Fundraising Strategies in US Public Libraries

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Fundraising Strategies in US Public Libraries

• Susan Schnuer
• Associate Director, Mortenson Center
• schnuer_at_illinois.edu

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Advocating with local officials

• Understanding local priorities
• Establishing a relationship
• Being clear and to the point
• Not using library terms

Tampa Bay Libraries Consortium http//www.flickr.c
om/photos/sylvar/287942520/
Darien Library Friends Annual Meeting http//www.f
lickr.com/photos/darienlibrary/2956067225/
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Advocating with local officials

• Presenting benefits to local government
• Supporting the work of local government

4
Fundraising from Individuals and Businesses

• identify, educate, solicit and communicate with
  individuals and businesses that are interested in
  your library
• Long-term strategy
• Use mail, phone calls, or visits to solicit funds
• Library-wide effort led by an office or library
  foundation

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Fundraising from Individuals and Businesses

• Funds may be used for different purposes
• Has the potential to bring in large sums of money
• Can take several years before you see the results
  of your efforts
• Our tax laws encourage donations
• Be choosy about individuals and businesses from
  whom you solicit funding

6
Grant-writing

• Product is a proposal
• Written by an individual or small group
• Proposals should request funds for services,
  products, or facilities not currently available
  in the library

http//www.flickr.com/photos/kool_skatkat/43120905
6/
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Grant-writing

• Proposal sent to foundations and corporations
• Funding is for a limited time
• Funds are restricted

Volunteers at Newton Free Librarys monthly
project lunch
http//www.flickr.com/photos/newtonfreelibrary/224
7164584/