Nonprofit

The Regional Foundation Center informs the local nonprofit sector through research, resources, and workshops.

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—the most comprehensive database of U.S. grantmakers 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.

View our annual report and learn how the RFC supported Philadelphia's nonprofit community this year.

Services

Due to staff changes we will be resuming one-on-one appointments in February 2024. We appreciate your patience.

Upcoming Events

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Changing Careers & Transferable Skills: Virtual Full Circle Career Workshop

Tue, December 3, 2024 12:00 P.M.
Parkway Central Library

Create a path for successful career change.  Learn how to navigate your career transition, and understand what transferable skills are any why they are valuable in a career change. Discover the difference between hard and soft skills. To join, please register here . Zoom meeting information…

Resume Review with Dress For Success

Thu, December 5, 2024 12:30 P.M.
Parkway Central Library

Need to refresh your resume? We're excited to partner with  Dress for Success Greater Philadelphia  to offer resume review services and job search assistance on the first Thursday of each month! Resume review will be offered on first-come, first-served basis. Get help from…

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Sample Documents

Just getting started? Find inspiration in this collection of sample nonprofit documents and quick resource guides. If you need additional assistance, contact the BRIC nonprofit department or schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian.

Databases & Digital Resources

Explore our extensive collection of premier nonprofit databases. If you need additional assistance utilizing the databases contact the BRIC nonprofit department or schedule an appointment to meet with a librarian.

Video Content Library

Explore our video library which includes our most popular classes as well as demonstrations on how to access and use nonprofit databases.

Classes

Did you miss a class? Do you need a refresher course? We are excited to provide on-demand access to some of our most popular classes on YouTube.

  • Is Starting a Nonprofit Right for You?

    In this session you'll learn the legal and logistical elements necessary to start a successful nonprofit. You'll also learn about possible alternatives to starting your own nonprofit that you may not have considered. Finally, you'll be introduced to Candid's Nonprofit Startup Assessment Tool, a resource that will help you assess your own readiness to move forward.

  • Fiscal Sponsorship 101

    During this session, learn about an efficient alternative to getting your own 501(c)3. Learn about how fiscal sponsorship works, who provides it in Philadelphia, what it costs, and what to expect when using a fiscal sponsor.

  • Introduction to Finding Grants

    This workshop covers what funders are looking for in nonprofits seeking grants and how to find potential funders. The 10 most important things you need to know about finding grants are provided, including who funds nonprofits and their motivations; what funders really want to know about the organizations they are interested in funding; and how to identify potential funders and make the first approach.

  • Introduction to Proposal Writing

    This class provides participants with an overview of how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation. The class includes the basic elements of a proposal; the "dos" and "don'ts" of writing and submitting a proposal; and how to follow up whether the answer is yes or no.

  • Introduction to Foundation Directory

    This workshop demonstrates how to access and use Foundation Directory, the most comprehensive foundation prospect research tool for fundraisers. Participants learn how to search for grantmakers who have funded organizations with causes and communities similar to those they serve.

  • Introduction to Fundraising Planning

    This workshop provides basic steps for developing a fundraising plan for organizations unfamiliar with the process. Participants will learn strategies for devising a plan that best reflects their organization's needs and resources, including making a case for support, creating a plan of action, and tips on diversifying their organization's fundraising base.

  • Introduction to Corporate Giving

    This workshop covers how corporate grantmakers are different from traditional foundations in many ways. This class provides a basic overview of the different types of corporate giving including what motivates corporations to give, and how to find potential corporate partners.

  • Introduction to Individual Giving

    This workshop gives an overview of the individual fundraising landscape and walks participants through the key components of an individual giving program. This course explains the importance of individual giving in a nonprofit's fundraising strategy, and helps participants draft a plan to start or improve an annual individual giving program.

Database Demonstrations

Learn how to access and use nonprofit databases available at the Free Library.

Online Resources

Advisory Council

The Regional Foundation Center (RFC) gratefully acknowledges the support of our Advisory Council, which provides financial and human resources in support of the RFC's mission. Advisory Council members are available to advise and guide RFC staff librarians as they plan and coordinate outreach services to nonprofit audiences. The support of the Council is also essential to the growth, maintenance, and stability of the RFC's collection of print and electronic materials. Member organizations include:

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