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Library foundation reports $1 million in pledges, says tech changes could cut donation fees
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Summary
The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation told trustees that pledges topped $1 million, described fundraising events and previewed technology work that could save about 3% in online donation fees and improve outreach.
The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation reported to the Library Board of Trustees on March 4 that its capital campaign has secured pledges exceeding $1,000,000 and outlined outreach and technology work intended to support further fundraising.
The foundation's representative summarized recent activity, saying the campaign launched Oct. 27 and by December had "pledges of over $1,000,000," and described upcoming donor events such as Cocktails on the Page and a Movie Colony reception to sustain momentum. The representative noted a matched $1,000,000 transfer is in the bank and that some of the funds are being temporarily placed in certificates of deposit.
In a separate presentation, Jim Gray, introduced as the foundation's technology lead, described the group's work to streamline donor processing and digital outreach. "If we just change the payment processor who hits the credit card, we'll save 3% on the donations," Jim Gray said, noting that a change to the website and payment flow could recover that fee difference for the foundation. Gray also described integrating the campaign site psplnextchapter.org into the main library web presence and efforts to regain and centralize social-media accounts to increase sharing and engagement.
Gray offered performance metrics to trustees: the foundation sent "over 30,000 emails in the last 12 months," has an estimated email deliverability of about 92% and an open rate near 55% — figures he said indicate an engaged contact list that the foundation can mobilize for fundraising and advocacy.
Trustees asked about the platform evaluation timeline; Gray said the foundation's Bloomerang subscription renews in September and the technology committee will review alternatives before that renewal. After the presentation the trustees voted to accept the foundation report.
The foundation highlighted that some pledge funds and early matching donations are being held conservatively in FDIC-insured instruments until an agreed investment approach for an eventual endowment is settled with the board and library staff. Trustees discussed the need for a joint strategy session with library leadership and the foundation to clarify how future endowment income would be allocated and protected.
The board accepted the foundation report by voice vote and moved on to other agenda items. The foundation presentation was paired with requests to keep trustees informed of upcoming donor approvals that may require city-council action under the city's naming-rights thresholds.
