Regional Foundation Library

For nearly 50 years, the Regional Foundation Library (RFL) has served as a bridge between the grant-seeking and the grant-making communities. The library opened its doors in 1962 as an internal program of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, a grant-making and operating foundation that is an administrative unit of The University of Texas at Austin. In 2008, the RFL became part of the university’s Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE). It is now housed in the DDCE’s Community Engagement Center in East Austin. Its patrons include representatives of nonprofit programs and services, educational entities, charitable organizations, faith-based programs and services, governmental entities, as well as individuals.
The RFL contains core publications from The Foundation Center as well as other major materials in fund development, grants, and nonprofit management. It provides a full range of print materials and a growing number of electronic resources. Because of the availability of electronic information on state and federal grants opportunities, the RFL emphasizes private sector funding options and information (i.e., private foundations and corporate foundation/direct giving programs). It has little on-site information about small business startups.
In keeping with its original commitment to make information accessible to all, the RFL is open to everyone, free of charge.

Services and Hours

The Regional Foundation Library (RFL) is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with the exception of the following holiday closings:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday)
• Winter break (according to The University of Texas at Austin staff holiday schedule)

While appointments are never required, they are recommended, especially for the following:

• Library orientation
• Direct technical assistance with new nonprofit formation
• Proposal review and recommendations
• Board development
• Strategic planning
• Special needs assistance

Feel free to call or email to set up a time for staff to provide you with in-depth personal assistance.
Computer terminals are available in the library for internet funding research. A photocopier and a television/VCR are available for printed and other materials found at the RFL.

Outreach

The Regional Foundation Library (RFL) offers orientations to the collection, information sessions on funding research, and local community workshops. These are available throughout the year, by request. Please call 512-475-7373 or email RFL@austin.utexas.edu if you would like to arrange for a presentation.

History

The RFL opened its doors in 1962, making it the fifth Cooperating Collection in the Foundation Center's national network. The RFL began as a dream of Dr. Robert L. Sutherland, the first President of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, a grantmaking and operating foundation that is an administrative unit of The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Sutherland recognized the critical importance of providing information and facilitating open communication between tax-exempt entities seeking funds and the growing number of grantmakers, especially those in Texas.

In 2007, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health became part of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at The University of Texas at Austin.