Finding the right information requires a bit of detective work, as every provider operates differently. To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date details for your seeker, you can verify a program's specifics using these standard research methods:
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Explore Digital Presence: Visit the program’s official website or social media pages for the latest service updates and announcements.
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Connect Directly: Reach out to the provider via phone or email to clarify eligibility or current availability.
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Walk Through the Process: Navigate the program’s application steps to understand exactly what will be required of the seeker.
✅ Always use a primary source when researching a program. Contact the provider directly or use resources that they manage themselves.
❌ Stay away from third party sources such as online listings, reviews, or individuals that are not affiliated with the provider.
Searching Online Best Practices
While researching programs online is a great starting point, the level of detail you’ll find can vary significantly. Some organizations have a robust web presence, while others may be harder to find.
To help you find the most accurate information, keep these best practices in mind:
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Look Beyond the Website: If a provider doesn't have a traditional website, check for an official Facebook page. We accept Facebook as a primary source if it is managed by the provider. (Note: Other social media platforms are not currently accepted as website replacements.)
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Dig into Visuals: On social media, the Photos or Files sections often contain flyers or posters with the most recent program updates.
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Check the Calendar: For recurring services like food pantries or clinics, look for an Events or Calendar page to verify dates and times.
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Use Site Search: If the provider’s website has its own keyword search bar, use it to find specific programs that might be buried in their navigation menus.
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Review Attachments: Always open PDFs or digital applications. These documents often contain the "fine print," such as required identification, application deadlines, and specific eligibility criteria.
Using Site Search Inside the Program Manager Tool
General Information section within Program Manager features a built-in website search tool. Instead of manually clicking through every page of a provider's site, this tool scans the entire domain for you to find specific details like updated costs, hours of operation, or new service offerings.
How to use it:
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Search: Enter a specific phrase (like "eligibility" or "hours") into the keyword search bar.
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Locate: Click Search, and the tool will instantly find every match across the provider's website.
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Verify: Click the direct links provided to jump straight to the source and confirm the most current information.
This powerful feature eliminates the guesswork, making it faster and easier than ever to ensure your seeker is getting the most accurate data available.
Contacting a Provider Best Practices
Sometimes the best way to get information is by contacting the provider directly. When you’re unable to confirm information online, reach out to them via phone or email. Striking up a conversation is often the most comprehensive way to learn more about a program.
Here are some tips for contacting providers:
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Double check the contact information via Google or their website beforehand.
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When calling, jot down the questions you would like to ask and be prepared to take notes.
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If no one answers, don’t hang up right away! Often times providers leave information mentioned in their outgoing message.