FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Libraries?

Libraries seeking funding can explore numerous grants, corporate sponsorships, and innovative fundraising ideas. This complete guide offers proven strategies from experienced professionals.

Top 5 grants for Libraries nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Libraries. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

Native American Library Services: Basic Grants

Institute of Museum and Library Services

$6,000 - $10,000

Government

Supports Native American Tribes in improving library services. Funds can be used for library materials, programming, staff training, and other library-related activities.

Apply

Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries

American Library Association

Up to $4,000

Private

Provides funds and resources for graphic novel collection development and programming in libraries. Aims to promote graphic novels and their use in libraries.

Apply

LSTA Community Impact Grants

California State Library

Up to $75,000

Government

Supports California libraries in responding to local needs and aligning services with community aspirations. Focuses on equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Apply

United for Libraries and Penguin Random House Grants

United for Libraries and Penguin Random House

$500 - $1,000

Private

Supports rural and small libraries in the U.S. Funds can assist Friends of Library groups with priority projects and book purchases.

Apply

Play for All Grants

California State Library

$10,000 - $75,000

Government

Supports California libraries in creating welcoming family play spaces and offering meaningful play-based programs for young children ages zero to eight.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Libraries nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Libraries efforts.

Technology
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Libraries

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

2.9% payment processing fee per order

2.4% + $0.30 per transaction for Visa/MC/Disc; 3.95% + $0.30 for AmEx; 1.3% + $0.30 for ACH

Average processing fee: 0.95% and $.29/transaction
Platform fees
$0
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
3.7% of the ticket price plus $1.79 per sold ticket Variable, depending on ticket price and event location
No platform fees for most plans; 1% applies for 'Optional Tips Disabled' on Starter Plan
Not publicly disclosed
Monthly fees
$0 / month
No monthly fees
$7.50/month to access Eventbrite pro plan with the nonprofit discount
Starting at $0/month ($259/month for higher plans)
Essential: $79/month and Accelerate: $119/month
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
4.1/5
4.5/5
4.5/5
4.3/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.2/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.5/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
3.9/5
4.3/5
4.6/5
4.6/5

The only 100% free
fundraising platform
for nonprofits

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10 Best fundraising ideas for Libraries in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Libraries.

1

Digital Bookshelf Sponsorship

Create a virtual bookshelf where donors can sponsor digital books or entire shelves. Each sponsored item displays the donor's name and a personalized message. Promote this through social media and email campaigns.

2

Literary Escape Room Challenge

Design a series of book-themed escape rooms within the library. Teams pay to participate, solving puzzles based on famous literary works to 'escape' within a time limit. Offer different difficulty levels for various age groups.

3

Personalized Library Card Collection

Create a limited edition series of beautifully designed library cards featuring artwork from local artists or famous book covers. Offer these as collectibles for a premium donation, with different tiers of exclusivity.

4

Corporate 'Library at Work' Program

Partner with local businesses to bring curated mini-libraries and reading spaces to their offices. Companies pay a subscription fee for regularly updated book collections and optional lunch-and-learn sessions with librarians or authors.

5

Community Story Quilt

Invite community members to contribute personal stories or favorite book quotes on fabric squares. Assemble these into a large quilt displayed in the library. Donors can sponsor squares or the entire quilt, with proceeds funding library programs.

6

AI-Powered Book Recommendation Kiosk

Install an interactive kiosk using AI to provide personalized book recommendations based on user preferences. Visitors make a small donation to receive a custom reading list and can opt for a premium subscription for ongoing recommendations.

7

Literary Time Capsule Gala

Host an elegant gala where attendees contribute items representing current literary culture to a time capsule. Auction off the rights to add items and to open the capsule in 25-50 years. Theme the event around a futuristic library concept.

8

Banned Book Subscription Box

Create a monthly subscription box featuring books that have been banned or challenged, along with educational materials about censorship and literary freedom. Partner with publishers for discounted bulk purchases.

9

Library-Business Innovation Hub

Transform a section of the library into a co-working and innovation space. Partner with local businesses to sponsor desks, meeting rooms, and tech equipment. Offer tiered memberships for entrepreneurs and remote workers.

10

Literary Landmark Geocaching Adventure

Create a citywide geocaching adventure based on local literary landmarks or fictional locations from books set in your area. Participants donate to receive clues and can win prizes for completing the trail. Partner with local businesses for prize donations.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are effective digital fundraising strategies for libraries in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">In 2025, effective digital fundraising strategies for libraries include leveraging artificial intelligence for data analysis, hosting hybrid events, and personalizing outreach across generations. Utilize predictive AI to analyze donor data and tailor campaigns. Implement hybrid events that combine in-person and virtual elements to reach a wider audience. Customize your messaging for different age groups, as over 90% of all generations have given in the past year. Promote recurring giving options, which now account for 28% of all online donations. Embrace social media platforms, especially META, where some nonprofits report up to 40% of their total income comes from Facebook fundraisers. Finally, explore direct messaging on platforms like Facebook Messenger, which has over 200 million American users and is proving to be 16 times more effective than email campaigns.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can libraries optimize their websites for fundraising in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">To optimize library websites for fundraising in 2025, focus on search engine optimization (SEO), user experience, and clear calls-to-action. Implement a content strategy that aligns with your fundraising goals, creating landing pages, blog posts, and resource guides that address donor needs. Ensure your website is mobile-responsive, as more donors are using smartphones for online giving. Incorporate digital wallet options like Apple Pay and Google Pay to streamline the donation process - these can increase average donations by up to 160%. Use clear, compelling language to communicate your library's impact and the importance of donations. Implement data analytics tools to track user behavior and optimize conversion rates. Consider adding a chatbot or AI-powered assistant to answer donor questions in real-time. Finally, showcase success stories and testimonials to build trust and encourage giving.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are the top fundraising trends for libraries to watch in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">The top fundraising trends for libraries to watch in 2025 include the rise of artificial intelligence, the growing importance of sustainability efforts, and the shift towards personalized donor experiences. AI is becoming crucial for data analysis and donor segmentation, allowing for more targeted campaigns. Sustainability is a key focus, with donors increasingly supporting eco-friendly initiatives. Personalization is vital, with customized outreach for different generations showing higher engagement rates. Hybrid events that combine in-person and virtual elements are gaining popularity, offering flexibility for donors. Social media platforms, particularly META, are proving to be powerful fundraising tools, with some nonprofits reporting up to 40% of their income from Facebook fundraisers. Direct messaging is emerging as a highly effective communication channel, with 16 times higher engagement rates than traditional email campaigns. Lastly, promoting recurring giving options is crucial, as monthly donations now make up 28% of all online giving.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can libraries leverage social media for fundraising in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">In 2025, libraries can leverage social media for fundraising by focusing on platforms like META (Facebook) and embracing direct messaging strategies. Despite misconceptions, Facebook remains a powerful fundraising tool, with some nonprofits reporting up to 40% of their total income from Facebook fundraisers. Invest in paid social media advertising, as organic reach on Facebook is now less than 2%. Utilize Facebook's fundraising tools and encourage supporters to create peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns. Explore direct messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, which are becoming central to META's strategy and offer more personalized donor engagement. Create compelling visual content, including short-form videos and infographics, to showcase your library's impact. Engage with your audience regularly through polls, Q&A sessions, and live streams. Finally, partner with social media influencers who align with your library's mission to expand your reach and attract new donors.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What grant opportunities are available for libraries in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">In 2025, libraries have access to various grant opportunities, including the LSTA Community Impact Grants offered by the California State Library. These grants support projects that address community needs and align with local aspirations, focusing on equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The grants are available in two categories: Local Competitive Grants for individual library jurisdictions, and Collaborative Competitive Grants for projects implemented by three or more library jurisdictions. Other opportunities include grants for preserving LGBTQ+ history and supporting summer lunch programs. When applying for grants, libraries should focus on innovative projects that demonstrate clear community impact and align with current trends such as digital literacy, sustainability, and inclusive programming. It's crucial to research both state and federal grant opportunities, as well as explore partnerships with local businesses and foundations that support educational initiatives. Remember to start the application process early and ensure your proposal aligns closely with the grant's specific objectives and requirements.</div>