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Nonprofit Grantseeking Resources

NONPROFIT GRANTSEEKING RESOURCES

The City Library is a Funding Information Network partner of Candid, providing free access to the best and most comprehensive information available on foundation and corporate giving. Funding Information Network locations provide Candid resources and fundraising research guidance, professional staff to assist visitors, and other funding-related technical assistance. Specifically, Funding Information Network resources can be found on Level 3 of the Main Library, at the Glendale Branch, and at the Anderson-Foothill Branch. Inquire at the Reference Desk in any of these locations for assistance in getting started with these resources.

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CANDID ONLINE RESOURCES

The Library provides in-house access to three Candid online resources: Foundation Directory Online Professional, Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, and Foundation Maps.

NOTE: Users can access these online resources from their personal device when logging in on-site at one of the Library locations listed with the resource description below, or from a public computer terminal located in the respective locations.

Level 3 of the Main Library has two computers reserved for research using these online resources. Ask a Librarian for assistance logging on to these computers.

ONE-ON-ONE GRANT RESEARCH HELP

Resource assistance is available by appointment. To schedule an appointment, email granthelp@slcpl.org, call the Level 3 Reference Desk directly at 801-322-8146, Glendale Branch at 801-594-8660, or Anderson-Foothill Branch at 801-594-8611.

Updated weekly, Foundation Directory Online Professional provides access to essential facts on grantmakers and their funding activities worldwide. To pinpoint prospective funders, explore four comprehensive databases: Grantmakers, Companies, Grants, and 990s. Choose from over 1,100 indexed search terms or keyword-search. With geographic search tools, you can zoom in on regional and local grantmakers or grants by state, county, city, metro area, congressional district and ZIP code. Interactive maps and charts show a funder's giving trends, and you can view recipient lists and grant details. Foundation Directory Online Professional includes over 120,000 grantmaker profiles, over 5 million grant records, over 4,000 company profiles, and over 700,000 grantmaker 990/990-PFs. Available only at the Main Library, Glendale Branch, and Anderson-Foothill Branch.

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Foundation Grants To Individuals Online is a comprehensive database of foundations that provide a wide range of funding support for individuals seeking scholarships, student loans, fellowships, internships, arts and cultural projects, research and general welfare. Available in all City Library locations.

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Foundation Maps is the Candid's premier data visualization tool and the easiest way to see who is funding what and where around the world. With millions of grants from 2006 to the present, innovative ways to visualize funding data, and the flexibility and precision to tailor research, Foundation Maps helps funders and nonprofits access the knowledge they need to make strategic decisions and strengthen their impact. Available only at the Main Library.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I start a nonprofit organization?


There are many online resources available to guide you through the process of planning, researching, and starting a nonprofit. Here are a couple places to start:

• Utah Nonprofits Association Nonprofit Resource Center

• Candid Learning: Starting a Nonprofit
Can I get a grant to start or fund a business?


Foundation and government grants are generally not available to for-profit organizations such as businesses. Below are some alternate resources that might be helpful in starting/funding a business:

• U.S. Small Business Administration

• Utah Microenterprise Loan Fund

• Utah Small Business Development Center Network

• SCORE
Can I get a grant to fund an art project?


Some foundations make grants to individuals for personal projects such as art work. You can search these foundations in the Grants to Individuals Online database, available at all City Library locations.

You may also consider a fiscal sponsorship, a formal arrangement where a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization allows you to apply for grants using its nonprofit status, thus making you eligible for foundation grants you would not otherwise be able to apply for.
Can I get a grant to fund my education?


Some foundations provide support for students, and you can find those foundations in the Grants to Individuals Online database, available at all City Library locations. However, before searching for foundation grants, students should follow the usual avenues for finding financial aid: filling out a FAFSA, consulting scholarship directories, contacting the financial aid department of the institution(s) they plan to attend, etc.

• Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students

• Financial Aid for Graduate Students

• Funding for Research

• Scholarships, Fellowships & Loans Directory
Can I get a grant to help pay personal expenses?


Very few foundations give emergency funds to individuals. Government programs and local charities are a much better source for assistance with personal expenses such as housing, medical bills or debt. Below you will find some resources that may be useful to you in finding assistance.

• United Way 2-1-1—Dial 2-1-1 from any land line in Utah to be connected with an Information Specialist who can help you find the resources you need.

• Benefits.gov—A U.S. Government website that provides citizens with easy, online access to benefit and assistance programs. Click here for a more information about government assistance and links to the most popular government benefits by topic.

• Modest Needs—Short-term financial assistance to working individuals and families in temporary crisis.

Our free interactive workshops and trainings will teach you effective research techniques, writing processes and other tactics to help you get the most out of our Funding Information Network resources.

GRANTSEEKING WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
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USEFUL LINKS

for Nonprofits

• Candid Learning
Offers information and resources that are specifically designed to meet the needs of grantseekers and nonprofits.

• Foundation Directory Online Free
(For use when access is required outside the Main Library, Glendale Branch, or Sweet Branch)

• Gale Business Plan Builder
A step-by-step workflow to help you brainstorm and plan for your nonprofit, beginning with foundational activities that will help you think about the skills, support, and motivation you bring to the table as an entrepreneur.

• GrantStation
Provides searchable access for private and government funding opportunities, tutorials and articles that address a range of grant development issues, as well as resources for writing and securing grant awards. Available only at the Main Library.

• Guide to Researching Funders

• IssueLab
Free research from social sector organizations from around the world. Search over 28,000 publications and reports from 7,200 organizations.

• Philanthropy News Digest RFPs
An aggregated list of RFPs (Requests for Proposals) currently being offered by foundations or other grantmaking organizations.

• National Directory of Nonprofit Organizations
for Individuals
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