A Sanford nonprofit is helping other nonprofits by opening up a grants database for all to use.
Strategies for a Stronger Sanford is providing free access to print and electronic sources from the Foundation Center, which maintains a database for grants. The database includes information for funding sources from more than 108,000 foundations, public donors and public charities.
In addition, a library of reference materials published by the Foundation Center and a reference collection of materials on grant-writing skills is available through the nonprofit’s office.
This is a great tool for the community, and we hope residents and other nonprofits ”“ or those looking to start charitable organizations ”“ take advantage of this resource. Grant funding is available for myriad of projects in amounts ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few million.
Many organizations are struggling nowadays, as we hear on a regular basis from food pantries and other nonprofits. In addition to losing corporate sponsors, nonprofits are seeing declining donations from regular people who are also feeling the pinch due to lost wages, lost jobs and ever-increasing expenses. That is why it’s important for nonprofits to secure funds from wherever possible to ensure their financial health in these difficult times.
Grants ”“ especially renewable or recurring ones ”“ can offer some stability for organizations in need, allowing them to continue to serve the public. And with more than 100,000 resources, there is money out there for a range of groups that could be secured by area nonprofits.
Ruth Bettinger, a Strategies for a Stronger Sanford volunteer, said in a recent interview that the database offers an array of grant opportunities, from scholarships to seed money to program development. There are also several methods in which to search for grants, she said, which is where volunteers can offer assistance.
Strategies for a Stronger Sanford is now open for this service, but access is available in-person only. Appointments are requested and can be made by calling 608-6021. The office is located at 123A Emery St. in Sanford.
Those searching for new funding sources, scholarships or to expand their nonprofit should get in touch with Strategies for a Stronger Sanford and see what may be available for them.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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