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 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 allows us to focus on the future of the library and provide spaces accessible and welcoming to all. The money raised during our annual spring and end-of-year drives 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 donate to the general capital fund, which is used wherever funds are most needed, or to a specific branch.
Why is capital giving important?
Donating to a capital fund directs your money to update 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 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—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.