Newsletter -- From the Ground Up
Winter 2010 • Summer 2009 • Winter 2009 • Summer 2008
News
First annual Cornerstone Award event raises $17,824
March 2010
The SCLS Foundation’s first annual Cornerstone Award was presented Nov. 11, 2009, to Peter and Ann Hamon for their lifetime of service to public libraries. The event also raised $17,824 for the SCLS Foundation.
The Cornerstone Award is given to an individual or individuals who have had a significant and long-term impact on enhancing public libraries in South Central Wisconsin and represent the values and mission of the SCLS Foundation.
“This was a most wonderful evening,” said SCLS Foundation Board President Linda Davis-Brown. “Not only were we able to recognize Peter and Ann for their contributions to public libraries, we raised nearly $18,000 for the SCLS Foundation.”
The award reception was held at Promega Corporation’s BioPharmaceutical Technology Center in Fitchburg. Refreshments for the evening were graciously provided by Cedar Grove Cheese, Plain, WI, and Capital Brewery, Madison.
Photos from the Cornerstone Award presentation can be viewed at http://picasaweb.google.com/sclsphotos.
Why do libraries invest with SCLS Foundation?
March 2010
Finding additional sources of revenue is a common challenge among public libraries, and maximizing the benefit once those funds are obtained is another.
Fortunately for public libraries, the SCLS Foundation can provide assistance with both issues.
Because the SCLS Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SCLS member public libraries don’t need to file for that status.
Instead, residents can make tax-deductible contributions to your library and you don’t need to bother with filing for 501(c)(3) status.
Another benefit is that the investment experts at M&I Wealth Management will help ensure that your contributions work for you. You don’t have to become an investment expert, or spend the time hiring someone to do it for you.
Finally, even though your donations are held by the SCLS Foundation, the money invested in your name belongs to your library. Aside from the M&I Investment management fee, and the SCLS administrative fee (which was reduced in January from 2 percent to 1 percent), your library can get the money out any time you choose.
“We know that finding additional funding outside of local tax support is critical for the vitality of public libraries,” said Linda Davis-Brown, SCLS Foundation president. “That’s why we believe membership in the SCLS Foundation is such an attractive alternative for our member libraries.”
Because SCLS has already done the organizational work for libraries, joining is an easy proposition. A special segregated fund is created for each member library, and all donations in your name are placed into that fund.
“Regardless if whether you have a few hundred dollars to invest, a few thousand, or hundreds of thousands, the SCLS Foundation is a good fit for your public library,” Davis-Brown said.
You can learn more about the SCLS Foundation, how it operates, what we can do for your library by visiting www.sclsfoundation.org. You can also call (608) 246-7975.