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Bigger Opportunities for Better Libraries Loleta Fyan Rural Library Conference. April 30, 2009. The Breton Group. 50+ Michigan public libraries 26 Needs Assessments 35 Feasibility Studies 20 Capital Campaigns: $17+ Million raised 7 Millage campaigns 6 Miscellaneous services.
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Bigger Opportunities for Better LibrariesLoleta Fyan Rural Library Conference April 30, 2009
The Breton Group • 50+ Michigan public libraries • 26 Needs Assessments • 35 Feasibility Studies • 20 Capital Campaigns: $17+ Million raised • 7 Millage campaigns • 6 Miscellaneous services
Observations • Libraries are more than most people know and expect. • Libraries are under-appreciated as community assets. • Library “people” generally do not advocate assertively for their libraries. • Most people do not associate philanthropic giving with the library. • Libraries have great potential to generate philanthropic support.
Objectives • Generate greater awareness of what your library offers and its vital role in the community • Generate greater support for the library
Ultimate Goal:Sufficient fundingHow do we do that?Development:We Build RelationshipsWE MAKE FRIENDS FOR THE LIBRARY
Why Are Friends Important? • They’re there when we need them. • They help out. • They attend our events. • They tell others about our projects. • They get others involved • They give money.
Making Friends(Five I’s of Development) Invest Identify Inform Involve Interest
Making Friends - Identify Broad-based • Who needs to know about the library? Specific • Who can benefit the library with leadership, influence, affluence?
2007 Charitable Giving: $306 Billion 13% 5% 7% 75% Individuals Bequests Corp/Bus Foundations
Making FriendsCultivation • Inform • Invite • Involve
Making Friends Inform • Spread the word – be an ambassador for the library • Family • Friends • Coworkers • Neighbors • Share your knowledge and enthusiasm
Inform • Who is the audience? • What is the message?
Audience/Constituencies • Elected officials • Opinion leaders • Educators and students • Young families • Seniors • Youth • Homeschool families • Job seekers • People lacking technology at home • Potential/donors
Communications Methods, Strategies, Venues • “Fast facts,” talking points • Patron profiles • Website • Newsletters • Blogs • City, township (service area) website links • School communications • Civic organizations, Chamber of Commerce, DDA, etc. • Church bulletins • Marquees
What Does Your Billboard Say?Are You… • Informed? • Positive? • Involved? • Enthusiastic? • Committed?
Making FriendsInterest and Involve • Invite them to read to kids • Host a tour • Host a social gathering at the library • Interview for the newsletter • Ask for advice • Recruit for a committee
Making FriendsInvolve • Follow up • “Thank you for participating.” • “What did you think?” • “What were your impressions?” • “What is your opinion?”
Making FriendsInvest • Ask friends to invest in the library • Broader-based • Annual appeal • Memorial giving • Specific • Special projects (new programming, summer reading, etc.) • Capital campaigns • Planned (deferred) gifts
Development Pyramid Planned Gifts Special/MajorGifts Annual Giving Annual appeal, memorial gifts, etc.
Making and Keeping Friends • Call donors to thank them personally • Invite them to special events at the library; build the connection • Keep in touch
Top 10 Things You Can Do to Help Their Library • Be informed, enthusiastic, committed • Spread the word • Seek new opportunities/audiences to expand library awareness • Identify those who can be most helpful to the library; open the door to potential “friends” • Invite people into the library
Top 10 Things TrusteesCan Do to Help the Library 6. Ask for advice, counsel, opinion 7. Thank donors – again and again 8. Find new ways to appreciate donors • Connect prospective donor interests w/ library projects/events • Provide an opportunity for a someone to make the library better – ASK FOR THE GIFT!