Beyond Book Sales

Book excerpt: Like library users, library donors hail from all walks of life. Regardless of the scope or complexity of library fundraising, successful efforts are always about forging and strengthening relationships with the range of stakeholders throughout the community. Dowd and her team from Library Strategies, a consulting group of the Friends of St. Paul Public Library, share proven strategies that have brought in more than $1 million annually. Believing that private fundraising is a natural for libraries large and small, they start with 12 facts about library fundraising and focus on activities with the highest return. Tips and features include: The gift pyramid model for developing the culture of giving that leads to big gifts Overcoming fears of sponsorship and embracing cause-related marketing Pitching the appropriate charitable gift Confronting common fears of requesting major gifts The pros and cons of membership programs