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Tools to Fund, Connect, and Lead—Now at Your Library

Oct 2, 2025 | All News

As part of a capacity-building effort of the Otsego Community Foundation (OCF), we’re excited to announce a new partnership with the Otsego County Library to bring Candid resources to our community. This initiative aligns with our mission to leverage resources from outside our region and strengthen local nonprofits by connecting them with tools to grow their impact.

Various factors have put a strain on the nonprofit ecosystem across the country, and we are feeling it here in Otsego County just the same. Uncertainty around funding and regulations has left organizations overwhelmed with what’s next.

In an effort to strengthen and support Otsego County nonprofit organizations, OCF invested in Candid’s research and learning resources to make them available to our community.

Candid is a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits serve their communities. Through this initiative, patrons can access key tools such as GuideStar to research local nonprofits to support and find services. Nonprofits and individuals seeking funding, scholarships, or fellowships can use Foundation Directory to discover and connect with funders.

Why We're Excited About Foundation Directory

The Foundation Directory is a powerful tool that helps nonprofits and individuals navigate the complex funding landscape with greater ease and efficiency. Whether you're seeking grants, building partnerships, or exploring new opportunities, this resource can accelerate your search and expand your reach.

Here’s what you can do with Foundation Directory:

  • Build robust prospect lists from 318,000+ grantmakers
  • Identify funders most likely to support your mission
  • Connect with decision-makers via LinkedIn integration
  • Discover collaboration opportunities with other nonprofits
  • Search for scholarships, fellowships, and grants

“OCF’s efforts to make the Foundation Directory (FD) available to our nonprofit community represents a potential lifeline in this era of dwindling public resources.  I have found the Directory to be an extraordinary tool for locating private foundation funding, which in turn allows an agency to leverage and expand resources by tapping into external funding opportunities.” ~Mary Fox, AAUW Co-President

How to access

Candid resources will be accessible for free at the Otsego County Library. Connect your computer to their network and follow the links below. These links will also be found on the Otsego County Library webpage under Research & Learn and tab to Community Resources. Links only work on the library network.

•         Foundation Directory Professional: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/ipl.php

•         GuideStar: https://guidestar.org/ipl

•         Candid Learning: Learning.Candid.org (available anywhere)

Training Opportunities

Learning seminars and training sessions will be offered soon to help you make the most of these tools. Stay tuned for dates and registration details.

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