Mission:
The Communications Network is a nonprofit membership organization that provides the philanthropic community with leadership, guidance, and resources in order to promote strategic communications as an integral part of effective philanthropy.

Background:
Frank Karel, the former vice president for communications at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, founded the Communications Network to help foundations fulfill their missions more effectively by using strategic communications. More than three hundred trustees, communication officers, program staff, and others belong to the network. They represent private, community, and family foundations; corporate giving programs; regional associations of grantmakers; and other philanthropic and nonprofit organizations.

Outstanding Feature:
The Resources section of the Communications Network Web site is a repository of articles, reports, and guidance on communications from consultants, foundations, nonprofits, and journalism groups. The area is organized into several categories, including Communications Grantmaking Information, Inside Journalism, Philanthropy and Media Relations, and Research. The site also features a What's New sidebar with links to upcoming workshops and other opportunities and a Recommended Reading area with links to valuable reports.