Library to host fund raising workshops for nonprofits

Kanawha County Public Library’s Main Library, 123 Capitol St. in Charleston, will host six sessions of a workshop designed for nonprofit grant seekers in December, January, and February. Olivia Bravo, Foundations librarian, will present an overview of the Foundation Center Online, an electronic database that lists more than 90,000 available foundations that donate money to worthwhile organizations and projects.

Sessions will be held in the Technology Center on the second floor at the following times:

• Thursday, January 8, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Saturday, January 10, 9- 10:30 a.m. 
• Thursday, February 5, 6:30 - 8 p.m. 
• Saturday, February 7, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

In addition, Bravo is available by appointment to assist fund raisers in learning how to extract the information they need from the Foundation Center Online.

Bravo maintains a collection of books and electronic information which provided by The Foundation Center and located in the Reference Department of the Main Library. Individuals or small groups of up to 15 who are attempting to find funding for their nonprofit cause may either use the materials at the library or make an appointment with Bravo for personal tutoring assistance. This service is free.

The Foundation Center Online, which is updated weekly, includes foundation names, contact information, background, geographic focus, topic focus, type of giving, board members and current financial status. The type of information provided gives grant seekers a better idea of what a foundation has available and whether their project is a good fit with the foundation’s mission.

“This is a valuable resource for any group looking for funding for their project,” said Bravo. “Numerous individuals and groups have used this service and found it to be very helpful. While it takes some time, these resources definitely make it easier to locate where the money is and how to get it.”

The Main Library is the only public library in the state that participates in the Foundation Center’s cooperating collection program. Three university libraries, WVU-Parkersburg, Wheeling-Jesuit University and Shepherds University, also participate, and their collections are also open to the public.