Successful Fundraising in a Rural Community

Presented by Linda Calandra, Library Development Officer, and Terry Sterling, Community Libraries East Supervisor

Fresno County Public Library

Introduction to Fowler Branch Library

1914 -2008

Fowler Library Service Area

Fowler Library 1928

History of Fowler Library Community

Involvement

Library Support Group Activities

Building Committee

Fundraising Committee

Friends of the Library

Planning for Fowler LibraryPlanning for Fowler Library

Began in early 1990’sBegan in early 1990’s

Not Funded by California Library Bond Act Not Funded by California Library Bond Act of 2000of 2000

Statewide Library Bond Act not passed by Statewide Library Bond Act not passed by voters in June 2006voters in June 2006

Proceed with Design and ConstructionProceed with Design and Construction

Planning for Fowler LibraryPlanning for Fowler Library

Community Needs Assessment

Plan of Service

Building Program—Building Blocks

Fundraising Activities

Community Donations over the years

Youth Involvement

Fundraising Committee

New Library Components 8,300 Square Feet of

Space

Separate Children’s, Teen & Adult Spaces

Expanded and Specialized Collections

New Library Components Computer Lab with

15 Public Computers

Multi-purpose Meeting Room

Quiet/History Room

Express Checkout, Self Pick-up of Holds and Self Sorted Returns

Local History Mural

Fundraising in a rural community is not a zero sum game.

Benefits of Rural Fundraising

Media and local elected officials are accessible

People care about one another Business trends arrive more slowly We are now in a global economy

Key indicators of infrastructure:

Giving to your organization Development services Fundraising vehicles Collateral materials Strategic planning

Infrastructure, cont.

Personnel Leadership/Administration Staff Volunteers

Communications and public relations Overall appeal related to how well you

tell your story

“You got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there.”

-- Yogi Berra

Outreach Strategies in a Rural Environment

Get to know your local media representatives

Write your own news stories Be a visible and active member of your

community and network with others

“Philanthropy flows from a loving heart not an overstuffed pocketbook.”

-- Douglas M. Lawson

Fowler’s Capital Campaign Fundraising committee

Training Encouragement and affirmation

Collateral Establish the vision Make the case

Fundraising Brochure (outside)

Fundraising Brochure (inside)

Pledge Form

Fowler’s Capital Campaign, cont. Naming Gifts

Naming policies Naming opportunities

Accountability Donor database software IRS gift receipts

Donor Recognition

“Do your givin' while you're livin'...

then you'll be knowin' where it's goin'.” 

-- Ann Landers

Friends of the Library Friends are:

Fundraisers

Friendraisers

Advocates

Library Foundation vs. Development Office

Budget Flexibility Accumulation of Funds Investment Opportunities Community Support Community Confidence Grant Eligibility

Friends Foundation – New Model

One fundraising entity for the library No competition for board members No donor confusion

“The act of philanthropy is a spiritual act, an expression of caring for one's fellow human beings. It is a belief in the future that the future can be good. It is investing in that future. It is helping to make the dream come true.”

-- Arthur C. Frantzreb

Contact InformationLinda Calandra, Development OfficerFresno County Public Library2420 MariposaFresno, CA 93721Linda.calandra@fresnolibrary.org559.488-3492

Terry Sterling, Community Libraries East SupervisorFresno County Public Library2420 MariposaFresno, CA 93721Terry.sterling@fresnolibrary.org559.488-2975