Define your target audiences before you select the best way to reach them. Focus on those best positioned to directly determine the success or failure of your goal. It is imperative that you clearly identify, as narrowly as possible, the people you need to reach and influence with your communication. It is important to remember that policy change is determined not by faceless, governmental cyborgs, but by living, breathing humans. Be careful to avoid the pitfall of stratifying your audiences into imprecise subsets like “voters” and “electeds.”

50/50 Roughly the split between time spent on internal and external communication.

9% Average percentage of communication time spent communicating with policymakers.

22% Average percentage of communication time spent communicating with grantees.

“By communicating what the foundation is supporting to our key audiences, such as policy makers and potential partners, we can amplify our impact in achieving our mission-driven goals.” Executive Leader Private Foundation

“If our efforts aren't heard by the right people, it’s just as if a tree fell in the forest. Without communication our work is like that tree. No will care.” Communication Leader Private Foundation

“Communication is essential “Communication is essential. The best evidence is of little value if it doesn’t get to the people who need it, when they want it, in a form that's understandable to them.” Evaluation Leader Nonprofit

Can you clearly define your audiences?

How do you segment your audiences?

Who is your internal versus your external audience?