Foundation Source has released an updated
version of its web-based marketplace that allows small- and mid-size
foundations and non-profits to connect.

Version 2.0 of Foundation Source Access
will go live by the end of the year with a new user interface and look, and
increased functionality, the firm says. The platform provides access to both
national and regional non-profits, as well as local 501(c)(3) public charities.

Using the platform, grant proposals can be
submitted to many foundations simultaneously, rather than having to submit them
on an individual basis to seek funding. While the initial version launched
early this year was free, Foundation Source has now introduced a tiered
charging scheme for non-profits to access this service, which it said it would
do once usage reached a critical mass. It now has over 1,000 non-profits signed up.

On the foundation side, Access is focused
on entities with $1-$50 million assets, which the firm claims is the
fastest-growing segment in the philanthropy sector. Foundations can search by
cause, non-profit category, geography and project size.

Version 2.0 has an expanded “Cause Pages”
section, which are gateways to the most popular causes in philanthropy and also
provide features such as news and comment sections to encourage dialog around
these issues.

The launch of the site comes at a time when
many providers are developing tools to improve the efficiency and transparency
around philanthropic giving. For example, in October the Center on Philanthropy
at Indiana University compiled a searchable database of over 60,000 gifts of $1
million and over donated by individuals, foundations and corporations since
2000, and made this freely available.

“The Million Dollar List” is a database of
philanthropic gifts made, searchable by criteria including geography, dollar
amount, type of charity, individual donor and organization name, and is
intended to help advisors and philanthropists identify trends in giving, as
well as funding gaps and even potential, like-minded partners to collaborate
with. The project was made possible by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.