The Centre On Philanthropy will be giving away free copies of its first charity fund raising information booklet.

The new Bermuda Donor Directory, which highlights how charities can secure funds from more than 40 local and exempt company donors, is designed to provide detailed donor profiles, giving plans, policies and strategies.

A companion guide to the annual Bermuda Directory of Registered Charities, the Donor Directory, also aims to equip charity leaders with the research tools needed to raise funds more effectively so as to better serve their public beneficiaries.

The 55-page booklet offers advice on everything from writing appeals to fund raising tips and charity business plans.

A sample profile and two donor profile forms are also included.

The Centre will hand out copies to all organisations listed in the Directory of Registered Charities and additional booklets will be available through the Public Library and Bermuda College Library.

"Bermuda has a proud reputation for charitable giving,'' said Community and Cultural Affairs Minister Yvette Swan, "and the work being done by our charities is critical to our economy.'' Pointing out that the entire community can benefit from charity work, Mrs.

Swan added: "The local and exempt company donors and service organisations profiled in the Directory are responsible and caring citizens who recognise that charitable giving is good for business.'' June Augustus, chairperson of the Physical Abuse Centre, said she was thrilled with the latest directory.

"This is a wonderful new resource for charities,'' she said. "We, like every other charitable organisation in this community, rely on the financial generosity of donors and this new Directory will help to ensure that our applications are accountable.'' And Centre On Philanthropy executive director Nancy Smythe thanked all those involved in the publication process, especially project director Heather Conyers, and welcomed more donors to take part in the future.

"Other donors are invited to add their profiles to the Directory which, depending on the needs of the community, will be updated annually,'' she said.

FUND RAISER FNR