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Foundation Directory Online sm.jpgFoundation Directory

Foundation Directory from Candid is a research tool to help libraries and nonprofits find the grantmakers most likely to fund their projects. This tool includes grantmaker profiles that provide a powerful summary overview of the funder's work along with all the pertinent details fundraisers need to find and approach great prospects.

Candid also includes access to GuideStar, a tool to discover what nonprofits work on, where and how they do their work, and their operational details.

Foundation Directory can be used by libraries themselves and also offered as a resource to patrons and local nonprofits. Public libraries will have access to the Essential plan, which includes:

  • 100,000+ grantmaker profiles
  • 500,000+ key decision makers and leaders
  • Keyword search IRS 990-PF Forms
  • Online workspace

Foundation Directory is provided by the State Library to Iowa public libraries at no cost.

Foundation Directory/GuideStar Contact

Customer Success: customersuccess@candid.org

Candid Ebook & Audiobook Library

The State Library's contract with Candid includes access to a library of ebooks and audiobooks on a variety of topics, including:

  • Grants & Proposal Writing
  • Fundraising
  • Collaboration
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing & Communication

Iowa librarians can borrow titles to enrich their own learning on the topics above, and can also promote the collection to patrons and local organizations.

The Candid ebook and audiobook library is available from Overdrive and the Libby app.

How to Access the Candid Overdrive Library

  1. Register for a new Candid catalog account: Candid Account Registration.
  2. Once registered, a user ID number will be generated (it will also be sent to the email you registered with). 
  3. Go to the Candid Overdrive Library at the link below, or on the Libby app settings menu, click Add Library and search for "Candid."
  4. Enter your user ID number. You will now be able to borrow ebooks and audiobooks from the Candid Overdrive library!

Candid Overdrive Library

Promotional Materials

Candid has a range of materials available to help you promote Foundation Directory at your library and become more familiar with the tool yourself. 

One comprehensive resource is the Candid partner promotion toolkit, which includes basic information about Candid/Foundation Directory, sample social media posts, and links to dropbox files of accompanying images.

Browse the toolkit:

Candid Partner Promotion Toolkit

State Library Webinar Recordings

The State Library has offered a couple of trainings on finding and applying for grants; access the recordings on YouTube:

Additional Resources

Foundation Directory Library Access Link

As of July 1, 2024, changes to the pricing structure set by Foundation Directory significantly increased the cost to add new accounts. As a result, new libraries will not be able to enroll in Foundation Directory.

Libraries enrolled before July 1, 2024 will continue to have access to Foundation Directory.

Libraries with verified IPs should use the following URL for in-library FD access: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/ipl.php

Update Library IP for Foundation Directory Access

If your library's IP address has changed, you must notify the State Library to ensure continued access to Foundation Directory. Send an email to Toni Blair with the new IP address or range and she will work with Foundation Directory to update your library's authentication information.

Email Toni.Blair@iowa.gov

FD Usage Statistics

The State Library has access to library usage statistics for Foundation Directory. To request statistics for your library, send an email to Amanda.Grom@iowa.gov.

Access to Foundation Directory is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa.

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