Original presentation by Sue Hall
Library Strategies, A Consulting Group of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
Interpreted by David Fuller
The Advantages of Small Libraries
We usually think that small libraries are at a disadvantage for the most part. In actuality, they typically have some major advantages over larger libraries. Small libraries most often naturally become a hub in the community of great value. It makes it much easier to connect to a community when it’s a smaller one. It also makes relationships easier to build and volunteerism is often higher. Smaller libraries are just more intimate and personal than larger ones.
12 Must-Know Facts About Library Fundraising
- Fact 1: Effective fundraising is about relationships first, money second.
Most of us simply think of fundraising as a way to make money. And, to a certain extent, that’s true. But more importantly, fundraising is about making connections and relationships with both individuals and organizations. Money is a direct result of these relationships.
- Fact 2: Everything is easier with Friends.
Your staff, no matter how talented, can’t be expected to do everything for your library. That’s why it’s important to have a group or groups outside the workforce who are dedicated to helping your library. Friends groups and board members can do a lot outside of the library’s normal operations.
- Fact 3: You can’t raise money without a strong case for support.
It’s common to forget this. We can do hundreds of fundraisers and events and fail every time if we don’t give people a reason to support us. This about what happens in your library, what takes place within your walls, what occurs because of it. How does your library impact the community? How would more funds expand the library’s capabilities? How would this improve the community? Too many people think that libraries will become obsolete in the coming days thanks to the Internet and personal computers. You know, of course, that this is far from the truth. Really, libraries are going anywhere, they’re adapting and changing with the times. So tell people! Get the word out! Nothing hooks donors like a great, personal story about how someone was affected by the library’s service and compelling numbers help a great deal too. After all, if libraries are going to survive and thrive, both public and private funding are essential. So, as an exercise, try writing your library’s story within 1 to 2 pages.
- Fact 4: Libraries have both emotional and intellectual appeal to donors.
You know the importance of your library in your community. Whether it’s about having children’s events to support early reading, having computers with Internet access to help patrons do job searches and write resumes, or simply providing a comfortable place to read in the middle of our increasingly busy world, you know the impact we have.
- Fact 5: Everyone on your staff plays a role in fundraising.
As if they didn’t already do so much for you and your patrons, the library staff is incredibly important when it comes to fundraising. They are the face of the library. They represent everything the library does for your community. Every event they do in the library, outside of the library, each time they dress up for Halloween, each time they decorate for the holidays, down to each person they give service to, they are your library. They are your staunchest allies.
- Fact 6: There’s more than one way to raise money.
- Annual campaigns are some of the most typical. And no matter how you do it, make sure it’s annual. You should always be planning to make something that will recur regularly.
- Tribute/memorial programs are an effective way to earn small donations. Have something set up where a patron could donate the value of a book in someone else’s honor. Make up small dedications for that person to place in the book when it is purchased.
- Major gifts are harder to come by but usually the result of strong connections and relationships within the community. You can’t know who’s willing to help the library if you never talk to them.
- Special events are a great way to raise awareness of the library and everything it does to help the community. These are opportunities to connect to more people and more organizations. They may or may not reap immediate monetary rewards, but the important part is getting your library out to the people. This is also a great way to energize volunteers and staff about your library. But don’t start anything without a plan in place.
- Planned giving programs are another great way to talk to those who may help you fund your library and get the word out. Make sure that you have signage and your staff is talking to patrons about any planned programs that you have.
- Corporate sponsorships are wonderful, especially when trying to fund something specific. The key is finding the way to make it worthwhile for the sponsor.
- Last but not lease is grant writing. These take time and effort but usually offer great rewards for those who try.
- Fact 7: A strong fundraising committee or board makes the connections.
Committee and board members should be the biggest advocates for your library, and as such, should be driving forces for helping with increasing funding. They often times have the connections and resources others don’t to get deals started.
- Fact 8: Fundraise beyond the “usual suspects”.
We tend to get stuck in a groove when asking particular people or organizations for donations. But in doing so we miss out on entire groups that have been ignored. Rather than asking, “Who have we asked?” we should be asking, “Who haven’t we asked?”
- Fact 9: Corporate philanthropy is about more than altruism.
Corporations want to donate to something that will be worthwhile in the long run for their business just as much as they want to donate to something that is a good cause. Align your requests with the business, make it worth their investment. Find a win/win scenario for you and the corporation. Remember that relations and marketing play a huge role in their decision. If their corporation’s name is on a billboard saying they’ve donated, that’s positive press. How about having events hosted by that business or even in the business? And don’t just look for money. In-kind gifts are just as invaluable. Gift certificates and prizes for a raffle will still generate donations for the library and possibly business for them. And make sure to build a relationship with the business owners and representatives. Think long-term.
- Fact 10: Advocacy and fundraising go hand-in-hand.
Talking about your library, about all it does for the community, whether you’re in a setting to collect donations or not still help with fundraising. Building relationships with people using advocacy typically leads to fundraising.
- Fact 11: Fundraising is a year-round activity.
Fundraising shouldn’t just happen when you need money for something specific. There should be constant attempts to help improve your income. You should have larger events at least 2 to 3 times a year.
- Fact 12: Saying “thank you” really matters.
Make it personal. Anyone who donates to your cause should be thanked personally. Take the time to call them up or send out hand-signed thank you notes to people. It will truly resound with them and make it known that you appreciate them.
Start With a Plan
You should have comprehensive advocacy and fundraising development plans. Include goals, activities, timelines, and responsibilities. Volunteer committees are essential in carrying out those plans and activities. Having a plan in the first place motivates and directs the staff and volunteers.
Contact Sue Hall, Library Strategies Director at (651) 287-0060 or sue@thefriends.org.
