STATEN ISLAND, NY — The Staten Island Foundation announced a partnership with Candid that will give local nonprofit organizations access to a comprehensive funding database at the foundation’s offices, offering a tool aimed at strengthening their fundraising capacity during uncertain financial times.
The foundation revealed the initiative at a celebration attended by nonprofit leaders. Through the partnership, organizations can access the Candid Funders Information Database, which contains information about potential private and corporate funding sources.
“The Candid Partnership will amplify the foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life on Staten Island by ensuring that nonprofits have access to the resources they need to strengthen their work,” said Kate Rooney, board chair of The Staten Island Foundation.
The timing comes as Staten Island not-for-profit organizations face potential budget and program cuts due to uncertainty around government funding. Many local organizations rely heavily on government grants, making alternative funding sources increasingly important for maintaining services to Staten Island residents.
Candid was created through the 2019 merger of Foundation Center and GuideStar, combining two major no-for-profit information resources. Foundation Center, established in 1956, maintained the world’s largest collection of philanthropy information, while GuideStar, founded in 1994, tracked U.S. not-for-profit organizations. The combined database provides data and insights used by more than 10 million people annually.
The digital database marks a significant change from earlier decades when not-for-profit representatives traveled to Foundation Center offices to search through large binders for potential funding matches.
Survey responses from foundation grantees indicated strong interest in the new resource. The foundation will offer access during one-hour time slots from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Organizations must make reservations at least 48 hours in advance and can use computer workstations and printers at the foundation offices.
Organizations interested in accessing the database, training opportunities, and other resources can visit the foundation’s website or contact Shakeia McPherson, special projects and impact manager, at info@thestatenislandfoundation.org.