The Foundation Center: An independent nonprofit organization established by foundations in 1956 to increase public understanding of the foundation field. The Center provides a comprehensive and up-to-date database on foundations and corporate giving programs, and publishes The Foundation Directory--the classic reference work for grantseekers--and some 50 other directories, guides and research reports. Information from the database is available electronically through custom searching and online services. Center information is provided free to the public at five Foundation Center libraries and approximately 200 cooperating libraries across the country. The Center introduces thousands of grantseekers each year to the funding research process.