Librarian: Before grant, do research

It's important to carefully follow directions, the librarian said.
YOUNGSTOWN -- People planning to apply for foundation grants should do their homework first, and the place to do that is the grant center of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, according to Sally Freaney, grant center librarian.
Located on the second floor of main library, 305 Wick Ave, the grant center is where representatives of nonprofit organizations can find information about grants to support their organizations; students and parents can learn about available scholarships; and artists can obtain information about grants to support their work.
People considering applying for grants should carefully research the missions and purposes of grant sources, pay attention to stated limitations on geographic areas and eligibility to receive funds, and take notice of any statement that the foundation contributes only to pre-selected organizations before expending the time and effort to apply, Freaney said. Follow all directions carefully when completing an application, she urged.
"I don't do their research for them. I don't make introductions to foundations. I teach them how to do the research," Freaney said.
Seminars offered
Throughout the year, the grant center offers free seminars for representatives of nonprofit organizations, titled "Grantseeking Basics: An Orientation to the Funding Research Process,'' "Getting Started with a Foundation Center Search" and "A Guide to Resources on the Foundation Center Website." Founded in 1993 with a 7,500 grant from the Youngstown Foundation, the grant center also offers a free seminar for students and parents titled "Finding Foundation Support for Your Education," several times a year.
"Meet the Funders: Ask the Tough Questions" is the topic of a luncheon seminar at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the Youngstown Club, 201 E. Commerce St. Panelists will include representatives of banks and foundations and other experts on grant-making and grant-seeking.
The seminar is sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Mahoning Shenango Chapter, of which Freaney is membership chairwoman. The fee is 15 for association members, 25 for nonmembers. Monday is the reservation deadline. Contact Paul Garchar at (330) 746-7641 for reservations.