Seattle Foundation Makes Data on Nonprofit Groups Public

Say a donor is interested in arts education, but is not familiar with Seattle organizations active in this area. The donor can go the Web site, enter the Giving Center, click on Arts Education in the Arts & Culture box and immediately see three groups listed, with a link to More Organizations Involved in Arts Education. There the donor will find 52 groups that have been vetted by the foundation. For each nonprofit, there is information about its programs and recent successes and current challenges; an evaluation of the organization and its history with the foundation; a snapshot of its most recent financials; and a list of similar organizations.

The ST article said that the foundation's Web site was part of its effort to attract new donors, as investments plummeted during the recession. It said that Norm Rice, the foundation's head, and his board envisioned the site as a way to connect potential donors with local nonprofits organizations.

"There is clearly a large desire by our donors to be informed and engaged," Rice told the newspaper. "A Web site that allows them to explore, to investigate and to change is highly compelling, especially for new donors who have a whole different experience in computers and technology."

The site also shows how a nonprofit group's work links to the Seattle Foundation's overall strategy, the paper said. The strategy is to focus on seven sectors that contribute to the health of the Seattle community: arts and culture, basic needs, economy, education, environment, health/wellness and neighborhoods.

Michael S. Fischer ([email protected]) is a New York-based financial writer and editor and a frequent contributor to WealthManagerWeb.com.