What’s the difference between annual and capital giving?
As we ramp up our fundraising for various projects, more and more donors are asking how best to support the library. This guide explains the difference between annual and capital giving, how each is important, and where your gifts are spent.
What is annual giving?
Annual gifts fund the foundation’s regular support for library materials and programs that are beyond the district’s regular, tax-funded budget. For example:
Library card scholarships for children who live outside the library district.
Updated technology such as new Wi-Fi routers and patron computers.
New furniture to refresh children’s and teen spaces.
Why is annual giving important?
Annual giving allows us to focus on the future of the library and providing spaces accessible and welcoming to all. The money raised during our annual drives, in the Spring and at the end of the year, funds regular library support. These donations also allow the foundation to raise money throughout the year for special projects—including organizing capital drives for the building projects that will be a primary focus over the next several years.
What is capital giving?
Capital gifts go directly to various building and renovation projects. You can choose to donate to the general capital fund, which is used wherever funds are most needed, or to a specific branch. Current projects include:
Finalizing the downtown property purchase for a new Grants Pass library branch.
Renovating the building at the new Williams library property to become the library.
Renovating the Illinois Valley branch to add a community room, early learning center, and outdoor STEAM area. Fully funded as of January 2022!
Future capital projects include building a new Grants Pass library building and expanding the Williams branch to include a community room and outdoor learning space.
Why is capital giving important?
Donating to a capital fund directs your money to new facilities and buildings for the library branches, three of which have not been updated in 40 years or more. Building, renovating, and securing our buildings will be an important part of the foundation’s work over the next decade as we create a library system that will serve Josephine County for generations to come. Learn more about ongoing and upcoming capital projects at jclfoundation.org/planning-better-buildings.
Where does my donation count the most—annual drives or capital projects?
The short answer is, both! The foundation cannot operate without annual giving and buildings cannot be renovated or built without capital giving. Your gift matters and we appreciate each and every donation from our community! You are committed to the future of Josephine Community Library and we cannot build a brighter tomorrow without you.