Please include the following information in your proposal:

• How did you first find out about the Funding Information Network (formerly known as the Cooperating Collections program)?


• Partner institution details
  • What is your IRS exemption status?
  • Who will support the cost of the yearly access fee and future enhancements to the collection? Please submit your annual report with financial statements.
  • Please indicate ongoing support or any special funding you are likely to receive for support of your work in the Funding Information Network.
  
  
• Populations served
  
  • What are the basic demographics and population of the community you serve?
  • Do you serve any unique or special populations in specific?
  • Who do you envision will utilize the materials and trainings you'll provide as a network partner?


• Nonprofit landscape
  • How many nonprofit organizations are located in your service area?
  • Does your community have a unique, established and/or growing nonprofit sector (e.g. an arts district, an environmental movement, a large healthcare sector)?


• Outreach and public trainings
  It is critical to let the community of local nonprofits know about your learning resources and events as a Funding Information Network partner. In addition, the Foundation Center requires that each partner in the Funding Information Network offer at least two workshops or special events that are open to the public each year, teaching local nonprofit organizations how to effectively find information about grantmakers and their grants using Foundation Center resources. The Center provides substantial support for these programs (including train-the-trainer recordings, class presentation scripts, and handouts).
  • Do you have access to a computer lab and/or training facilities and equipment for Internet and database demonstrations?
  • How frequently will you offer learning events for nonprofits in your area?
  • How will you promote events to nonprofits and relevant collaborating organizations in your community?
  • What relevant collaborative partnerships do you have or will you establish that will support your work with the nonprofit community?


• Services
  The Foundation Center requires that all partners in Funding Information Network provide reference assistance to the public, staffed at a minimum of 25 hours per week. Most network partners far exceed that minimum requirement. Please note: applicants whose institutions require appointments to use the resources will not be considered for partnership.
  • How many hours per week will you be open and available to the public?
  • Would anyone who walks in the door while you are open be able to use your resources?


• Staff skill-building
  Funding Information Network supervisors must attend in-person and virtual workshops organized by the Foundation Center. Newly established partners are required to attend our annual Network Days conference within one year of being designated (they can attend either in-person or virtually), and thereafter either a Network Days conference or regional meeting every other year. In 2013, Network Days will be held as an in-person and virtual conference taking place physically in New York, NY on October 3-4. While you do have the option of attending virtually, we strongly recommend you send a representative to the in-person training since it gives you the chance to meet with Foundation Center staff, speakers, and other Funding Information Network partners.
  • Please indicate your preparedness to provide funding for travel to a Network Days conference, or to attend virtually.


• Staffing
  At least one staff member is required to be designated as network supervisor at each networked location. The supervisor will be the contact person for the Foundation Center and will be responsible for informing the Center of important changes, disseminating information to other staff, operating day-to-day, and for filing regular usage and attendance reports. The supervisor is required to train additional staff members who will assist visitors with using Center resources. This supervisor should be well-versed in the use of Foundation Center databases and core collection materials and must be an information professional, librarian, or nonprofit professional with knowledge of the field and experience working with the public.
  • Who will perform the duties of supervisor for your location? Please provide that person's e-mail address and direct phone number.
  • Will s/he work full-time or part-time in that position?
  • How many staff members will work with the resources?


• Identification
  The Foundation Center requires that partners in the Funding Information Network identify their affiliation with us, and that our resources are presented in a uniform, easily accessible welcome page.
  • Please indicate your intent to post prominent signage (print-ready signs are provided by the Foundation Center).
  • Please indicate your willingness to publish a welcome page (URL provided by the Foundation Center) on your web site that serves as the gateway to all Center databases.


• Letters of support
  • Please submit at least two letters of support from organizations in your community, including nonprofits that will use the resources and funders that will support it, if applicable.



A Note on Access


Physical display of core collection resources
The Foundation Center requests that partners in the Funding Information Network have all core collection materials in one place, provide adequate seating, and have shelving, computer, and photocopy equipment nearby.

Barrier-free access
When possible, access to the building interior should be barrier-free (e.g. ADA-compliant for U.S.-based partners), and public transportation to the site, or parking at the site, should be available. It is also preferred that partners have staff available for customers with special language needs or those in need of adaptive equipment for disabilities.

How to Submit Your Proposal


The proposal should come from the institution that plans to join the Funding Information Network and provide access to the databases and core collection. It should be submitted and signed by a representative of that institution's administration.

Proposals are reviewed throughout the year, with designations made on an ongoing basis. Applicants are welcome to submit their proposal at any time during the year. Keep in mind, however, that the annual access fee of $995 will apply no matter when during the year you submit your proposal. Invoices are mailed out each January for that year's full participation in the network. Please be sure your proposal includes all required information as outlined in the "Preparing Your Proposal" section. Submit your proposal, with all supporting documents, to:

Mr Kief Schladweiler
The Foundation Center
79 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10003

For more information, contact Kief Schladweiler, Cooperating Collections Coordinator, at (212) 807-2417 or cks@foundationcenter.org.