THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION
The Library Foundation is an independent fund-raising arm of a public library. A Foundation seeks private sector support for the many programs, improvements, technology and services that cannot be funded through public funding alone.
Public libraries face enormous challenges, especially today. While tax dollars keep the lights on, buildings open and materials on the shelves, the Library can do so much more. That’s what a Library Foundation does – it makes a good library a great one.
As public dollars become tighter, the library budget is unable to grow as rapidly as the growth in the use of the library services. A Foundation helps to fill the financial gap left by the lack of public funds. The Library Foundation can provide grants to the library for many things such as materials and special collections; programming; technology, marketing and special projects.
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  • By raising private dollars, libraries are able to leverage and stretch public dollars
  • It is a separate, legal entity formed for the purpose of supporting and enhancing library programs and services
  • It provides opportunities for an array of revenue sources to supplement tax support
  • Library Foundations have:
    • Grant eligibility for which public libraries may not qualify
    • Planned giving opportunities
    • Endowments
    • Community support & confidence
  • Select a Board of Directors
  • Prepare Articles of Incorporation & By-Laws
  • Apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS
The Major Gift Opportunity
There is tremendous, unmet potential in a major giving program for your Library Foundation.
Research and Goal Setting
Setting initial goals for your major giving program is critical for two reasons. First, it gets everyone on the same page. Second, it gives you a place to start when it’s time to evaluate the results.
Budget and Systems
Good work habits, sound policies, and solid systems will help you keep good records and monitor return on investment.
Create Your Case
The case – and the case expression – provides the reasons why your Library Foundation believes it needs and merits philanthropic support.
Strategy
Once you have put the foundation in place, it’s time to prepare your major giving strategy. How will you structure your program, what benefits will you offer and how will you recognize your donors?
Integrated Development Plan
The final step prior to launch involves tying together all the elements you looked at when designing your program. To move forward, it’s critical to create a written plan to guide your efforts.
  • establish and develop the Foundation
  • create and oversee the Foundation’s Board of Directors and its activities
  • build an operational plan
  • create and implement a major gift program
  • create and implement a planned giving program
  • research potential new donors
  • research potential foundation opportunities
  • solicitation training
  • attendance at solicitation meetings
  • develop case statement
  • develop naming opportunities
  • handle follow-up correspondences