Comments on: Grist Envy

By: Robert SanGeorge

Robert SanGeorge — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:49:59 +0000

Tom,
Very astute analysis. Online publications like Grist are redefining what it means to do “cause” advocacy. Grist attracts a far larger and more influential audience with a much more lively presentation than any of the traditional green groups.

By: Devon Kearney

Devon Kearney — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:29:33 +0000

Thank you – this is a very astute point and one that I hadn’t considered. I wonder if it is an argument for merging fundraising and communications in another way: we NGOs probably can’t outcompete on information gathering, but we are pretty sophisticated about segmentation. In developing donor relationships, we do a lot of work to uncover and clarify interests – but what if we make efforts to differentiate a subset of this, the donor’s information needs? For NGOs whose work includes monitoring developments in their field, maybe we should be looking at how well we can deliver to our supporters exactly the information they want, in ways that our media competitors can’t.

By: Keary Kinch

Keary Kinch — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:17:21 +0000

Thank you! On the local/regional level many organizations are finding that folding Communications & Development into one “team” is the best way to go. Not just for personnel expense, as all of the functions still are needed, but for integration and consistency. In Austin at my organization, this has increased our constituent base locally, prompted more press coverage/interest – AND improved our individual giving!