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 Online—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.

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Services

Start Here!

The Regional Foundation Center is pleased to offer one-on-one sessions with a librarian. We can provide individual or group training on our databases with regard to foundation funding, prospect research, and demographics.

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Upcoming Events

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Headshots in the Rare Book Department!

Headshots in the Rare Book Department!

Thu, October 6, 2022 1:00 P.M.
Parkway Central Library

Calling all bibliophiles, history lovers, artists, curioseekers, and professionals! The FREE headshot service you love in the Business Resource and Innovation Center  will be offered in the Rare Book Department 's Elkins Library in October (just in time for spooky season)! Join us…

FULL Virtual Ask a Nonprofit Expert: Fundraising

FULL Virtual Ask a Nonprofit Expert: Fundraising

Wed, October 12, 2022 10:00 A.M.
Parkway Central Library

All time slots are currently full. RSVP VEC offers free consulting to nonprofits outside of our Ask a Nonprofit Expert session. You can reach out to them via their website  to arrange consulting. Ask a Nonprofit Expert about fundraising! Raising money for a nonprofit is an important…

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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 Online:

    This class demonstrates how to use FDO, 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.

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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