Regional Foundation Library

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.

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.

Mission

The Regional Foundation Library promotes the highest standards in philanthropy
by serving as a bridge between the grantseeking and the grantmaking
communities.

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 (January)
- Martin Luther King Day (January)
- Memorial Day (May)
- Independence Day (July 4th)
- Labor Day (September)
- Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday)
- Winter break for 2007 (December 24-January 2)

While appointments are never required, they are recommended 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 write to set up a time for staff to provide you with in-depth personal assistance.

Seven 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. We are very family friendly and handicapped accessible. Please contact us if you have special parking needs and convenient basement elevator access will be arranged for your visit.

Outreach

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