Hi Ruth,
I think there might be a couple of reasons for this. For the public, the
primary relationship is with the library, not with the consortium. I
think potential donors are more likely to give to the organization with
which they have the closer relationship. When giving to the library,
the public can clearly see the impact of their donations in the form of
new materials, additional programming, etc. I don't think the impact is
as clearly visible for a donation to the consortium. Overall, I have
found the public sees a lot of value in the ability to get materials
from all over the consortium, so highlighting that benefit would be a
good approach.
Also, the libraries themselves have their own friends groups that are
seeking funds. There may be a concern that a similar fundraising effort
at the consortium level would interfere with those fundraising efforts.
These aren't challenges that are insurmountable, but just some things
you might want to take into consideration.
Good luck!
Kathy
On 02/02/2015 10:09 AM, Ruth Frasur wrote:
Jason,
I'm a little surprised that, especially with a 501c3 designation,
there isn't some type of fundraising. I'll think about that
perspective as well.
On Mon, Feb 2, 2015 at 8:58 AM, Jason Stephenson <[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
Ruth,
I haven't thought of a friends group for our consortium, but I
have suggested
in the past that since the consortium is a 501c3, we could ask the
public
for tax-deductible donations.
Our members didn't seem to receptive to the idea. No one
specifically panned
it, but nothing has come of it.
Cheers,
Jason
--
Jason Stephenson
Assistant Director for Technology Services
Merrimack Valley Library Consortium
1600 Osgood ST, Suite 2094
North Andover, MA 01845
Phone: 978-557-5891 <tel:978-557-5891>
Email: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
--
Ruth Frasur
Director of the Historic(ally Awesome) Hagerstown - Jefferson Township
Library
10 W. College Street in Hagerstown, Indiana (47346)
p (765) 489-5632; f (765) 489-5808
Our Kickin' Website<http://hagerstownlibrary.org> Our Rockin' Facebook
Page <http://facebook.com/hjtplibrary> and Stuff I'm
Reading<http://pinterest.com/hjtplibrary/ruth-reads/>
--
Kathy Lussier
Project Coordinator
Massachusetts Library Network Cooperative
(508) 343-0128
[email protected]
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kmlussier
