Open Data and Statistics Sources for Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations use data in many ways, including targeting programs and services to the needs of a community, conveying those needs (and gaps in local services) to grantmakers, and remaining transparent and accountable to the public.

This article details sources for statistical information and open datasets. For questions about these sources and how to use them, please contact the Nonprofit Central Librarian using this form

 

Candid's Foundation Directory: Advanced Search & Filters

Candid

Candid’s Foundation Directory grantseeking database is available at the Downtown Library, as well as the Ellettsville and Southwest Branches. Connect your device to the Library's wifi network or use one of the public computers to begin searching.

Refer back to this previous blog post for an introduction to using Candid databases, including Foundation Directory and Grants to Individuals.

Welcome To Nonprofit Central: Getting Started Using Candid Databases

Candid

This is a new article series by Jack Kovaleski, the Nonprofit Central Librarian at the Monroe County Public Library. Nonprofit Central provides information on best practices in management and governance for Monroe County nonprofits. This series will respond to the local beat of information needs for nonprofits, and each article will focus on a particular Library service, electronic database, or other resource. 

Ellettsville Branch Awarded Gardening Grant

A photo of four raised garden beds outside of the Ellettsville Branch.

The Ellettsville Branch was recently awarded a Growing Together mini grant of $1,500 in association with Purdue Extension–Monroe County!

 

Ellettsville Branch Garden

The garden was created as part of the Branch’s 2019 renovation. The garden was funded in part by a grant from the Smithville Charitable Foundation to install raised garden beds and a bench and provide resources to begin gardening programming.

Library Receives Wahl Grant to Enhance Tween Space

The Tween Space at the Downtown Library

In 2020, shortly before the pandemic began, we opened a Tween Space in the children’s area of the Downtown Library. This dedicated space offers kids ages 7–12 a place to hang out, explore crafts and other activities, enjoy pop-up programs, work on homework, and play.

The Wahl Family Charitable Trust recently awarded the Library a $3,600 grant to support the continued development and enhancement of the space. The grant funded the purchase of a tabletop gaming table, new mobile shelving, and seating for individual and collaborative use within the space.

Library Receives Digital Equity Grant for Meeting Room Cameras

Recover Forward Bloomington

The City of Bloomington Information & Technology Services Department (ITS) awarded $50,000 in digital equity grants to support nine Bloomington-based nonprofit organizations in their efforts to bridge the digital divide for residents.

Two Grants Fund Hotspots, iPads, and Diverse Books

A tween girl uses an iPad during a children's program.

We are pleased to share that the Library is the recipient of two grants to support access to digital resources in Monroe County. The City of Bloomington Information & Technology Services Department has awarded the Library a Digital Equity Grant of $10,500, and the Wahl Family Charitable Trust has gifted the Library $5,300.