Giving Matters

Giving Matters, any size at any time! 

Donating to the Grand Island Public Library Foundation (GIPLF) is more than a financial contribution; it’s a commitment to lifelong learning, community connection, and local stewardship. Whether you can give $5 or $5,000, your generosity supports educational and library improvements which enrich every corner of our community. 

Why donate? Because many of the library’s programs and activities are beyond the city’s budget. GIPLF has provided program support to the library since 1961. 

Here’s a practical look at the impact of donations of all sizes.

Small gifts add up

Our library programs rely on donor funds. A steady stream of small gifts can sustain story times, summer reading programs, author events, and makerspace activities for all ages. Donations help ensure free access to resources for everyone, including low-income families, students, job seekers, and seniors.

Moderate gifts create lasting impact

Larger gifts can fund after-school and out of school activities, literacy initiatives, adult education, and technology and makerspace access. 

Mid-range gifts

Support upgrades to study rooms, seating, and safety systems, improving the overall library experience. These gifts also help the library participate in community outreach events. 

Generous gifts transform

Endowments and significant contributions can establish funds that provide ongoing support for educational initiatives, staff training and/or key programs.

Capital projects

Large gifts can support renovations, or major technology initiatives or updates that benefit the entire community. 

Here are some key steps to help you reach your giving goal: 

Set a yearly donation goal.  Decide on a target that aligns with your finances and values. This might be a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of your income.

Choose a gift cadence.  Annual lump-sum: Easy to plan around tax time or a personal anniversary.

Monthly gifts: Breaks the total into manageable portions and creates a predictable flow of   support.

Quarterly gifts: A midpoint that combines consistency with flexibility.

Assess your fixed vs. discretionary spending. Identify non-essential expenses you can reduce (e.g., streaming services, coffees, dining out, subscriptions) and redirect those funds to your library gift.

Automate your giving.

Set up automatic transfers to the GIPL Foundation. Automations simplify giving and help keep consistency.

Integrate gifts with charitable planning.

 If you itemize deductions, consider timing gifts to maximize tax benefits in a given year.

 Explore matching gifts through your employer, which can effectively double your contribution.

 If you’re thoughtful about long-term impact, consider a planned gift or an endowment if          appropriate.

Track and review annually.

Review your budget every 12 months to see what you can increase, keep, or adjust.

Celebrate milestones (anniversaries of your donation, reaching a fundraising goal, etc.) to stay motivated.

Communicate your preferences.

Tell GIPLF how you’d like your gift used (annual fund, a specific program, or an endowment). This helps the foundation steward your generosity in line with your intentions.

Ways to donate

Online: https://giplf.org/donate/

By mail: Checks payable to GIPL Foundation P.O. Box 1364 Grand Island, NE  68802

In person: Visit the library’s front desk and ask for assistance 

Employer matching: Check with your HR department about matching gifts.

Your investments: Check with your advisor to see about designating a percent of your Qualified Distribution if you have reached that time in your life. 

Every donation, big or small, tangibly supports a more knowledgeable, connected, and resilient community. By budgeting thoughtfully and choosing a giving cadence that fits your life, you ensure that the Grand Island Public Library remains a vibrant hub for learning, exploration, and opportunity for generations to come.

The foundation can help you figure out what options work best for your budget if you need assistance. We are here to help (308) 385-5333 ext. 3112. leigh.giplfoundation@gmail.com