Editorial Guidelines for Philanthropy Forward Magazine

Last Updated: April 27, 2024

Welcome to Philanthropy Forward Magazine. These Editorial Guidelines outline the standards and expectations for all contributors, editors, and staff involved in producing our content. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure consistency, quality, and integrity in all our publications, fostering a trusted and inspiring resource for the philanthropic community.

1. Overview

Philanthropy Forward Magazine is dedicated to highlighting impactful philanthropic efforts, sharing inspiring stories, and providing insightful analysis on trends and developments within the charitable sector. Our mission is to inform, engage, and inspire philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and socially conscious individuals to drive positive change.

2. Types of Content

We publish a variety of content types to cater to the diverse interests of our readership. The primary content categories include:

  • News Articles: Timely reports on recent developments, funding opportunities, and policy changes affecting the philanthropic landscape.
  • Feature Stories: In-depth articles that explore significant philanthropic initiatives, success stories, and innovative approaches to charity and giving.
  • Interviews: Conversations with leading philanthropists, nonprofit executives, and social entrepreneurs who are making a difference.
  • Opinion Pieces: Thought-provoking articles offering expert opinions, commentary, and analysis on relevant issues in philanthropy.
  • Case Studies: Detailed examinations of specific projects or programs, showcasing best practices and lessons learned.
  • Event Coverage: Reports on major conferences, seminars, and networking events within the philanthropic community.
  • Resource Guides: Comprehensive guides on topics such as grant writing, fundraising strategies, and nonprofit management.

3. Submission Process

To maintain a streamlined workflow and ensure the highest quality of content, please follow the submission process outlined below:

3.1 Submission Portal

All submissions should be made through our Online Submission Portal. Ensure your article adheres to these guidelines before submission.

3.2 Required Information

When submitting your manuscript, include the following:

  • Title: A clear and concise title for your article.
  • Author Information: Full name, contact details, and a brief biography (50-100 words).
  • Article Body: The main content of your article, formatted in a Word document (.doc or .docx).
  • Images and Media: High-resolution images (300 DPI) with appropriate captions and source attributions.
  • Sources: A list of all sources referenced in your article.
  • Conflict of Interest Statement: Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest related to the content.

3.3 Submission Deadlines

To ensure timely publication, adhere to the following deadlines:

  • Monthly Editions: Submit by 4:00 PM EST on the 15th of each month for the upcoming month’s issue.
  • Special Features: Deadlines will be communicated on a case-by-case basis.

4. Style and Formatting

Consistency in style and formatting is crucial for maintaining the professional appearance of our magazine. Adhere to the following guidelines:

4.1 Language and Tone

  • Professional and Respectful: Maintain a respectful and objective tone. Avoid biased or promotional language unless explicitly stated.
  • Clarity and Precision: Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon unless necessary and provide explanations for technical terms.
  • Active Voice: Prefer active voice over passive voice for more engaging and direct writing.

4.2 Style Guide

  • Chicago Manual of Style: Follow the Chicago Manual of Style for grammar, punctuation, and formatting rules.
  • Headings and Subheadings: Use descriptive headings and subheadings to organize content logically.
  • Font and Formatting: Use a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12pt) with double-spacing. Include page numbers if applicable.

4.3 Citations and References

  • Proper Attribution: Attribute all quotes, data, and references to their original sources.
  • Hyperlinks: Include hyperlinks for online sources when submitting digital content.
  • Endnotes and Footnotes: Use sparingly and only when necessary for additional context or citations.

5. Ethical Guidelines

Maintaining ethical standards is paramount to our credibility and reputation. Adhere to the following principles:

5.1 Accuracy and Fact-Checking

  • Verify Information: Ensure all facts, figures, and statements are accurate and corroborated by reliable sources.
  • Corrections: Promptly issue corrections for any errors discovered post-publication.

5.2 Conflicts of Interest

  • Disclosure: Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including financial ties or personal relationships that may influence the content.
  • Impartiality: Maintain objectivity and avoid favoritism towards any individual, organization, or cause.

5.3 Plagiarism and Originality

  • Original Content: Submit only original work that has not been published elsewhere.
  • Attribution: Properly attribute all borrowed content, ideas, and quotations to their rightful owners.

5.4 Privacy and Sensitivity

  • Respect Privacy: Avoid disclosing private or sensitive information about individuals without explicit consent.
  • Sensitive Topics: Handle sensitive subjects with care, ensuring respectful and considerate coverage.

6. Image and Media Usage

Visual elements enhance the appeal and clarity of our content. Follow these guidelines for images and media:

6.1 Image Quality

  • Resolution: Submit high-resolution images (minimum 300 DPI) to ensure clarity in print and digital formats.
  • Formats: Acceptable formats include JPEG, PNG, and TIFF.

6.2 Copyright and Permissions

  • Ownership: Ensure you have the rights or permissions to use and publish any images or media included in your submission.
  • Attribution: Provide appropriate credit for all images, including the photographer’s name and source.

6.3 Captions and Descriptions

  • Informative Captions: Include descriptive captions that provide context to the images.
  • Descriptive Alt Text: For digital publications, provide alt text for accessibility purposes.

7. Review and Editing Process

All submissions undergo a thorough review and editing process to ensure quality and adherence to guidelines:

7.1 Editorial Review

  • Initial Assessment: The editorial team reviews submissions for relevance, accuracy, and compliance with guidelines.
  • Feedback: Authors may receive feedback or requests for revisions to improve their submissions.

7.2 Editing and Proofreading

  • Content Editing: Editors may suggest changes to enhance clarity, structure, and flow.
  • Copyediting: Focus on grammar, punctuation, and adherence to the Chicago Manual of Style.
  • Proofreading: Final check for typographical errors and formatting consistency.

7.3 Approval and Publication

  • Author Approval: Authors review and approve the final edited version before publication.
  • Scheduling: Approved articles are scheduled for publication based on editorial priorities and deadlines.

8. Publication Policies

Our publication policies ensure transparency and accountability in our content dissemination:

8.1 Corrections and Retractions

  • Corrections: Issue corrections promptly for factual errors discovered after publication.
  • Retractions: In cases of significant inaccuracies or ethical breaches, retract the affected content with a clear explanation.

8.2 Disclaimer

  • Content Responsibility: Philanthropy Forward Magazine is not liable for the content provided by third parties. All opinions expressed are those of the authors unless otherwise stated.
  • External Links: We do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of information on external websites linked from our publications.