Foundation Directory Online Reviews & Product Details

Foundation Directory Online is a valuable resource for nonprofits’ fundraising needs. With interactive maps and charts, RFPs, and key funder and grants insights, FDO helps nonprofits identify funding sources, build their prospect networks, and win the funding to support their missions.

Seller

Candid

Discussions

Foundation Directory Online Community

Languages Supported

English

Solution Type

Best-of-Breed

Overview by

Dorothy Ho (Marketing Director - Subscription Products at Candid)

Value at a Glance

Averages based on real user reviews.

Perceived Cost

$$$$$

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User Insights

Average based on 46 real user reviews.

Perceived Cost

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Verified User in Civic & Social Organization

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

7/20/2018

"My experience with Foundation Directory Online"

3/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

I like that the Foundation Directory is a one stop shop for discovering the who, what, where, when and why of the grant writing process. It can be tough to locate the best targets for grant proposals, and so a resource like foundation directory can be very helpful. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

I dislike the process of actually gathering the who, what, where, when and why on the Foundation Directory site. I don't find the site particularly user friendly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Foundation Directory Online:

Be prepared to spend time navigating this site... the answers will not just appear, you must dig for them. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Foundation Directory Online solving and how is that benefiting you?

The Foundation Directory had one very specific use for our agency - a place to find businesses/companies etc that have money to grant to our agency. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Dorothy Ho of Foundation

edit

Thank you for your review. Just wondering if you are on the new or old FDO? We launched a new interface recently, which is much easier to navigate.

Verified User in Marketing and Advertising

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

7/19/2018

"Good amount of info and use"

4/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

I liked how easy it was to use this software and how much information was available Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

Though the pricing made sense for my business I could see how this would make it unaffordable for many Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Foundation Directory Online:

I would say there are more competitive pricing offers and there are offers with more information, but this has a lot of information for the price that you are paying and the ease of use brings a layer that is invaluable especially with an aging staff. This product works for start up if you can afford the price point and for mid level companies as well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Foundation Directory Online solving and how is that benefiting you?

It gives you insight into information that isnt always available without personal connections or deep dives into google. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Dorothy Ho of Foundation

edit

Thank you for your review.

Derek R.

Executive Director

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

12/14/2017

"One-Stop Comprehensive Funder Reasearch"

4/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

Full-spectrum search and grants development Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

Clunky workspace at times though the recent update is an improvement; a bit pricey Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Foundation Directory Online:

New, cleaner, more intuitive user interface. Good for locating potential funders and grant opportunities, big or small. Worth the investment. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Foundation Directory Online solving and how is that benefiting you?

We have a niche mission as a nonprofit which translate to competing for very broad grants or finding very specific grants. FDO does a good job of being able to locate off-the-beaten-path grant opportunities thanks to it's very flexible search function and a huge database. We are able to do research for grant opportunities, like-minded foundations, similar past grants and their recipients, past IRS Form 990s, key personnel, etc.

Similarly helpful is being able to keep all the research straight in a workspace, a workspace with a workflow interface. It's where you can list tagged foundations and steps you through stages of proposal development and submission, entering work notes along the way.

Our first grant we ever received (and the first grant we ever applied for) was through diligent research using FDO to identify likely opportunities and then homing in one one "most likely of success" grant. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Dorothy Ho of Foundation

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Hi Derek, thank you for you review and feedback. We are actually working on Workspace improvements, look forward to releasing the changes soon.

Hanna S.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)

7/17/2018

"Researching grant making data using Foundation Directory Online"

3.5/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

The analysis, graphs and tables presented in the website. Allow to learn about the overall trends. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

The fact that the data is "processed" which makes it harder to conduct scholarly research. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Foundation Directory Online:

Make sure that you can use the raw data and not only analysis and trends. Make sure there is long term and comprehensive data for what you are interested in. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Foundation Directory Online solving and how is that benefiting you?

Researching grant making organizations, writing on philanthropy and fundraising Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Dorothy Ho of Foundation

edit

Hi Hanna, Thank you for your review.

Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

7/19/2018

"Comprehensive Database for Scholarships and Grants"

5/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

The Foundation Center database is easy to use and includes a comprehensive list of grants and scholarships. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

The expense can be a little high for some organizations. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Foundation Directory Online:

They sometimes give a free trial so you can see if it is helpful for your organization. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Foundation Directory Online solving and how is that benefiting you?

I've used this program to search for grants for non-profits and scholarships for individuals. I've been able to identify grant opportunities for organizations and help them get funding for programs and operating support. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Julie E.

Corporate Giving Development Manager

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

12/12/2017

"One of the best online directories research Foundations and grant opportunities"

5/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

The searchable 990 Forms is an amazing tool to utilize when researching potential funders and saves you a ton of time! The site is also very intuitive and easy to use. Foundation Center was also recommended by my professor in a graduate-level grant writing course. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

It's expensive and there are cheaper alternatives that have a similar functionality. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Foundation Directory Online:

I would recommend Foundation Center as long as its within your budget. There are other alternatives at a lower cost that can still aid in your grant research if cost is an issue. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Foundation Directory Online solving and how is that benefiting you?

Researching Foundations and potential grant opportunities Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Dorothy Ho of Foundation

edit

Hi Julie, thank you for your review.

Verified User in Hospital & Health Care

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

7/19/2018

"It’s great!"

5/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

I enjoy the simplicity of the website and being able to search easily. They have a lot of relevant information for any development specialist to use for their own benefit. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

I do not have anything that I dislike, but there could be better organization. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Dorothy Ho of Foundation

edit

Thank you for your review.

eric h.

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

7/18/2018

"good resource"

4/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

up to date information on certain industries of interest Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

may have info for big issues, not little local level info. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Dorothy Ho of Foundation

edit

Thank you for your review.

Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management

Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)

7/18/2018

"reliable information"

5/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

It is easy to use and has self service tools to help navigate thru the web page. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

I have no dislike on this product. I think it is worth it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Dorothy Ho of Foundation

edit

Thank you for your review.

Verified User in Education Management

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

7/17/2018

"Non-profit Fundraising"

3/5

What do you like best about Foundation Directory Online?

The ability to search for foundations and their required funding amounts and requirements. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Foundation Directory Online?

It is not necessarily possible to identify those who directly fund the foundation or their reasons for giving. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Response from Dorothy Ho of Foundation

edit

Thank you for your review. Just wondering are you on the old or new FDO? We recently launched a new interface and the giving parameter you mention are available for each funder. You might find this video helpful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_V2zxYxyNw