Library foundation reports $629,998 endowment, funded requests and donor activity

A liaison for the library foundation reported on the group's financial support and fundraising activity during the foundation and Friends update.

The liaison, Darla, told the board the current endowment value prior to the 2024 distribution was $629,998.09. She said the foundation reviewed 39 staff requests this year and fully funded 27 requests, totaling $21,720. The liaison described the foundation as a 501(c)(3) endowment that distributes funds annually after a review process.

Darla also described recent donation channels and fundraising timing: she reported that between Oct. 1, 2024, and Oct. 1, 2025, the foundation had received $4,610 via PayPal and $17,633.10 via personal checks or money orders. The liaison said the foundation's annual donation letter typically goes out before Thanksgiving and is a major source of donations.

On Friends of the Library, the liaison explained that Friends functions as a pass-through organization (money collected is disbursed to the library) and that its primary fund source is the ongoing book sale. Friends can have members and offers modest perks; the group is actively seeking new board members after a recent leadership change.

The board heard that donors who give $1,000 or more can be recognized on donor displays near the new plaza entryway. No formal board action was requested during the report; staff and volunteers were encouraged to assist with outreach and recruitment for Friends board vacancies.