Foundation Directory Online | Greater New Orleans Foundation

Where do nonprofits go to find new funding prospects?

The Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Nonprofit Leadership & Effectiveness Program is a Funding Information Network (FIN) partner of Candid. This allows us to provide free access to the most comprehensive information available on foundation and corporate giving through their Foundation Directory—an intuitive, online grants database. Using this tool, nonprofit organizations can conduct prospect research, which is a critical step in fund development planning and grant writing.

What is the Foundation Directory?

The Foundation Directory is a prospecting and research tool for grantseekers. This searchable online database allows users to select keywords to identify the grantmakers that are the best match with their nonprofit and project. The data in Foundation Directory Online is compiled from IRS Forms 990 and 990-PF, grantmaker websites, annual reports, printed application guidelines, the philanthropic press, and various other sources.

How to Access the Foundation Directory

As of June 1, 2022, The Foundation Directory must be accessed in-person at the Greater New Orleans Foundation (919 St. Charles Ave). Remote access to the Foundation Directory is no longer available.

Representatives of nonprofit organizations and other patrons are welcome to use the databases at the Greater New Orleans Foundation at any time during our open hours, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm aside from major holidays.

The Foundation Directory is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, there is the option to reserve a time here. The computer station may be reserved in two-hour time blocks. The Foundation does not provide parking, so potential users need to be mindful that street parking is available in two-hour time blocks as well.

Foundation Directory Tips

The Foundation Directory is very user-friendly (think of it as a grants Google search) and no previous experience is necessary.

Like most search engines, users can enter a description of the type of grants they are looking for in everyday language.
The Foundation Directory is a prospecting and research tool, not an application system for grants.
Users can download searches into a spreadsheet (.CSV), PDF, or they can email themselves a list of results.

Click here for an introductory webinar on how to use the database.

Foundation Directory FAQs

Are there different versions of the Foundation Directory?

The Foundation Directory is a subscription-based service. There are two different plans commonly used—Foundation Directory Essential and Foundation Directory Professional. We have subscribed to the Foundation Directory Professional. The main difference between the two plans is that the Professional plan is more powerful, you’ll have access to more data such as grant information, profiles on grant recipients, and full profiles on corporate, foundation, and government funders.

How can I get this for my nonprofit organization, so I don’t have to come into your office every time I want to conduct prospect research?

As stated above, this is a subscription-based service. The Greater New Orleans Foundation covers the subscription fee to provide access to the Foundation Directory free of charge to nonprofit organizations and grantseekers in the region. We recognize that nonprofit organizations need assistance with conducting prospect research, as many nonprofits do not have a large fundraising budget.

However, if this is something you are interested in for your own organization, there are plans available that charge monthly. You can learn more here.

Some nonprofit organizations may qualify for a free year of access to Foundation Directory Essential through Candid’s Go for the Gold promotion. If a nonprofit’s annual revenue or expenses total less than $1 million and they earn a Gold Seal of Transparency or higher in 2022, they can submit to claim this offer. Learn more here.

Are there other places in the area that have access to the Foundation Directory?

Yes, you can locate all Funding Information Network (FIN) access locations here. Libraries, universities, and foundations typically house a subscription to the Foundation Directory. However, please be aware that many buildings are still closed to outside visitors and can’t offer off-site access. Check with the organization first to confirm hours of operation, as well as whether staff can liaise with you directly to address your informational needs.

If you have any questions regarding the Foundation Directory, please contact Kristen Craig, Nonprofit Leadership and Effectiveness Associate, at kristen@gnof.org.