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This article explores effective fundraising strategies for US public libraries, including advocating with local officials, fundraising from individuals and businesses, and grant writing. Learn how to establish relationships, present benefits to local government, solicit funds from individuals and businesses, and write successful grant proposals.
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Fundraising Strategies in US Public Libraries Susan Schnuer Associate Director, Mortenson Center schnuer@illinois.edu
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.com/photos/sylvar/287942520/ Darien Library Friends Annual Meeting http://www.flickr.com/photos/darienlibrary/2956067225/
Advocating with local officials • Presenting benefits to local government • Supporting the work of local government
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
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
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/431209056/
Grant-writing • Proposal sent to foundations and corporations • Funding is for a limited time • Funds are restricted Volunteers at Newton Free Library’s monthly project lunch http://www.flickr.com/photos/newtonfreelibrary/2247164584/