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
- Present and provide free and low-cost workshops and programs
- Provide free access to electronic resources
- Access to video library of classes and database demonstrations
- Provide a comprehensive collection of print resources on topics including: grant writing, nonprofit management, fundraising, and marketing
- Curated list of online resources and sample documents
- Network of regional and national partners
- Request a small group meeting room
Upcoming Events
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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…
Headshots at the BRIC!
Thu, December 5, 2024
1:00 P.M.
Parkway Central Library
Get a FREE headshot photo taken at the Business Resource and Innovation Center! Headshots are a unique service for entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, job seekers, and more. Use your photo to enhance your professional portfolio and make your LinkedIn profile stand out among the…
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.
- Nonprofit Ecosystem Blueprint
- Nonprofit Articles of Incorporation
- Sample 1023ez Form
- Sample Bylaws
- Conflict of Interest Policy
- Board Job Description
- Board Recruitment Matrix
- Board - Staff Responsibilities
- Income Diversification Form
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Getting More Out of Foundation Directory: Philanthropy Classification System
A video series offering tips and insights into some of the lesser explored areas of Foundation Directory. In this video, learn how you can improve your FDO search results by using Candid's Philanthropy Classification System (taxonomy.candid.org).
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Getting More Out of Foundation Directory: Recipient Profiles
A video series offering tips and insights into some of the lesser explored areas of Foundation Directory. In this video, learn how you can leverage recipient profiles to uncover new funding prospects.
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Getting More Out of Foundation Directory: Searching Grantmakers
A video series offering tips and insights into Foundation Directory. In this video, learn how to search for grantmakers and save grantmaker profiles.
Online Resources
- Starting a Nonprofit: A Resource Guide by the Regional Foundation Center
- Candid Learning
- Society for Nonprofit Organizations
- Hurwit & Associates' Nonprofit Law Resource Library
- Philadelphia VIP
- A Social Entrepreneur’s Guide to Business Formation
- Starting a Nonprofit | Two-Part Series
- PA Nonprofit Law's How-To Guide for Starting a Nonprofit
- BoardSource
- Free Management Library
- National Center on Charitable Statistics
- Tax Information for Charities & Other Nonprofits
- Legal Issues in Advanced Fundraising (Marla Conley, Esq.)
- 12-Week Major Gift Campaign (Andy Robinson)
- Leadership Skills for Social Change (Andy Robinson)
- Nonprofit Repositioning Fund
- Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia
- Catalyst Center for Nonprofit Management
- Generocity
- Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
- Nonprofit Center at La Salle
- Pennsylvania State Bureau of Charitable Organizations
- Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO)
- Philanthropy Network of Greater Philadelphia
- RSVP
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: