Unlocking change: Free access to Candid’s nonprofit resources
Use Candid’s free nonprofit resources and tools to help you find funding, build capacity, stay up-to-date on the social sector, and more.
Candid’s ongoing commitment is to ensure all nonprofits and their communities have equitable access to Candid’s resources. Our mission is to get you what you need to do good—and that includes free access to the nonprofit resources, insights, and tools listed below.
What free nonprofit educational resources does Candid offer?
Most nonprofit leaders hold deep expertise in their organization’s focus area, but not everyone working in the social sector arrives equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to fundraise effectively. Even the most seasoned fundraisers need to stay abreast of the latest trends in the sector and can benefit from data and tools to help them find funding.
We also know that most nonprofits don’t have funds available to divert from their programs and services to further invest in fundraising. That’s why we freely share our expertise with the sector through a variety of channels:
- Live and on-demand trainings: Learn about a range of topics from starting a nonprofit to proposal writing, management, governance, sustainability, and transparency.
- Online librarian consultations: Receive real-time, personalized assistance from our in-house experts on philanthropy, nonprofit management, and fundraising.
- Help articles: Browse through short, actionable articles that address immediate questions on key nonprofit concepts and topics.
- Candid newsletters: Stay informed about the ever-changing philanthropic landscape through Candid insights and Candid learning, as well as updates and special offers.
What free fundraising resources does Candid offer?
Finding your most likely funders can be challenging, especially when only about 10% of U.S. foundations have websites. Candid bridges this gap by providing free access to up-to-date, in-depth information to help nonprofits find grants.
- Candid search: Nonprofits with annual revenue or expenses under $1 million that earn Candid’s Gold Seal of Transparency are eligible for free access to our prospect research tool through the Gold for Gold program.
- Sample documents and reference materials: Gain inspiration from a collection of sample grant proposals, letters of inquiry, project budgets, and other documents for making your case to funders.
How does Candid help nonprofits boost visibility and attract funding?
Millions of donors, individual and institutional, visit Candid to research nonprofits to support and to help guide their giving decisions. It’s free for nonprofits to update their profile and earn a Seal of Transparency. Candid’s profiles power over 200 charitable sites, such as Facebook and donor-advised funds. Updating your profile ensures these partners have access to accurate information. Earning a Seal of Transparency also unlocks benefits, such as:
- Shareable full profile link: Give funders unlimited access to your Candid nonprofit profile with this unique link that can be used in emails, on social media, or other in fundraising appeals.
- Apple Pay for donations: Earn a Bronze Seal to unlock donations with Apple Pay through donation platforms.
What resources does Candid provide for the broader nonprofit community?
To make sure we’re providing trusted information where it’s needed most, we offer our tools at no cost at hundreds of locations across the country. Candid community access points at over 2,180 libraries and nonprofit resource centers provide free access to tools and educational programs, including:
- Candid search:
- Patrons can use Candid search to find nonprofits to support, as a volunteer or donor. They can also find local nonprofits that provide crucial resources in their area, like shelters and food banks.
- Local nonprofits can use Candid search to conduct prospect research for funding.
- Students can use this resource to find grants intended to reduce student debt.
We strive to empower nonprofits and donors with free, accessible resources—from live trainings to donor insights and opportunities to increase visibility with supporters. Get started today to explore Candid’s wealth of free nonprofit resources.
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