Nonprofit's #1 Fund Raising Resource!

That's right, the number one resource that every nonprofit alike has is right at our disposal on the web and in every major city in the United States. This resource by far out weighs all others and yet is one of the best kept secrets of our time. That resource is The Foundation Center's and their Cooperative Collection's.

Mission

The mission of The Foundation Center's is to strengthen the nonprofit sector by advancing knowledge about U.S. philanthropy. The Foundation center was started in 1956 and today is supported by over 600 foundations according to their website. A very center of knowledge and power these centers are used by 1,000's every year to gain the needed information to help both grant seekers and grant makers alike. As a matter of fact their websites boast of 45,000 visitors per day. I guess the secrets getting out! Well it should because it is a wealth of information for today's nonprofit organizations.

How they are funded

The Foundation Center is supported by grants from over 600 foundations and 50% of the budget comes from earned income the center creates through activities it offers on a fee basis while at the same time maintaining most all its resources at the designated centers for free. These funds are raised from the same fund raising activities that the center promotes.

Where are they and why are they such a great resource?

Although there are 5 regional centers, they have in addition 340 cooperating collections that are in libraries, foundations and other widely accessible locations to help reach those undeserved nonprofit organizations that need help. These locations have libraries whose book topics are specific to the industry. They maintain a database of foundations that offer grants and their specific guidelines. They promote needed workshops, webinars and other educational learning devices to help nonprofit's further their knowledge of the industry and to save valuable time and dollars for both the grant seeker's and the grant maker's.

How do I access their resources?

It's easy just go to the nearest Financial Center's regional office, one of their Cooperating Collections or get on your computer and navigate to Foundation Center. Its as easy as finding and going to the library. Once their let them know its your first time so they can give you a tour of the facility. The staff will receive you warmly and they will work hard to help you with the information you need to fund and manage your nonprofit organization.

I go every two weeks at least to return books that I borrow and read on the nonprofit sector, to do research for my clients and to catch up with the latest trends in our industry. It is one of the highlights of my week and I enjoy going as much as anything else I do.

So now you know about this valuable resource. Don't you think its time to have a visit for yourself and discover the knowledge , resources and the education you can obtain freely? Go on get out there you will be glad you did.

Facts and statistics obtained from Foundational Center Website