The Library Foundation’s mission is to foster excellence in the Wilsonville Public Library by promoting community engagement. Private donations enable the Library to expand its impact through innovative services and enhanced programming not funded by public dollars.
Contributions to the Foundation directly fund the resources and programs to increase the Library’s level of excellence in its services and special programs.
The Foundation is governed by an all volunteer Board of Directors consisting of up to twenty-one Directors, who are elected by the Board to three-year terms. Non-voting Associate Members of the Board serve one-year terms.
The Foundation was created in 1998 by community members dedicated to improving the Library through increased private support. The Foundation raised about $250,000 to commission and purchase art and furniture for the Library expansion in 2002. Today we fund programs and services that extend publicly funded library services.
What is the difference between the Foundation and the Friends? The Foundation and the Wilsonville Friends of the Library work as partners in support of the Library. The Friends emphasize volunteerism and involvement in Library programs and activities, while the Foundation’s emphasis is on private giving and long-term financial support for the Library’s development. Both groups foster interest in the Library and help to fund enhancements to the Library’s facilities, collections, services and programs.
The Foundation is a separate legal entity with (501(c)(3) tax status, Tax ID# 93-1259098. It offers donors a familiar and reliable way to make tax-exempt gifts to the library. The Foundation’s tax status also has the advantage of making it eligible for certain grants for which public libraries may not directly qualify.