The Foundation Center
Established in 1956, The Foundation Center is the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide. Their mission is to strengthen the social sector by advancing knowledge about philanthropy in the US and around the world through data, analysis and training.

The Foundation Center connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to succeed by maintaining the most comprehensive database on US and global grantmakers and their grants. Currently, The Foundation Center is supported by close to 550 foundations and is served by a network of 450 funding information centers.

Youth Resources
Click here for links to internet resources on youth philanthropy/volunteerism.

Points of Light Institute
Points of Light Institute embraces service and civic engagement as fundamental to a purposeful life and essential to a healthy world. With more than 20 years of history, Points of Light has the vision and strategy to create a quantum leap for the service movement through 2012.

Donors Forum of Chicago
Donors Forum of Chicago has compiled a list of links to publications, both print and online, which discuss the essential elements of informed giving. These include their Giving in Illinois update with the latest figures on the state of giving in Illinois, and Philanthropy in Illinois, which includes information about Illinois foundations, non-profits and giving in Illinois statistics.

The DuPage Community Foundation
This grantmaking foundation was created in 1986 to benefit the people of DuPage County. It receives contributions and bequests into a permanent endowment. The earnings from this endowment are used to address community needs.

The American Foundation
Provides useful checklists and worksheets for starting your own family foundation.

Council on Foundations
Contains comprehensive information on starting a foundation.