The Gilbert Center offers consulting services, training, publications, applied research, and public speaking to grantmakers, nonprofits, and the agencies that serve them, with a focus on strategic communication and management systems. We work collaboratively to help build both organizational and community learning with a range of organizations and a great many colleagues.
We have an ongoing interest in the transformative role of new technology, but our first emphasis is on people and their relationships. We count some of the largest funders in the world among our clients along with some of the most cutting edge organizations.
There are a few different ways to learn more about us and what we offer. Start with the Program Areas listed below, and then browse the website for more details on our services. Learn a little about our background on the About page, and also feel free to contact us if you can’t find the answers to your questions here on the website.
Also, please contact us and tell us more about your organization. We are, to put it bluntly, a very soft sell agency. We believe in dialogue and in pointing you to the best possible resources that will help you face your opportunities and challenges.
Consulting – We offer consultation in the areas of Communication Planning, Communication Research, Email Strategies, Evaluation, Knowledge Management, Management Systems, Online Marketing, Organizational Learning, Organizational Transitions, Technology Planning, Technology Requirements, and Lifework Counseling.
Publications – As part of our organizational and community learning process, we are committed to publishing as much of our explorations, resources, questions, and answers as we can. So far, we do this in the form of some periodicals, online books, articles, and reports.
Research – Using an established track record for rigorous methodology and unflinching analysis, we can get you beyond the anecdotes and stories in your field of work, and help you develop the kind of metrics that unleash creativity and innovation. We are widely regarded as one of the strongest applied research organizations in the field. Any and all research reports we have for sale will be listed on the Publications page.
Speaking – Michael Gilbert and his colleagues are well known for their inspirational talks. Mr. Gilbert delivered the keynote at the very first Silicon Valley Conference on Nonprofits and Technology and has been in great demand ever since.
Training – One of the ways in which we engage with our community is by offering lessons in packages that are more accessible than fully negotiated consulting engagements. Training nonprofit professionals at in-person workshops and online seminars is a great way to do this.