Ways to Give

The Library Foundation's role is that of a catalyst, matching the special interests of potential donors with specific Library needs. The funds and management of the Library Foundation exist separate and apart from the City of Wichita and its appointees. The Foundation is committed to building a greater library, but it will not use funds it raises to meet library needs that are traditionally the responsibility of the City of Wichita (i.e. personnel & operations). Rather, Foundation resources will be devoted exclusively to developing and augmenting Library resources which are not otherwise provided for.

A gift to the Wichita Public Library Foundation is an enduring gift which creates a margin of excellence in the Library system for all the citizens of our community. Many gifts offer significant tax benefits to the donor, and can be made through one or more of the following programs:

• Bequests
  You may choose to name the Library Foundation as a beneficiary in your will. Your bequest may take the form of cash, securities, real estate or other assets.

• Endowments
  Individual endowments (permanent funds for support) can be established for an appropriate purpose requested by the donor ($5,000 minimum donation) or directed to the general endowment fund which supports all divisions of the library system.

• Planned or Deferred Gifts
  This type of contribution is planned during the donor's lifetime with the resulting benefit to the Library Foundation deferred until a future date. The donor can benefit from lowered estate taxes in some instances with this plan.

• Gifts of Insurance
  Life insurance may be a current or deferred gift. A paid-up life insurance policy can be transferred to the Foundation with the Wichita Public Library named as irrevocable owner of the policy.

• Trusts
  Charitable lead trusts or charitable remainder trusts are excellent vehicles for significant giving and can offer major tax benefits to donors. Please secure professional advice prior to making any commitments to insure the best possible result for your generosity, or contact the Foundation Office for referral to our legal counsel.

• Unrestricted Gifts
  If you choose to make an unrestricted gift to the Library Foundation, the funds would be utilized by the Director of Libraries for either immediate or long range Library needs in accordance with the Foundation's mission statement.

• Memorial Gifts
  Memorial book funds may be set up in two ways. For a one time purchase of books or materials following the death of a friend or loved one, funds may be sent to the Wichita Public Library, care of Kristine Schoemaker. A memorial fund may be set up in the Library Foundation endowment ($5,000 minimum donation). Interest will be disbursed annually from this fund to purchase books as directed by the donor, and all materials will carry a personalized bookplate.

To make a gift to the Wichita Public Library Foundation, please contact:

Wichita Public Library Foundation
223 S. Main
Wichita, KS 67202-3715
Phone: (316) 261-8523
Fax: (316) 262-4540
Email: foundation@wichita.lib.ks.us

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