United for Libraries will be compiling and creating a variety of resources for library Foundations in the coming months. If your Foundation has a great policy, sample PR materials, or other items you would like to share, please email bnawalinski@ala.org.
Establishing a Library Foundation: Planning, Persistence, Progress
An edited version of this article by Jeanne Thorsen, Executive Director of the King County Library System Foundation (Issaquah, Wash.), was previously featured in News Update. Read the full article.
Friends and Foundations
This series focuses on the dynamic between library Friends and Foundations. Part One discusses the missions of the Tippecanoe County (Ind.) Library's separate Friends group and Foundation, and how the two organizations work cooperatively. Part Two explains the workings of the Saint Paul (Minn.) Public Library's combined Friends and Foundation organization.
Friends and Foundations, Part One: Separate Organizations, Similar Goals
by Jane Rutledge, Friends of the Tippecanoe County (Ind.) Public Library
Friends and Foundations, Part Two: Is a Merged Friends and Foundation Right for Your Library?
by Peter Pearson, President, The Friends of the Saint Paul (Minn.) Public Library
Bylaws
Looking to establish or revise your bylaws? These bylaws have been shared by libraries around the country.
Albuquerque (N.M.) Public Library Foundation Bylaws
Brentwood (Calif.) Library Foundation
High Plains (Colo.) Library District Foundation Bylaws
Tiverton (R.I.) Library Foundation Bylaws
Memorandum of Understanding
The Johnson County (Kan.) Library has generously provided a copy of their memorandum of understanding (doc, 42 kb) between the library and the Foundation.
Corporate/Organizational Support
The Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Public Library Foundation has a "Library Champion" (PDF, 329 kb) program for corporate/organizational donors starting at $500. Enrollment details (PDF, 330 kb)
Additional Tools
Cash for Your Classroom, a guidebook for school and classroom funding from Accredited Schools Online, offers funding ideas, strategies, and resources, as well as tips on different types of fundraising.
The Jefferson County Public Library (Lakewood, CO) implemented a naming rights program in conjunction with the recent remodel of its Golden Library. See the brochure (PDF, 994 kb), guidelines (Word, 34 kb), and policy (Word, 45 kb) for more information.