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

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 Library Began in early 1990s Began in early 1990s Not Funded by California Library Bond Act of 2000 Not Funded by California Library Bond Act of 2000 Statewide Library Bond Act not passed by voters in June 2006 Statewide Library Bond Act not passed by voters in June 2006 Proceed with Design and Construction Proceed with Design and Construction

Planning for Fowler Library Community Needs Assessment Plan of Service Building ProgramBuilding Blocks

Fundraising Activities Community Donations over the years Youth Involvement Fundraising Committee

New Library Components 8,300 Square Feet of Space Separate Childrens, 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

Fowlers Capital Campaign Fundraising committee Training Encouragement and affirmation Collateral Establish the vision Make the case

Fundraising Brochure (outside)

Fundraising Brochure (inside)

Pledge Form

Fowlers 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 Information Linda Calandra, Development Officer Fresno County Public Library 2420 Mariposa Fresno, CA Terry Sterling, Community Libraries East Supervisor Fresno County Public Library 2420 Mariposa Fresno, CA