Grants and Social Media

Grants and Social Media










 Grants and Social Media

I believe in the potential of networks, the energy of connections and the power of partnerships to change the world. I believe we can only make significant changes in our communities and our world when we build bridges from government to the citizen, from philanthropy to stakeholder, from corporations to grassroots organizations – connections that leverage our collective experiences, resources and missions to change lives and change our world.

Building bridges and networks to address housing, health and environmental challenges has been at the heart of my work for the past 15 years. During that time I have seen email go from trend to staple, video conference calling went from cost prohibitive to cost-effective, the internet went from dial-up to cell – you get the picture. Through each of these innovations our ability to connect – to come together – has expanded. Our ability to keep together – keep informed, share in our efforts and our progress has transformed. Social media – the technology and communication style – is part of our next transition.

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. ~Henry Ford

Most grants require innovative partnerships and many require connections between stakeholders, government, nonprofits and private business. Over a decade ago, these kinds of partnerships and collaborations were rarely made, much less required by funders. Today, however, to be a competitive grant seeker, it is essential have established partnerships and networks. Now, working together across all levels of government and community is an accepted best practice in grant development and grants management. These networks have opened communication and interaction where there were once ivory-towers and silos. Don’t get me wrong, I know we have a long way to go and there are still many barriers to communication, interactions and building relationships. 

Social media is one tool that is breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities to connect, dialog and build network. Social media is evolving. Social media is no longer trivial. Social media is already transforming philanthropy and advocacy. We are experiencing an exciting time! With social media, in less than 140 characters, we can raise awareness, raise hope and, yes, raise funds. 

I am passionate about the opportunities for social good with social media. I am the first and (currently) the only combined Grant Professional Certified (GPC)  and Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS)

Social media is not a best practice in the grants field – yet.

Social media is an increasingly important advancement in grant development and grants management. Many government programs, nonprofits and grant professionals are unsure about how to harness the power of social media to improve grant seeking and grant outcomes. 

Are you or your organization unsure about what social media means for your organization?  Or how you as a grant professional or nonprofit leader can harness the power of social media in your grant work?

Here are some upcoming resources that I recommend to help you understand this growing trend – the intersection of grants and social media:

 

How to Harness the Power of Social Media in Grant Seeking

Charity How To Webinar

Presented by Diane H. Leonard, GPC & Jo Miller, GPC, CSMS

September 18th  1:00 pm – 2:30 pm  ET (Register here.)

OR

September 23rd 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm  ET (Register here.)

 UPDATE: 

RECORDED WEBINAR: How to Harness the Power of Social Media to Improve Grant Seeking 

LIVE WEBINAR: November 12, 2014 3:00  pm  – 4:30 pm  ET (Register here.)

Social Media for the Grant Professional

Grant Professionals Association National Conference

Presented by Diane H. Leonard, GPC & Jo Miller, GPC, CSMS

October 16, 2014 (Session 201, 3:45 pm – 5:00 Seating is first come first served. Let us know if you will be attending #GPAConf14)

Portland, Oregon

Do you still have questions about how grants and social media intersect?  Drop me a note on Twitter: @JM_Grants, on Google+: Jo Miller on Facebook: JM Grants, on Pinterest  JM Grants , or drop me an email jmiller@jmgrants.com










This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Sheri says:

    Thank you very much for such a good insight. 🙂

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