Annual or Capital Giving:
What’s the Difference?
Donors often ask 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 library foundation’s regular support for materials and programs that are beyond the library district’s regular, tax-funded budget. For example:
Library card sponsorships 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 helps the library foundation plan for the future and create welcoming, accessible library spaces for everyone. Funds raised through our spring and end-of-year giving campaigns support ongoing library services and the library foundation’s operations.
What is Capital Giving?
Capital gifts go directly to various building and renovation projects. You can donate to the general capital fund, which is used wherever funds are most needed, or to a specific library branch.
Why is Capital Giving Important?
Donating to a capital fund directs your money to updating facilities and buildings for the library branches. An extensive remodel of the Illinois Valley branch was completed in 2024, and a new Williams library opened in 2023. Currently, the library is working with engineers and architects to plan a new Grants Pass library building downtown. These recent and ongoing projects are the first updates on these three branches in 40 years or more. Building the new library in Grants Pass will be an important part of the library foundation’s work in the coming years as we create a library system that will serve Josephine County for generations to come.
Where Does My Donation Count the Most?
The short answer is both! Annual giving sustains the library foundation’s ongoing work, while capital giving makes new buildings and renovations possible. Every gift matters, and we are grateful for the generosity of our community. Your support helps shape the future of Josephine Community Library, and together, we can build a sustainable library system for everyone.