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GrantsResources for Grant-Seekers The Chester County Library System offers a rich collection of resources to help those searching for and writing grants. These resources include subscription databases and print directories available through the Phoenixville Public Library, books available through the Chester County Library System, and a select list of high-quality, free internet sites. These resources are described in more detail below. I. Phoenixville Public Library:
The Foundation Center and AFP Affiliate Library Reference Collections for Grant Seekers and Nonprofits http://www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/adult/Foundation%20Center.htm “If you are an organization or an individual looking for sources of funding or information on how to run your nonprofit organization, Phoenixville Public Library's Foundation Center and AFP Affiliate Library Reference Collections are good places to begin. These special collections, located in the Adult Reference section of Phoenixville Public Library, feature books, newsletters, newspapers, and online databases covering sources of grants, fundraising, philanthropy, and nonprofit management.”
The following subscription databases are available for in-person use at the Phoenixville Public Library:
· Pennsylvania Foundations – Updated, online version of Directory of Pennsylvania Foundations. You can search by foundation name, region, interest codes, contact person, application deadlines, and additional criteria. Search results include summary of recently-awarded grants, contact information, application guidelines, financial information, and more. · The Foundation Directory Online –National in scope. Includes detailed profiles of all active U.S. foundations, as well as an extensive file of recent grants awarded by the nation's top funders. · Foundation Grants to Individuals Online - “…search through detailed descriptions of more than 6,000 foundation programs that fund students, artists, researchers, and other individual grantseekers. This unique online database [is] the only one devoted exclusively to the needs of individuals...” - From http://gtionline.foundationcenter.org/learnmore/index.html If they like, patrons may schedule an appointment with Mark Pinto to learn more about using these and other grant-related resources. Mark's contact information and more about Phoenixville's grant resources, workshops, and webinars can be found here:
The Phoenixville Public Library is a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center. II. Books available through the Chester County Library System.
Click here to start searching our online catalog for books related to grant writing.
Click here to create your own keyword search in our online catalog. III. Web Sites – Funding Opportunities
“…database of all Federal programs available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally -recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals. After you find the program you want, contact the office that administers the programand find out how to apply.”
A compendium compiled by the Regional Foundation Center. Visit the above link and select “Faith-Based Funding Resources” to view the 21-page PDF document dated December 2007. Allows you to search and apply for federal grants. According to the web site, “Grants.gov is a central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs and provides access to approximately $500 billion in annual awards.” Also provides a wealth of information related to federal funding.
This compilation of resources focuses primarily on funding opportunities for individuals, such as financial aid or scholarships for students, rather than funding for nonprofit organizations. From the Michigan State University Libraries.
This compilation of resources focuses primarily on grants or funding sources for nonprofit organizations. A few categories (marked with an asterisk) are also of interest to individuals. From the Michigan State University Libraries.
Provides basic information on top grantmaking foundations in each state, and other state-specific information.
Includes a Funding and Program Finder, which allows you to search for grants, loans, and initiatives offered through the Department of Community and Economic Development. Useful for seeking funding for business ventures, community projects, or site revitalizations in Pennsylvania.
A project of Congressman Joe Sestak's office.
IV. Web Sites – Grantwriting Information and Tips The Foundation Center's Guide to Proposal Writing, 5th Edition
Includes types of grantmakers and grants, general grantmaking terms, and financial terms. “The Corporation for Public Broadcasting evaluates hundreds of proposals each year for a variety of funding purposes. This publication is an easy guide to the basic elements of grant proposal writing and is offered to assist applicants to CPB and to other funding sources. It offers guideposts to help you through each stage of the process.”
Free online tutorial from the Foundation Center.
“…Verify a nonprofit's legitimacy, learn whether a contribution will be tax deductible, view a nonprofit's recent Forms 990, or find out more about its mission, programs, and finances.” Basic membership is free.
“Information for starting & registering charitable organizations in PA. Links to regulations/forms needed for all states.”
“A consortium of nonprofit organizations serving Philadelphia area nonprofits—listed alphabetically with contact information and descriptions of services provided.” Visit the above URL and select “Philadelphia Nonprofit Capacity-Building Collaborative” to view this 13-page PDF document.
Proposal Writing Short Course Online short course from the Foundation Center.
“Grant-writing tools for nonprofits, including tips, sample proposals, and links.” From the Minnesota Council on Foundations. V. Other Resources
Regional Foundation Center at the Philadelphia Free Library, 2nd Floor, 1901 Vine Street, Social Science and History Department “The Regional Foundation Center informs the local nonprofit sector through research, resources and referrals. The RFC houses Philadelphia's largest publicly accessible collection of print and electronic resources on fundraising, nonprofit management, general philanthropy and institutional advancement. The RFC also provides free access to the Foundation Directory Online--the most comprehensive database of U.S. grant makers and their grants. Through its comprehensive collection and professionally certified staff librarians, the RFC promotes responsible nonprofit management and successful fundraising by nonprofit groups at all levels-- from grassroots startups to established institutions.”
The RFC provides access to the following databases: GrantSelect, Grants to Individuals Online, Pennsylvania Foundations Online, Foundation Directory Online (Professional Edition), GuideStar (Premium Edition). Updated 3-18-09 Last Modified: 4/23/09 |