June 15, 2010 — MetroWest grantseekers looking for funding sources now have cost-free access to a new collection of resources at Natick’s Morse Institute public library, which has become a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center of New York.

In Natick, the Cooperating Collection offers access to the Center’s detailed information on grantmakers and how to apply for grants. Located on the Institute’s second level ,the core collection includes The Foundation Directory Online, profiling more than 91,000 U.S. corporate and foundation grantmakers; Foundation Grants to Individuals Online; print directories; and proposal writing guides.

The Morse Institute, located at 14 East Central Street, has equipped two computers with online access to the Foundation Center database and plans to enable patrons to access the databases using their own laptops on site.

A on-site webinar, entitled Grantseeking Basics, tentatively scheduled for July 13, will teach grantseekers and researchers how to use the materials effectively and identify potential funders. The Institute plans to offer additional trainings, such as Proposal-Writing Basics, according to Jane Finlay, assistant library director.

Funding for the Morse Institute Cooperating Collection was provided by MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation with additional support from the MetroWest Nonprofit Network.

Established in 1956, the Foundation Center is a leading national authority on organized philanthropy, serving grantseekers, grantmakers, researchers, policymakers, the media, and the general public. Thousands of people visit the Center’s website each day and are served in its five regional learning centers and its national network of Cooperating Collections.