How to Raise Money for a Rural Library
When budget cuts occur at the federal and state level, it affects public services across the board, from city halls to libraries. Unfortunately, when funding is reduced, libraries are left to find additional sources of funding on their own. Raising money for rural libraries is particularly hard, as these locations do not have a large population to draw from for financial support. Raising money for libraries involves support from the local community via fundraisers or events, and by reaching out for funding at the national level through corporations and grants.
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Instructions
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Have a sale at the library. Outdated library books or donated baked goods and plants are cheap and easily acquired items to sell to the public. Print up fliers and post them at the library and around town, advertising the date of the sale.
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Consider using a fundraising service. Many of the same fundraising companies that help schools, offer fundraisers for libraries as well. These companies sell candy, food, books and household items. For each item sold through your fundraiser, the company will donate a portion of the profits to the library. A great time to start fundraising is during your library's summer reading program.
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Plan your own fundraiser. Create your own fundraising program by starting a read-a-thon, talent show, raffle or donation dinner. These programs have low start-up costs, and all the proceeds will go towards the library.
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Ask local businesses if they would be willing to donate a portion of their proceeds for certain sales to the library. This technique helps businesses and libraries both, as the company's next ad will specify that a portion of sales for a given week or month will go towards funding the library. The business gets more people shopping and buying, and the library gets extra funding.
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Contact electronic manufacturers, retailers and recyclers. Many cell phone, printer and office supply companies offer cash or credit when old cell phones and ink cartridges are recycled via their companies. You simply set up a box or kiosk in the library, and individuals drop off ink cartridges and cell phones. Most companies will pick up the items if there is a large amount, or you can use a pre-paid mailing label to send the items to the company.
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Apply for additional grants. Most libraries apply for and receive federal grants for funding, but there are thousands of grants at the state and private level that will help bring in much needed money. The American Library Association regularly updates a list of library grants and awards on its website at www.ala.org.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask the community for financial help by sending out donation requests complete with pre-paid return envelopes.
When planning an event to raise money, use donated items and time as much as possible to avoid spending more than you make.
