Foundation Source Access (http://access.foundationsource.com ) is an online site that helps nonprofit organizations introduce themselves to private foundations. This is an effective tool that can connect foundations with fundraising projects that fulfill their missions. This is a new service that is provided by Foundation Source, which provides services to private foundations. This service can help nonprofits to find potential funding easily and efficiently.
In Use
The process for signing up for this service is fast and easy. A nonprofit creates a profile on the Access online site describing the organization and their fundraising projects. The profiles can include documents, photos and videos.
Foundations can look at profiles that are on the Foundation Source Access website. Here they can research nonprofits either anonymously or the foundation can exchange comments or questions with the nonprofit organizations that they choose. Once a foundation chooses a project it selects the Grant button which begins the grant making process.
Technology employed
This is a web based application the only requirements are a computer and access to the Internet.
Ease of use, configuration, and deployment
Since this is an online service there is no configuring or deployment necessary. The site is very easy to use. A nonprofit fills in the form with the needed information and follows the built in wizards to complete their profile and the rest is handled by Foundation Source.
You can find tips and example profile pages on the website to help you design a profile that will draw attention to your organization. The profiles can be linked to your organization’s website and you can add a variety of information and documents to your profile easily and quickly.
Recap
Foundation Source Access is beneficial to both nonprofit organizations and private foundations. It is an effective way for an organization to be introduced and found by foundations. This service allows the user to reach out to multiple private foundations and also be able to control the information that is provided to the foundations. You can build profiles for each project or event that you are looking to seek funds for.
There will be no charge for a nonprofit organization to create a profile on the Foundation Source Access site. An organization can also create profiles for specific fundraising events and add them to the Access directory for no charge. There will be no fee until April of 2011. After that the company will charge a small fee to list a profile on Access.
Advantages
- Web-based
- Cost efficient
- User Friendly
Disadvantages
- The service is free for now and will charge a small fee starting in April of 2011.
My Opinion
Foundation Source Access is a great cost effective way for a non profit organization to introduce themselves to private foundations that fit their specific needs. The site is simple to use and creating a profile is a snap. I like the fact that the profiles can include links, images and all types of documents. This site will definitely open the door to new funding opportunities that will fit your organizations specific needs and mission. Since there is no fee, for the time being, it is the perfect solution for your fundraising needs.
