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Grant & Nonprofit Support
General Grant Information
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library offers a collection of materials and services in support of nonprofit organizations. Our staff is ready to help you:
- Find funding
- Start a nonprofit
- Research prospective donors
- Develop a strategic or fundraising plan
Need help getting started? Email our Business & Workforce Department or call 419.214.6131 to set up an appointment.
Our Grants Specialist can also do a personalized grants search for nonprofit organizations and individuals. Simply complete this FORM and your results will be emailed back to you.
Local Resources
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (Northwest Ohio Chapter)
- Center for Nonprofit Resources
- DOVIA
- Enpuzzlement
- Grant Professionals Association
- Greater Toledo Community Foundation
Starting a Nonprofit
- Start a nonprofit in Ohio
- Applying for Tax Exempt Status with IRS
- Register with Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Nonprofit Management Resources
Grant Funding Resources
- Government Funding:
- Individual Funding:
- Findhelp.org
- Needhelppayingbills.com
- Grants for Individuals, compiled by Michigan State University Libraries
- Grants to Individuals by Candid (Main Library Only)
- Benefits.gov
- Private Funding:
- Foundation Directory Online (Main Library Only)
- Foundation Center's Request for Proposals
- Grantmakers.io
Business Development Programs
One-Year Action Plan for Success
Wednesday Jun. 23
at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Online Programs
This four-session program will take your business plan and create an operational and strategic plan that will be true to your mission and core values while activating your vision and goals.
Event Details for One-Year Action Plan for SuccessGrantsLab: Find Your Funder
Wednesday Jun. 30
at 12:00 p.m.
Location: Online Programs
Grants Specialist, Zachary Huber will give a bite-sized overview on how to find a funder who aligns with your nonprofit's mission.
Event Details for GrantsLab: Find Your FunderAsk a Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney
Thursday Jul. 1
at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online Programs
Attorneys will provide an overview of intellectual property, explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and be available to answer your questions.
Event Details for Ask a Patent/Copyright/Trademark AttorneyResearch Tools
Foundation Directory Online
Foundation Directory Online covers information on all 220,000 U.S. Foundations. It's the smartest, fastest way to win more funding by providing the most exhaustive and up-to-date knowledge and insight on the social sector to fuel any fundraising mission.
Gale Legal Forms
Provides a wide selection of state-specific (and multi-state) legal forms across the most popular areas. Includes real estate contracts, wills, pre-marital agreements, bankruptcy, divorce, landlord tenant and many others. Also includes a comprehensive attorney state directory and a dictionary of legal definitions explained in laymen's language.
Third-Party Provider: Gale
Legal GPS
Legal GPS is a gamified platform that helps new & existing businesses "do legal" without having to hire a lawyer.
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
LinkedIn Learning (formally Lynda.com)
LinkedIn Learning offers unlimited access to a library of over 100,000 high-quality, current, and engaging video tutorials as part of over 13,000 courses taught by recognized industry experts in seven languages.
Using the LinkedIn Learning app: iOs or Android
First time app: users will be asked to enter the "libraryname" at the end of the URL: OH0215
Third-party Provider: LinkedIn Learning
Mergent Intellect
Mergent Intellect offers a unique opportunity to access private and public U.S and international business data, industry news, facts and figures, executive contact information, the ability to access industry profiles and much more. The database is searchable by advanced criteria and resources are able to be downloaded and printed.
Third-Party Provider: Mergent Inc
Reference Solutions (Formerly ReferenceUSA)
Reference Solutions is a powerful online reference and research tool providing library cardholders instant, real-time access to accurate, in-depth information on U.S. businesses (59 million) and U.S. residents (310 milliion).
Reference Solutions makes it faster and easier to find new business opportunities, research executives and companies, find news articles, conduct job searches, research papers, locate addresses and phone numbers, conduct market research and much more.
Third-Party Provider: Data Axle
Small Business Builder
Get a step-by-step guide to creating and completing a business plan. Explore entrepreneurial interests and opportunities, learn about the nonprofit sector and how to grow and position your business for long-term success and more.
Third-Party Provider: Gale
Small Business Reference Center
Watch videos and browse sources on a variety of business areas from accounting to marketing to operations. Get industry information by small business type and learn business basics.
Third-Party Provider: EBSCO
Learn more about Ohio's 529 plan and start saving for college!
Continue Reading: Creating a College Savings Fund (And Accessing Reliable Investment Information)If you work with/support a nonprofit that has experienced financial difficulties during the pandemic, your Toledo Lucas County Public Library is here to assist.
Continue Reading: Assistance for NonprofitsIf you’re a business owner who’s struggling, we can help!
Continue Reading: Business Assistance During COVID-19Grants Collection
Work Space
at Main Library
Looking to start or grow your small business? Need a space to create and work on your next project? Our Work Space offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to establish a home base for up to 3 months.
The Work Space is unavailable until spring 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please feel free to call David Topoleski, manager of the Business and Workforce Department, at (419) 259-5214 or email business@toledolibrary.org with questions.
