The Chester County Library is part of the Candid community (formerly known as the Funding Information Network).

As part of this international network of libraries, community foundations, and other nonprofit agencies, the Chester County Library provides visitors with free public access to grantmaker directories, books on fundraising and nonprofit management, and Candid's electronic databases (available for in-library use only).

Upcoming Workshops & Events

Virtual: Introduction to Finding Grants with FDO
Friday, April 14, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
In this presentation, grantseekers will learn how to research and connect with potential funders through the Foundation Directory Online (FDO) database, available at the Chester County Library in Exton and for free at home with a Chester County Library card. This course is designed for members of the 501c3 community who are new to fundraising or who would like more experience using FDO. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Virtual: Introduction to Finding Grants with FDO
Wednesday, May 3, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
In this presentation, grantseekers will learn how to research and connect with potential funders through the Foundation Directory Online (FDO) database, available at the Chester County Library in Exton and for free at home with a Chester County Library card. This course is designed for members of the 501c3 community who are new to fundraising or who would like more experience using FDO. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Executive Directors & Their Boards:  Playing Nice Together in the Sandbox
Friday, May 19, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Chester County Library Struble Room
High performing nonprofit Boards and their Executive Directors intentionally create and manage a balance that respects the roles and responsibilities of both sides, forming a strong, diverse team. However, many times that relationship gets confused, boundaries get blurred, and friction results.This workshop begins with an overview of the Life Cycles of a Nonprofit and discussion about how Board roles and the Board/Executive Director relationship need to change as an organization grows and matures. Also included is a discussion about how the roles and responsibilities of the Board and Executive Director differ, an area that is often confused. You can also purchase copies of their book at a discount during for the workshop! Space is limited. Registration is required.

You can find on-demand training courses (many for free) from the Foundation Center here. 

Databases

GuideStar - In-library use at Chester County Library only
Candid’s premier nonprofit research tool, allows those in your community to find local nonprofits where they can donate, work, or volunteer.

• Quantity

  Easily search 1.8 million IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations, and thousands of faith-based nonprofits. Gather insights on financials, people/leadership, mission, and more.

• Quality

  Authoritative data derived from validated sources, including 990s and direct reporting—verified and updated daily. Best-in-sector proprietary data processing enabling comprehensive analysis.

• Productivity (instead of speed)

  Expand your research and analysis efficiency.

Foundation Directory Online Quick Start

Includes basic profiles of nearly 90,000 U.S. foundations. For more advanced search options, such as program and interest field searches, visit the Chester County Library to use Foundation Directory Online Professional.

Foundation Directory Online Professional - In-library use at Chester County Library only
Candid's premier grantseeking research tool. Search over 110,000 grantmaker profiles, 5 million awarded-grant records, 4,000 company profiles and more. Updated weekly.
 
Foundation Grants to Individuals Online - In-library use at Chester County Library only
Find funders that provide scholarships, fellowships, grants, and a wide range of financial support to individuals. 

All Candid Community databases may be used in-library at the Chester County Library only. Please see the Reference Desk for assistance.

Questions and Related Resources
For more information on using our Funding Information Network resources or Pennsylvania Foundations Online, please visit the Reference Desk at the Chester County Library, call us at 610-344-5957 or email ref@ccls.org.

For more free resources on funding opportunities, grant writing information, and related topics, visit our Grants Resource Guide.