The Black Family Foundation in Erie, Pennsylvania, has announced the launch of a regional database that will include programs, services, calendars, and staff contact information for all area nonprofits, the Erie Times-News reports.
The foundation partnered with the Mercyhurst College Institute for Intelligence Studies to develop the two-year, $1 million project, which will link users to the information through a Web site scheduled to launch in June. The idea for the database emerged after foundation officials learned that 70 percent of Erie County's 475 nonprofit groups had not updated their Web sites in the past eighteen months because of cost. Local nonprofit leaders, including United Way of Erie County president Bill Jackson, believe the comprehensive database and Web site will provide a significant boost to communication between nonprofits and those who utilize their services.
Moving forward, the Black Foundation will match all donations from organizations and individuals interested in supporting the initiative. To that end, the United Way has pledged $50,000 over two years.
"You can see who offers what, where it is, how much it costs, who qualifies for which programs, and I believe a whole lot more," Jackson told the Erie Times-News. "One of the basic pillars of Erie Together [a local poverty initiative] is to align existing resources with community desired outcomes. This project will help us see where there are gaps in social services, and where we're missing the boat in terms of addressing and aligning those needs."
Weiss, Gerry. “Erie Philanthropic Group to Unveil Nonprofit Project Today.” Erie Times-News 4/29/11.
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