Yuma library helps grant writers, nonprofits

Finding resources to manage a nonprofit organization or apply for college scholarships is easier now.

The Yuma Main Library is the place to find these resources because it is now a cooperating collection site of the Foundation Center, a nationwide network of libraries, community foundations and nonprofit agencies, said Cecilia Young, fund developer officer for the library.

As a member of the Foundation Center, the library is able to provide the public free access to two "top of the line" databases filled with resources for nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Currently, the databases can be accessed only at the library, 185 S. Main St.

One database, the Foundation Directory Online Professional, contains current comprehensive information on grants, Young said.

"You can go on there and look for grants for your organization from anywhere in the U.S."

The second database, Grants for Individuals, has information on scholarships, fellowships and awards for individuals.

Grant seekers will find awards that are given toward research and fund professional projects.

For example, "As an artist and you're looking for funding resources; as an artist then this might be helpful," Young said. It also contains scholarships for high school seniors going to college.

The library also received $4,000 worth of print materials for the nonprofit collection, which contains directories of patrons and books on nonprofit management and fundraising, Young said.

With this free service, the library is able to provide all of the resources for someone wanting to start a nonprofit organization and learn how to manage it and fund it.

"Come to the library, this is a good place to come. We have books, we have databases, and we have packets of information to guide them," Young said. "The library has wonderful resources and we would really like for the public to know about them."

For more information, call Young, 373-6465, or John Coultas at 373-6484.