Nonprofits' Source for Education and Funding Research Assistance
The Funding Information Center (FIC) provides nonprofits and donors with information, education, and other assistance. Our resources cover the spectrum of funding information, nonprofit management best practices, and regulation and compliance. We offer both free and fee-based services to ensure the success of charitable organizations in our community.
FIC is a Cooperating Collection of the Foundation Center, an Affiliate Library of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the North Texas Regional Office of the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations, and operates the only research library for nonprofits in North Texas.
History of the Funding Information Center
The Beginning
On September 17, 1980, an organizational meeting was held between Texas Christian University and the Junior League of Fort Worth to discuss the acquisition of a special collection of reference materials on foundation grants and fundraising for the TCU library. These two groups entered into a written agreement to jointly support the Funding Information Center (FIC) in Fort Worth, Texas.
In 1981, the Sid W. Richardson Foundation purchased the first books and 990 foundation tax returns for the Library, and FIC received the designation as a “Local Affiliate” of The Foundation Center of New York, www.foundationcenter.org. FIC opened as a special collection of the TCU Library. The year-end report of the Junior League stated:
“It is the intent and purpose of the Funding Information Center to give nonprofit organizations and individuals the tools they need to increase their level of support.”
Reorganization
FIC separated from TCU to become a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity in 1991. Original officers were: Mrs. Judie B. Greenman, President, representing the Junior League; Mr. Valleau Wilkie, Jr., Treasurer, representing the Sid. W. Richardson Foundation; Dr. Larry Adams, Secretary, representing TCU.
Programs
In addition to the Foundation Center Cooperating Collection Library, a nonprofit Education Program, including a grant-writing workshop for local nonprofits, was added to FIC’s offerings in 1983. In 1985, FIC began publishing the Directory of Tarrant County Grantmakers. A new Membership Program was added in 1990. In 1997, the Center moved to its current location at 329 S. Henderson, in the Fort Worth Hospital District. Our Library became the first Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Affiliate Library in Texas, with the Sid W. Richardson Foundation purchasing the AFP collection for the library. In 2002, FIC became an IRS BP&L Library (Banks, Post Office & Library). In 2007, FIC was named the North Texas Regional Office of the Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations, www.tano.org, the Texas state association of the National Council of Nonprofit Associations, www.ncna.org.
Today
FIC enjoys our 30th year of serving local nonprofit organizations in the North Texas area. Our founders' vision remains:
Better Communities through Successful Nonprofits
Funding Information Center
329 S. Henderson
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 334-0228
Fax (817) 334-0167