Donate to the Harrison Connor Strader Wood Endowment
Posted on October 23, 2024
Harrison Connor Strader Wood loved stories, loved books, and loved the library. He played, made friends, and explored the Glendale Branch with his Mommy every week. In 2023, Harrison’s friends and family raised a gift that established Harrison’s Orbit in the new Glendale Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library—a tribute to Harrison that helped create a fun space where children can learn, grow and feel safe.
Now, in celebration of his life, we invite you to honor Harrison with a gift to permanently establish the Harrison Connor Strader Wood Endowment. This permanent, living fund will ensure Harrison’s legacy within the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation and provide unrestricted funding for the library system to continue their mission and vision.
To seed the endowment, we need to reach a goal of $15,000 by November 2029. Then, each year, the Foundation will recommend a use of the Endowment funds based on the Library’s biggest needs and our priorities as Harrison’s family.
To learn more about Harrison, visit Harrison’s Orbit in the children’s section of the Glendale Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library. Read about the opening of Harrison’s Orbit here. Direct questions about the endowment to Katy Strader or Theresa Browning, the Library Foundation’s senior development officer (317-275-4700).
How will the Library Foundation use my gift for the Harrison Connor Strader Wood Endowment?
We will place your gift in a permanent endowment that will build over time through contributions and interest earned. The endowment’s earnings will fund programming in honor of Harrison in perpetuity. Please note we may use up to 15% of the earnings to support fundraising and gift stewardship costs. However, the principal will never be touched. Endowments like this inform future leadership of not only the importance the Library plays in people’s lives but also what Harrison loved. The Library Foundation is proud to be able to assist Katy, Cy and Auggie with this honor of Harrison.
How do I make a gift online?
Click the Give button in the upper right corner and follow the instructions to make your gift. You must select the Harrison Connor Strader Wood Endowment from the dropdown menu on the giving page.
Can I donate stock?
Yes, you may. Visit this link for directions on stock transfers to the Library Foundation to honor Harrison and build the endowment. Feel free to contact the Library Foundation staff with any questions about a stock transfer or pass our contact information to your broker.
May I donate from my donor-advised fund (DAF)?
Yes. Use the Foundation’s complete legal name (The Indianapolis- Marion County Public Library Foundation) and mailing address (P.O. Box 6134, Indianapolis, IN 46206-6134) in your DAF fund account. The Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity, so it qualifies as an eligible entity. Please call the Foundation if you have any questions as you are completing your donation form.
May I use my IRA?
Yes. In fact, you can make your donation directly from your IRA to the Library Foundation. Talk to your plan administrator about a qualified charitable distribution that does not require you to draw the fund directly as income but instead allows you to send the funds directly to the Foundation. This option is open to people who are 70 1/2 years old or older. Making the donation as a qualified charitable distribution often has tax advantages for you.
Employer Matching Gifts
If your employer matches your charitable gift, you may use your receipt to show them you have made a donation. If you employer requires the Library Foundation to complete paperwork, we are happy to do so.
Recurring Gifts
You may also make recurring gifts on our donation page and automate them for a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual donation.
If you wish to send a personal check or another gift by mail, please address it to Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, P.O. Box 6134, Indianapolis, IN 46206-6134.