Virtual Site Visits

Technology was more limited in 2003, but it was not difficult to put up a website with off the shelf software, to get our mission out to the community. Creating a password protected private website let us maintain a "board site" which functioned like a weekly newsletter to our board, and replaced the need for massive quantities of informational emails.

Now, in 2009 -2010, web production is easier, and Google Groups and other online tools make a password protected discussion place readily available with the creation of a free account. Our family foundation has 24/7 access to foundation news from anywhere, anytime. A one line email goes out from time to time, saying "Remember to log in for the latest news..."

Now, all you need is some basic "user" skills on the computer (or a high school or college student) and a free Gmail login to use online tools to

-share documents and collaborate without sending versions back and forth on email

-talk on the phone while looking at the same document, with both parties editing in real time

-collaborate and converse with family, board or staff, via video, chat, and discussion groups

Rachel Fox has prepared a series of short guides to some currently available online tools.

These documents were included in a presentation to the Council on Foundations Family Philanthropy Conference in early Feb. 2009. They are downloadable here, as pdf files for all foundations and giving families, in an effort to advance everyone's use of easy technology.

We hope they are informative guides for giving families!

Downloadable PDF Handouts:
Working on Collaborative Projects (pdf)
Conversations Over Long Distances (pdf)

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