Meet Tammy Flippen, the new nonprofit reference librarian at the Library Center.

Flippen, an enthusiastic whirlwind who has held various positions for the past ten years at the Springfield-Greene County Library District, is immersed in the world of nonprofits. She's eager to share the library's vast print and electronic resources and her expertise.

"My goal is to help the small- to medium-sized nonprofits that don't necessarily have a national presence. I am eager to help them find grant opportunities, help them with technology and grant-writing," Flippen said.

She believes the challenge for nonprofits is to communicate, "so that people can better understand who they are serving. They need to tell their story better." In addition, she says, "we are entering an era where donors aren't handing over their dollars without a good idea that their money will make a difference. People are very plugged in, they are aware and stay informed, and expect to be given details about where their donation is going and what it will do."

Resources to address these issues come primarily from two areas: the library's Funding Information Center, a New York City-based collection of print and electronic resources, the nation's leading authority on philanthropy and the largest aggregator of foundation grant information in the country, and the Nonprofit Prophet, a web page at thelibrary.org.

The Nonprofit Prophet, coordinated by Flippen, gathers in one place tips, trends and tools for fundraisers. "It should be your first stop for resources." You'll find an event, planning and training calendar, information about programs and the newest book titles and web sites. She recently purchased 60 new titles, such as "Financing Nonprofits: Putting Theory into Practice" by Dennis Young and "Yours, Mine and Ours: Creating a Compelling Donor Experience" by Barry McLeish.

Flippen also keeps nonprofits updated on "the newest buzz," such as capacity building, "the trend toward organizing nonprofits internally to provide the most effective fundraising."

Call or e-mail Flippen at tammyf@thelibrary.org. She'll be glad to set up an appointment at the Library Center or come to your organization to brainstorm and explore the possibilities with your nonprofit staff.

UPCOMING NONPROFIT EVENTS

• "Nonprofit Fundraising: Seven Things You Should Know to Get the Money You Need," Tuesday, July 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., in the Harrison Room at the Library Center. Former college fundraising professional and author Wayne E. Groner leads a seminar open to everyone at 10 a.m. followed by individual half-hour consultations at noon.
  
• Funding Information Center Orientation," Friday, July 18, 9 a.m. in the Harrison Room at the Library Center. Learn about foundations willing to fund your projects.