As a fairly new staff member at MCF, I have just started learning about our web-based grantseeking resource: Minnesota Grantmakers Online. During this period of economic uncertainty, resources such as MGO are more important than ever for nonprofits and grantseekers.
Our member grantmakers have free access to MGO to discover what other foundations are funding through parameters such as subject area, beneficiary group, geography, etc. Nonmembers and grantseekers can access the same services for a fee. There are different types of subscriptions to fit different needs and budgets.
Not only does the web service offer a search engine which uses the state’s largest and most extensive database of 100,000 grants and 1,400 grantmakers, but you can also use the site as a research tool to create statistics on giving. The content has current information that is updated regularly, which makes it an important and reliable instrument for grantseekers.
Being a novice MGO user I found the “Search Tips” section very helpful and I highly recommend new (and already active) users to read this section to find out how to maximize your search success. MGO has a comprehensive search function which allows you to search multiple categories at once. Other functions that I find useful are the live links to foundation contacts and website, as well as the print function.
As some of you may know, MCF will not be printing the hard copy of the Guide to Minnesota Grantmakers next year, but the online service makes up for that fact because it has more up-to-date information and features which will make your grant search more effective.
More information:
– Annette Lennartsson, MCF administrative assistant
Posted by Annette Lennartsson 
