Over the last few years, we have witnessed a rapid increase in the number of foundations using the Internet to provide information about their work and interact with their audiences. However, many foundations, particularly small and medium-size ones, often do not have the resources or the expertise to develop their own web presence. The Funders Online model websites present a user-friendly, flexible and platform independent tool (the site can be hosted on any type of server) that will enable foundations to establish a simple website and gain initial experience in using new communications technology to deliver funding information.

What is a model websites?
A models website is a basic template consisting of two types of pages - a home page and a sub-page. Although it is not designed for a specific type of foundations, it can easily be customised to reflect the needs of respectively independent grantmaking or operational foundations, community foundations or corporate funders. The basic template is available in two different styles. New styles may be designed in the future, depending on the demand.

Each template consists of tables that expand automatically to fit the size of a logo or varying degrees of text structuring. The template does not contain any graphics. Such can be implemented by the users themselves. The structure of the template allows for separating the different areas on the page by using different table background colours.

The template uses standard, simple and highly customisable Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) and can be edited with any word processor or HTML editor. It contains embedded instructions in the HTML code on how to customise some basic features such as fonts and colours.

What is the cost of the model websites?
The Funders Online model websites are FREE. Basic technical support on how to customise the templates is also FREE - send your questions to webmaster@fundersonline.org. Funders Online can also offer you server space for a limited period of time, namely we can host your website during the development and test phase, if you use the model templates.

Funders Online cannot implement your website for you free of charge. For further details on our fee-based services, contact Sevdalina Rukanova.

Model Websites Content
The model website suggest the different materials you should include in your website. These reflect the recommendations of the Funders Online Steering Committee on the types of information that should be provided on a funder's website. However, these content items are in no way restrictive and can easily be changed. This also applies to the use of language - although created in English, the templates can be translated or directly converted to any other language.

The following is the list of default items included in the model website:

• about the funder
• programmes
• grants
• application guidelines
• newsletter
• publications list
• staff list
• contact details
• frequently asked questions (FAQs).