Foundation Directory Online (FDO) delivers quality funding prospects. By combining exhaustive data with intuitive search functionality and informative data visualizations, FDO assists nonprofits and individuals in securing funding more efficiently. It enables users to build comprehensive prospect lists from a database of over 298,000 grantmakers, identify funders more likely to provide support, and connect with key decision-makers via LinkedIn integration. Additionally, FDO offers opportunities for collaboration with other nonprofits and facilitates the search for scholarships, fellowships, and grants. In library access only.
Notice from Candid: As a library patron, you are considered an Authorized User. All of the rights, obligations and agreements of Subscribers stated in the Candid Terms of Service (whether referred to as "Subscriber," "you" or "your") shall apply equally to you as an Authorized User, except for the obligation to pay the Subscription fees and any other rights, obligations or agreements expressly excepted from application to Authorized User. Your use of this database through Sarasota County’s subscription signifies your agreement to abide by these Terms of Service.
Searching for Grants
- Access Foundation Directory Online from the Digital Library on our website while using our library wifi or computers.
- On the home page, type a phrase into the search bar (examples are given in the bar, such as "ballet school in New York City", etc.). You may also select other search types (Advanced Search, Search by Organization, Search by Person) or check to "Include U.S. Federal Funders" or "Include grants to individuals" as quick filters. When you type in a phrase, Foundation Directory may offer quick result suggestions such as grantmakers that match the search.
Click "Search" when ready.
- On the search results page, you will see the search modifiers, and an at-a-glance view of the results including: number of grantmakers, number of grants available, number of recipients, and number of 990 tax forms to view.
If you scroll further down, you can see the top 5 results for each section. You can view more, click on specific listings, or export/share the lists.
- Foundation Directory Online will automatically adjust your search phrasing if needed to better match possible grants and grantmakers to what you are looking for. You can refine these results by click on the X next to one of the search terms, or by clicking "Edit" to enhance the search.
- When you select a result you will be taken to its record page. For example, selecting a grantmaker will present a substantial amount of at-a-glance information (such as pictured below), as well as a list of the grants offered, funding interests, financials, available contact info, and more.
You can use the Tools at the top right of the page to print a PDF of the record or email a copy.
More Resources
Foundation Directory Online provides numerous resources for further insights on finding funders, using the website, etc. You can find these through the 
button located at the top of each page.
You may also find more information and video guides on Candid's YouTube page.
For additional help, see our Digital Library Tutorial on searching Foundation Directory Online.