Metro-Atlanta Library Association Meeting

Monday, March 1, 2006 - 12 noon  

MALA’s Spring program was at noontime at the Foundation Center-Atlanta, 50 Hurt Plaza, Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30303, Tel (404) 880-0094. Karen Bearden, Librarian at the Foundation Center, led the session, while everyone munched on the light lunch provided by MALA.

Ms. Bearden told us that one of the most difficult aspects of seeking a grant is selecting prospective funders who might be interested in your project, from the nearly 80,000 grantmakers in the U.S. But she showed us how, using a computer, librarians at this and other Foundation Center libraries guide grantseekers to identify appropriate funders. With information about some of these many grantmakers, the grant-seeker can develop targeted proposals. The librarians help the grant-seeker every step of the way.

The Foundation Center-Atlanta is located in the historic Hurt Building at the corner of Edgewood and Peachtree Center Avenues, in downtown Atlanta. it’s worth the trip just to see this beautiful building!

Luckily, if you missed this group program, you, as an individual, may visit the Foundation Center (it’s smart to call ahead) and one of the librarians can walk you through this same process. You can apply, then watch the mail, and perhaps hear from a funder who will work with you on your idea. If the first funder you contact doesn’t come through, you can shape up your proposal and try other potential grantmakers. This will be where the real fun comes in -- getting help with your very important project!

Special thanks to Kate Stirk, MALA VP for programs, for arranging this program, and to Louise White for preparing the summary.

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