by Mark Pond, MILS
Running a nonprofit can feel like juggling flaming flamingos while riding a unicycle over a bed of coals. You’ve got big dreams, a great mission, and a world to change – but finding the money, trust, and connections to make it all happen? That’s the tricky part. Thankfully, tools like Foundation Directory Online (FDO) and GuideStar can help nonprofits keep their balance, and, through StartUp Spokane, they’re publicly accessible through both the Spokane Public Library as well as the Spokane County Library District.
Let’s dive into why these tools can be total game-changers for nonprofits and how StartUp Spokane’s offerings can take organizations from “just scraping by” to “absolutely thriving.”
First, a quick breakdown of these two tools:
Foundation Directory Online (FDO): think of this as the ultimate matchmaking service, except it’s for nonprofits looking for funders. It’s packed with data on over 300,000 grantmakers, helping organizations zero in on funders that align with their mission and saving a ton of time.
GuideStar: this is like your nonprofit’s public résumé. It’s where you can build trust with donors, grantmakers, and collaborators by showing off everything from your financials to your program successes. A great GuideStar profile screams, “We’ve got our act together!”
By giving nonprofits in the Spokane area access to these tools, StartUp Spokane offers the resources needed to nail funding strategies, build credibility, and grow.
Smarter Fundraising with Less Stress
Fundraising can be a grind. Without the right tools, finding the right funders feels like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. FDO changes all that by helping nonprofits identify funders whose missions align with theirs.
For example, if your nonprofit teaches kids about sustainable farming, FDO can help you pinpoint funders who’ve already invested in environmental education. No more wasting time pitching to funders who probably won’t give you the time of day, let alone any money.
For smaller or newer nonprofits, especially those operating on shoestring budgets, this focused approach is a lifesaver. Through StartUp Spokane, nonprofits can tap into FDO to stop spinning their wheels and start landing meaningful grants.
Build Trust and Show Off with GuideStar
In the world we live in, trust tends to be an essential element when it comes to raising grant funds. By maintaining a detailed profile on GuideStar, nonprofits can show donors and funders that they’re serious, transparent, and worth investing in.
GuideStar’s Seals of Transparency (bronze, silver, gold, and platinum) are badges of honor that help nonprofits stand out. When your nonprofit has one, donors are more likely to say, “Take my money!”
Networking and Teaming Up
Nonprofits don’t have to go it alone. Collaboration with other organizations can amplify impact and open the door to new funding opportunities. FDO and GuideStar can make it easier to find potential partners.
With FDO, you can identify other nonprofits working on similar issues, perfect for teaming up on a grant proposal or brainstorming ideas. Meanwhile, GuideStar lets you dig into details about organizations you might want to work with, so you can make sure your values align before joining forces.
Making Data Your Superpower
In the nonprofit world, decisions made without data are basically shots in the dark. FDO and GuideStar give nonprofits the kind of insights that make success more predictable.
For instance, FDO provides historical data on funders so you can see what they’ve funded before and what they’re likely to support in the future. GuideStar helps you compare your organization to similar ones, offering inspiration and benchmarks for growth.
Breaking Down Financial Barriers
Tools like FDO and GuideStar aren’t cheap. A single seat license for the two platforms combined would be over $4,000 annually. For many small nonprofits, those subscription costs are just too steep. But through StartUp Spokane, nonprofits get access without having to stretch their already-tight budgets. This levels the playing field, giving grassroots organizations the chance to compete for grants and attention with larger, more established nonprofits.
Keeping it Local with a Global Reach
While the data on FDO and GuideStar is global, StartUp Spokane helps nonprofits stay rooted in their local community. Spokane-based organizations can use FDO to find funders who prioritize the Pacific Northwest or look for collaborators in their backyard.
With GuideStar, nonprofits can showcase the unique impact they’re having in our region while highlighting how they connect to broader issues.
Planning for the Long Haul
Access to these tools isn’t just about winning a grant here or there – it’s about building a sustainable future. Nonprofits that use FDO and GuideStar effectively can create smarter strategic plans, diversify their funding sources, and build reputations that keep support rolling in.
For newer nonprofits, this access is like a fast-track to credibility and success. For established organizations, it’s a way to sharpen strategies and scale up. Either way, the long-term payoff is huge.
Working through StartUp Spokane offering access to FDO and GuideStar is a major win for local nonprofits. These tools help organizations fundraise more efficiently, look more professional, and build connections that lead to growth.
In a universe where resources are tight and competition is stiff, StartUp Spokane gives nonprofits the edge they need to not just survive but thrive. With these tools in their arsenal, our region’s nonprofits can turn big dreams into reality, and do it with confidence, strategy, and style.
Mark Pond, MILS, has been the Business Research Librarian with the Spokane Public Library since 2006, and, before that, worked in similar capacities for the Seattle Public Library and the University of Washington Libraries since 1998. Mark has led the effort to develop Spokane Public Library into a nationally recognized leader in the field of business research.