Nonprofit Answers

Nonprofit Answers

CRRL is a Funding Information Network (FIN) partner of Candid.org, the leading source of philanthropy worldwide. Designation as a FIN partner provides CRRL with many resources for grant seekers, including information on grant makers and how to apply for grants.

Candid’s premier products, Foundation Directory Online Professional and Grants to Individuals Online, are only accessible at the Fredericksburg Branch via our public-access computers or your own device over WiFi.

The CRRL owns a variety of additional materials useful to grant seekers that can be borrowed or used at other library locations for your convenience.

You must have a library card to access our databases.

Library Databases for Grants

Applying for Federal Grants

Government Grants
This government website provides information and applications for government grants for individuals and nonprofits.


Government Benefits
Provides information on available federal and state benefits. There is also information on fellowships, grants, and loans.


National Endowment for the Arts 
A public agency that supports the arts.


National Endowment for the Humanities
Supports research, education, preservation and public programs in the humanities.


Virginia Commission for the Arts
Funds are provided from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Applying for Individual Grants

2-1-1 Information and Referral Service
This United Way service provides callers with information about and referrals to human service agencies for everyday needs and in times of crisis.


Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Information on all types of assistance including grants, loans, financial aid, etc. Allows you to search grants by category and provides information about deadlines.


Medline Plus/Financial Assistance
This section of Medline’s site covers various sources of financial assistance for different diseases, types of treatment, and populations.


Michigan State University
Links to websites grant offering grants to individuals. The information is organized by "academic level," "population group," and "subject."

Resources for Nonprofits

Classes for Nonprofits
Candid.org offers several online courses and classes at the center in Washington, D.C.  Many of the courses are free.


Foundation Center News Letter
Newsletters from the various Foundation Center Offices. You can subscribe and have it sent to your e-mail account or read it at this link.


How to Start a Non-Profit in Virginia
This site lays out how to start a non-profit in Virginia, step by step. From Harbor Business Compliance Corporation.


National Association of State Charities Officials
The National Association of State Charity Officials (NASCO) is an association of state offices charged with the regulation and oversight of charitable organizations and charitable solicitation in the United States. NASCO provides a forum for states to share information and collaborate on matters of common interest related to charities oversight. 


National Center for Nonprofit Enterprise
Provides access to a knowledge base of information on different aspects of social enterprise and economic sustainability for nonprofits, including articles, tools, and links to websites of interest.

Nonprofit Centers Network 
This is the national nonprofit membership organization for multi-tenant nonprofit centers. Their website has a national database of locations that offer space to nonprofits.

Nonprofit Risk Management Center
This website provides important information about insurance and risk management. See its library of articles on insurance and its glossary of Risk Management and Insurance.

Rappahannock United Way 
A strong non-profit system is key to a healthy community. That's why RUW offers a variety of resources to help non-profit organizations increase their effectiveness and enhance their capacity to deliver high-quality services.

Starting A Nonprofit
The Foundation Center provides information about setting up a nonprofit organization as well as links to other websites with additional information.

Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountant
VSCPA offers pro bono services to nonprofit organizations and other information at this website.

Tax Information for Nonprofits

IRS StayExempt
IRS tools specifically for 501(c)(3) organizations.

Forms 990
Access to the most recent Forms 990 and 990-PF filed by nonprofit organizations with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Tax Information for Charitable Organizations
Lists all of the web resources the IRS offers tax-exempt organizations, including Life Cycle of a Public Charity, Application for Recognition of Exemption, and a page for educational resources and guidance.

Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization 
The go-to source for questions on all aspects of tax-exempt organizations, including filing requirements; public support test; and the application procedure for tax-exempt status. Clearly presented information.

Tax Answers

Tax Day is April 15 - Be Prepared with the Library

Attend a free AARP or United Way tax clinic at one of our branches, plus get links to IRS forms, help guides, and other resources.

Fundrasing & More

Corporate Giving
Training from Candid.org on corporate giving.

Modest Needs
Lists needs of low-income families and allows website visitors to donate to specific applicants.

NeedyMeds
Provides information on programs to help people find low or no cost prescription medications.

The Quick Guide
Rappahannock United Way provides a directory listing community resources. The Quick Guide is also available in Spanish.

RFPs from Philanthropy News Digest
Browse the latest request for proposals (RFPs) from the Philanthropy News Digest.

Virginia CommonHelp
CommonHelp is the central, easy way to apply for and get help with assistance in Virginia. See if you can get help with food, child care, energy, medical and cash assistance.

Housing Resources

Accessible Housing
AccessVa.org offers information on housing for people with disabilities.

Home Ownership and Rental Assistance
Virginia Housing provides information on home ownership programs, rental assistance, utility vouchers, how to avoid foreclosure and more.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Offers loan programs, home listings, rental assistance, home improvement assistance and more on their website.

U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development
Offers links to information about affordable housing, home repair, manufactured housing, and more.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Provides information on assistance to weatherizing your home.

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