with Persona Building,” as we explore the future of philanthropy with Indiana’s leading changemakers! https://buff.ly/4dHluLb 📍 Kansas City, MO ComNet24 | Oct. 16-18 We’re joining top communications professionals for three days of insights, inspiration, and strategies that are shaping the social good sector. https://buff.ly/46LM97y 📍 Nashville, TN Leading Lights: Connection, Community & Courage | Nov. 13-15 We’ll participate in crucial discussions on overcoming division and building a more equitable South because together, we can create a brighter future. https://buff.ly/4fX0fXY Stay tuned for insights and updates as we travel to these incredible events! #Philanthropy #CommunicationsForGood #ConferenceTour #SocialChange

We've got exciting news! Our Science Communication Short Course is now open to the public! For the first time, our highly sought-after Science Communication Short Course—previously exclusive to UF leaders and scholars—is now open to YOU. Are you ready to transform how you communicate your research? Whether you're a scientist, researcher, or communicator, this course is designed to equip you with the skills to: - Share your research with confidence. - Use storytelling to make complex ideas accessible. - Create compelling data visualizations. - Build your influence with journalists, policymakers, and funders. Course Dates: Oct. 15 - Dec. 10 Format: Online Live Sessions Credential: Earn a “Science Communications” Digital Badge Register now with code SciComFall24 to get $200 off your enrollment: https://buff.ly/46GeL21 Don’t miss this opportunity to join a community of changemakers and elevate your science communication game.

Do you work in or study the field of public interest communications? If so, we would love to hear your views on the field. Please take part in our brief, less-than-15-minute survey, and add your email at the end if you are interested in learning the results. With your help, this will be the most comprehensive survey of those working in public interest communications to date. Take the survey here: https://lnkd.in/ejuBUBDA

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀? Storytelling is a powerful tool for change, especially when it highlights the voices of those with lived experiences. Lauren Fitch-Slagter, an alum of our Essentials of Public Interest Communications course and the Communications Director at the University of Michigan Poverty Solutions, is looking for insights on fairly compensating individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, for participating in a documentary. 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂: What are the best practices for determining fair compensation for individuals who share their personal stories in interviews for documentaries or community projects? 𝙒𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙚. 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙨: • How can nonprofits determine appropriate compensation for participants in interviews and storytelling projects? • What factors should influence the pay rate to ensure it aligns with ethical standards? • Do you have any experiences or recommendations from similar projects? 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Ensuring fair compensation is vital to maintaining dignity and integrity in storytelling. Your insights can help shape ethical guidelines that respect the contributions of those sharing their experiences across various contexts. We invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, and best practices in the comments below. 

Meet Chandler Cofield, Senior Communications Associate at Third Sector, and discover how our Essentials of Public Interest Communications workshop helped her transform technical content into compelling stories that resonate with actors. Want to achieve the same success? Join our upcoming Fall Essentials course and start making a difference with your communications. Register by August 1st using code PICFallSavings for $300 off! Secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/evcsg97K #PublicInterestComms #Storytelling #Changemakers

Hope we see you there! #ComNet24