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.

If you’re in Kansas City for #ComNet24, we hope to see you today at 11 a.m. CT for our learning lab with Center for Public Interest Communications: Building Trust with Better Stories. It’s going to be a great session! https://hubs.ly/Q02TKKj70

When was the last time you gave something your full attention? The New York Times’ 10-Minute Challenge dares you to focus on a single image with no distractions. It’s tougher than it sounds, but the payoff? New details, fresh perspectives—and maybe a reminder of the power of slowing down. This quick read is part of Real Good Snacks—quick insights to keep you inspired and thinking. Catch this one here, and subscribe to get these sent straight to your inbox! https://lnkd.in/eMZzhA4V

At the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance's Philanthropy Leads Conference today, Aaron J. Zeiler (he/him), our Director of Partner Strategies, shared how persona-building can help foundations connect meaningfully with the communities they serve. In a field often met with misunderstanding, Aaron emphasized that knowing your audience’s values, worldviews, and identities is key to bridging the gap. Here’s what he covered:  👉 Telling better stories requires taking the time to better understand the people you want to reach  👉 Using research-driven personas to be specific about who you’re reaching—and how  👉 Building trust with clear, relatable language, based on insights from Philanthropy’s New Voice, our report with the Council on Foundations Want to communicate with more clarity and purpose? Explore Philanthropy’s New Voice for further insights: cof.org/better-stories #IPACon2024

Twelve years ago today, a group of changemakers, strategic communicators, faculty and students gathered in the basement 'News Lab' at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications to begin building a community of practice in public interest communications. From this proto-"frank in the Basement" grew 10 years of the annual, amazing frank gathering. Now that our frank "gap year" is coming to a close we're eagerly anticipating the next evolution of our community and gathering. Our Center team is working with a great group of volunteer leaders, under the chairship of Erin Birx Hart, to assess and build frank 2.0 Stay tuned for more from frank in 2025 and 2026.

Twelve years ago today, a group of changemakers, strategic communicators, faculty and students gathered in the basement 'News Lab' at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications to begin building a community of practice in public interest communications. From this proto-"frank in the Basement" grew 10 years of the annual, amazing frank gathering. Now that our frank "gap year" is coming to a close we're eagerly anticipating the next evolution of our community and gathering. Our Center team is working with a great group of volunteer leaders, under the chairship of Erin Birx Hart, to assess and build frank 2.0 Stay tuned for more from frank in 2025 and 2026.

Meet Rolando Negron M.Ed., Acquisitions Editor at UF/IFAS Communications, and discover how our Science Communications Course helped him transform how UF/IFAS connects with faculty and engages the public. By applying the strategies he learned, Rolando enhances how scientific research is communicated to diverse audiences. Looking to strengthen your strategic communication skills? Join our Science Communication Course, now open to the public. Register today with the link below—classes start Oct. 13, so don’t wait! Secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/grUCzBg6 #ScienceCommunication #StrategicComms #Changemakers

Our Director of Partner Strategies, Aaron J. Zeiler (he/him), will speak at the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance's 2024 Philanthropy Leads Conference! His session, “Hello, Is It You I'm Looking For? Understanding Your Audience with Persona Building,” will explore how grantmakers can use persona-building to foster stronger relationships with grantees and communities. Aaron will also share insights from the "Philanthropy’s New Voice: Building Trust With Deeper Stories and Clearer Language" report, highlighting ways foundations can enhance their storytelling. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Aaron and other thought leaders. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ejbXepS. #IPACon2024 #IndianaPhilanthropy

Are you involved in public interest communications or studying it? We want to hear from you! Help shape the future of the field by participating in our quick survey. If you're interested in the results, simply leave your email at the end. Your input will contribute to the most comprehensive understanding of public interest communications yet. Take the survey here: https://lnkd.in/ejuBUBDA

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