Library foundation funds 'cooperating collection'
The Twinsburg Public Library Foundation is funding two databases that provide information about grants. The databases include the "Foundation Directory Online" and "Foundation Grants to Individuals Online." Both are available for free within the library. The databases, as well as print directories and grant writing guides, come to the library as a result of a 2007 successful grant writing effort to the Foundation Center of New York.
"The Foundation Directory Online" profiles more than 80,000 U.S. grant makers. "Foundation Grants to Individuals Online" includes more than 6,000 foundation and public charity programs that fund students, artists, researchers and other individual grant seekers.
The collection of grant information is called a "cooperating collection" because of the nature of the relationship between the Foundation Center of New York and the cooperating library, which in this case is the Twinsburg Public Library. Cooperating collections provide those in need of vital information and training with tools they can use to become successful grant seekers.
"These databases provide a great source for non-profits and individuals to look for funding opportunities," said David Brown, deputy director. "They are one more way that the library and the Twinsburg Public Library Foundation promote economic development in our region."
Philanthropic grants supporting economic development activities in Ohio have tripled in the last 10 years to $24.6 million, according to a report released by the Foundation Center's regional center in Cleveland. The impact on this growing field of philanthropic endeavor has begun to show signs of progress in strengthening Ohio's economy.
Cooperating collections also conduct training sessions on how to effectively use these resources and identify potential funders. Two training sessions are scheduled for the Twinsburg Public Library: "Before You Seek A Grant" on May 14 and "Grant Seeking Basics" on July 9.
The Twinsburg Public Library Foundation was established in 2000 with the belief that area residents and businesses will contribute to the support of maintaining the excellence of materials and services of our local library. The Foundation is a non-profit organization which encourages voluntary financial support for the library.