Saskatchewan's cultural vitality is in large part determined by its volunteer-based, non-profit organizations. As funding sources have diminished, non-profit organizations have turned to new sources of funding. This new approach has required research skills, the development of the art of grantsmanship, an innovative approach to programming and an acceptance of change. The following web sites provide vital information regarding all aspects of fundraising and will greatly benefit volunteers for non-profit organizations, including libraries.
Imagine Canada http://www.imaginecanada.ca/
Imagine Canada is a national registered charity with offices in Toronto, Calgary and Ottawa that looks into and out for Canada's charities and nonprofits.
The Foundation Center http://foundationcenter.org/
This organization provides information relating to grants and funding sources, career information and additional philanthropic information on the web. The site includes an electronic reference desk, developed by the Center's librarians, to respond to the need for factual information on foundations, philanthropy, and other issues related to nonprofits and to assist in research. It is particularly valuable to librarians seeking authoritative information about fundraising.
Charity Village http://www.charityvillage.com/cv/main.asp
Canada's supersite for the nonprofit sector. Includes a resource page with links to online databases and directories of funding agencies and foundations, plus online tools and resources of value to those involved in prospect research and other areas of fundraising.
Proposal Writing: Orientation for Nonprofits http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/shortcourse/index.html
Developed by the Foundation Center, this online orientation to the grant seeking process recognizes that proposal writing is just one step and not necessarily the most important. Far more time should be spent developing the program or project and researching and cultivating appropriate funders than on the actual preparation of a proposal.
