Welcome to the Nonprofit Resource Center
The Nonprofit Resource Center at Tulsa City-County Library provides visitors with free public access to the tools needed to form a nonprofit organization, search funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and learn about the world of philanthropy.
The Nonprofit Resource Center is located at the Central Library. We are a Candid Community Partner and offer access to a wide range of print and electronic resources. The Nonprofit Resource Center is open and available to the public during regular library hours.
Classes and Events
Classes are offered on a rotating basis, and may be presented as part of a series. Check the event guide for the next available classes.
Candid Classes offered through TCCL Nonprofit Resource Center
How Candid Helps Nonprofits
Join us to learn who Candid is and how our resources can help your nonprofit thrive. With our trusted data and training, Candid has resources on important issues in the social sector. This orientation will introduce you to Candid's flagship products and other resources to help you effectively fundraise, learn from peers, and tell your organization’s story.
Navigating Grants with Candid
You will discover what funders are really looking for in the nonprofits they support and how to identify the right funding opportunities for your organization. This class gives you the essential knowledge to start your grantseeking journey with confidence.
Introduction to Proposal Writing
Get the tips you need to win funding through foundation proposals. This training will teach you how to write a proposal and when to follow up with funders. Powered by Candid.
Introduction to Project Budgets
Are you ready to start fundraising, but don't know what and how much to ask for? Join us to learn the basic elements of how to draft a project budget. Powered by Candid.
Introduction to Fundraising Planning
Learn basic steps for developing a fundraising plan for organizations unfamiliar with the process, and strategies for devising a plan that best reflects your organization’s needs and resources. Powered by Candid.
Intro to Individual Giving
This workshop provides nonprofits with an overview of the fundraising landscape and walks you through the key components of an individual giving program. Registration is required. For adults.
Introduction to Corporate Giving
Knowing the ins and outs of corporate giving can support your grant-seeking efforts and help you determine if your organization is ready to seek corporate support and what next steps you should take.
Introduction to Measuring Your Impact
In this introductory course for beginners, learn the basics of shifting focus from your nonprofit’s activities to its outcomes. We will demystify the language of outcomes measurement and guide you through the process of creating logic models for programs.
Candid Lab
Candid Lab: Nonprofit Office Hours is a weekly opportunity to practice and gain confidence using Candid Search, formerly Foundation Directory and GuideStar. The Nonprofit Resource Center librarian will be available to assist and answer questions. We recommend bringing a flash drive to save your findings. Most Wednesdays at 3:30 (check the event guide for changes)
Book a Research Librarian
Nonprofits researching potential funders are eligible to use the Book-A-Librarian service! Follow the link to books a virtual appointment, or contact Customer Care if an in-person appointment is needed.
Nonprofit Collection
- Books
- eBooks
- Gale eBooks Database
Browse the Catalog at tulsalibrary.org to identify Nonprofit Books and eBooks.
Use the Databases list and find Gale eBooks to locate nonprofit titles. Hint: view "business" collection and type nonprofit in the search bar.
What is Candid?
Candid is a nonprofit that connects those searching for nonprofits and nonprofits looking for support from funders. By offering our trusted tools at community locations, patrons can easily identify nonprofits to support, locate vital services, get the information they need to find grants and connect with funders to make a difference in their community.
Candid Search is the most comprehensive source of nonprofit information, combining decades of trusted data from Foundation Directory and GuideStar.
Access data on 1.9 million+ nonprofits and 304,000 grantmakers to:
- Find organizations where you can donate, volunteer, or work
- Seek out local resources and services, like food banks or shelters
Easily find and connect with funders for your nonprofit or project
Access at Central Library
To Donate
- Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
The Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance helps donors make informed giving decisions and advances high standards of conduct among organizations that solicit contributions from the public. Findings are reported on Give.Org. - Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of America’s largest charities. - Candid Search
Candid Search (formerly GuideStar) includes profiles on every IRS-registered nonprofit organization, including the nonprofit's mission, legitimacy, impact, reputation, finances, programs, transparency, governance, and more. - JustGiving
JustGiving (formerly JustGive) aims to increase overall giving by connecting people to the charities and causes. - Oklahoma Secretary of State Charity Search
The Oklahoma Secretary of State's charity search page allows users to look up charity filings for the State of Oklahoma.
To Volunteer
Idealist
Visit Idealist to search and post jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
Points of Light
There are hundreds of thousands of volunteer opportunities throughout the world just waiting for the right volunteer to step up. Search our database for volunteer opportunities inside and outside of the home that meet critical needs. The world is waiting for you to shine your light.
Nonprofit Careers
Find or Post a Nonprofit Job
- Association of Fundraising Professionals Career Center
Search national job listings or post a nonprofit job with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. - Idealist
Visit Idealist to search and post jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. - OKCNP Career Center Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits' Career Center, containing Featured Nonprofits and Career Portal
- Work for Good
Work for Good is a national online job site, HR resource, and career development destination focused exclusively on the nonprofit community.
Nonprofit Salaries
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Social and Community Service Managers
Find statistics on current salaries, educational requirements, projected job openings, and more from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Verify Nonprofit Status
Candid Search
Candid Search (formerly GuideStar) includes profiles on every IRS-registered nonprofit organization, including the nonprofit's mission, legitimacy, impact, reputation, finances, programs, transparency, governance, and more.
Oklahoma Secretary of State Charity Search
The Oklahoma Secretary of State's charity search page allows users to look up charity filings for the State of Oklahoma.
Create a List of Nonprofit Organizations
Use the Internal Revenue Service's Tax Exempt Organization Search database to create a list of nonprofit organizations in a specified geographic region. This database may also be used to find:
- Organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions
- Organizations that have had their tax-exempt status revoked
- IRS determination letters
- Form 990 series returns
- Organizations that have filed a 990-N
Nonprofit News
Free Online
- Blue Avocado
Blue Avocado is an free online magazine especially for the nonprofit sector. - Philanthropy News Digest
Philanthropy News Digest (PND), a news service of Candid, is a compendium, in digest form, of philanthropy-related articles and features culled from print and electronic media outlets nationwide.
Available at TCCL
- Chronicle of Philanthropy
Get free print and electronic access to the Chronicle of Philanthropy through Tulsa City-County Library - The Nonprofit Times
News and "how to" information on funding and management for any nonprofit organization. Free electronic access through Tulsa City-County Library.
Government Grants
Government grants are usually means of passing funds between different government agencies. However, eventually funds flow to agencies where they can offer direct assistance to individuals, business, and other nonprofits. This is rarely in the form of a cash gift.
Grants.gov lists available government grants.
USA.gov This resource shows the departments that provide financial assistance or other benefits.
State of Oklahoma: Grants are awarded to specific departments or communities for a specific task rather than individuals. Homeland Security, education, art and culture, and infrastructure are a few examples.
Tulsa County Homebuyer Assistance Program for first time homebuyers
City of Tulsa has ongoing grant programs dedicated to housing projects, but a search of the site will tell you if there are any open grants for special projects, usually for business, nonprofits, or artists.
Grants for Individuals
Discover grants tailored to your passion—whether you're an artist, writer, musician, filmmaker, researcher, or small business owner. Need help with living or medical expenses? We've got guides for that too.
Click here to explore grants for individuals.
Business Center
Visit the Business Center at TCCL for additional relevant information.
Government forms
File Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State's Office
Application for an EIN
Application for Nonprofit 501(c)3 status Form 1023
Relevant Databases
Visit Research Databases to find helpful tools.
Neighborhood Explorer is a public data and research tool for Tulsa, designed to support informed decision-making and community impact.
Use it to set goals, shape strategies, enhance stakeholder relationships, and streamline reporting and storytelling. Add your organization as a Solutions Provider to showcase your impact to community leaders and decision-makers.
Neighborhood Explorer helps you turn data into progress—building lasting, positive change across Tulsa.
Access: Home, School, Work, All Libraries
Gale eBooks High-quality specialized encyclopedias and other reference sources available online from the library or remotely 24/7. Read eBook versions of hundreds of popular Gale titles in the areas of art, biography, business, literature, music, social studies, science, gender studies and more. This resource was formerly called the Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL).
Access: Home, School, Work, All Libraries
Gale Business Plan Builder is a step-by-step online planning tool to help aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced small business owners plan, start, and optimize a small business or nonprofit.
Access: Home, School, Work, All Libraries