Sample+Search

** Directory Sample Search **

 * To give you a better feel for how to help a library user navigate a directory, below is a step-by-step sample search of the Foundation Directory Online . (For more about this directory, check out a description and link on the Directory List or read more about grant directories on the Descriptions and Uses page.)**


 * STEP 1. ** A user approaches you and asks for help with looking for information on funding for nonprofits in the local (St. Louis) area. Given her search needs, you determine that the Foundation Directory Online would be an excellent place to look.




 * STEP 2. ** While speaking to her a bit more, you find out that she wants to find foundations that award grants to organizations that help kids. Based on this information, you tell her that you're going to start with the "Search Grants" option in order to do a search for foundations with these geographic and subject restrictions in mind.




 * STEP 3. ** As you work, you make sure to include her in the process, and show her that by clicking on the "Type Index" below "Subjects," a sidebar appears with many options. Because she said she's interested in finding information related to "kids," you select the subject term "children/youth."




 * STEP 4. ** Your search produces 233 results. The user says she's excited but a little overwhelmed by the number. Is there some way to narrow the search?




 * STEP 5. ** You ask her how she plans to use the information she wants to find in the directory. She mentions that she works at a nonprofit for disadvantaged teens, and that the staff plans to write a grant to do some building renovations. You suggest narrowing the search by using the "Types of Support" option. For building renovations, "Capital campaign" is the right fit.




 * STEP 6. ** This search returns much more specific results, with information about how much St. Louis-area foundations have given recently to local organizations for capital campaign purposes.




 * STEP 7. ** You also show her that by clicking on the links she can find additional information about the organizations that received the funds, including their contact information, their 990 (which will let her know the size of the organization), and the specific project for which they received funds. You suggest that with this information in mind, she can then look up the foundations that awarded the funds by using the "Search Grantmakers" tab to obtain more information about contacting them and sending a funding request. The user thanks you and says this is just what she was looking for.