About
The mission of The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation is to partner with donors to enrich lives, foster lifelong learning and engage our diverse community through The Indianapolis Public Library.
Why
We believe The Indianapolis Public Library is the place for community learning. It’s an institution where everyone is welcome.
Tax dollars fund the Library’s primary operations including Library staffing, collection materials, and facility and technology maintenance. However, the majority of the Library’s programs are possible because of support from donors to the Library Foundation. Special attention is paid to make sure programs are accessible and beneficial to those who may have no other place to turn to for learning resources. When we can all learn, we can make our community the best it can be.
Who Benefits
Anyone who wants to learn benefits from the Library Foundation. That’s what is so great about Library programs supported by the Library Foundation. The youngest readers learn early literacy skills, school children are encouraged to practice their reading skills and teens develop vital digital research skills. Adults can continue their learning in myriad ways – technology skills, searching for jobs or exploring the culture of the world around them. In big and small ways, the Library impacts lives.
How
The Library Foundation is 501(c)(3) organization, governed by a 24-member Board of Directors drawn from the community. The Library Foundation provides support for about 80 percent of Library programs annually, thanks to many donors. Our dedicated staff works with individuals, corporations and foundations to connect those wanting to invest in the community with giving opportunities to advance Library programs.
The Foundation’s finances are audited independently every year to ensure your gifts are managed and invested with the highest financial standards. The Foundation also adheres to the Better Business Bureau standard, that at least 65 percent of our annual budget supports programming.
History
The Library Foundation was established in 1969. Click here to read more about our history. Want to know more about the Library’s history? Click here to view the Lawrence J. Downey Library History digital collection, a project made possible thanks to gifts to the Foundation. You can also purchase a copy of the Library history book, Stacks. Contact us for purchase information.
Strategic Plan
In February 2021, the Library Foundation approved a new Strategic Plan to guide its work from 2021-2023. This plan includes the Foundation’s current mission, vision and values, as well as the goals, objectives and tactics the Foundation will use to continue its support of The Library. You can learn more about the Library's 2021-2023 Strategic Plan here.
Annual Report
The Library and Library Foundation issue a joint annual report. Find the most recent annual reports here:
2023 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
2020 Annual Report
2019 Annual Report
Form 990 & Audited Financials
The Form 990 is an United States Internal Revenue Service form that provides the public with financial information about a nonprofit organization. View the Library Foundation's 2023 990 form here. You can also view our 2023 and 2022 audited financials here.
Donor Privacy Policy
The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation employs the utmost care and attention to the protection of donor information, in accordance with the Association of Fundraising Professionals' Donor Bill of Rights. You can read the Library Foundation's full policy here.