Mission
The mission of the Burlington County Library System (Library) is to enrich lives by providing opportunities for learning, growth and personal development.
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to those who wish to support the Library through a donation. It describes the scope of donations received, whether monetary or materials, and defines the roles and responsibilities for accepting, using and/or disposing of donations made to the Library.
Principles
- The Library welcomes donations and values expressions of monetary and non-monetary support to help further the organizational mission.
- Donations enhance the library's community offerings and expand upon public tax support but do not replace such support.
Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, a donation includes any monetary or non-monetary contribution of a thing of value to the Library. Donations include, but are not limited to: funds, in-kind items and materials.
A donor is any individual, foundation, association, Friends of the Library group, organization, corporation, or estate contributing to the Library. A donor is not a contracted entity, volunteer, or government.
Scope and Disposition of Donations Received
Donations may be given directly to:
- The Library
- The Burlington County Library System Foundation to support system-wide efforts or to support an endowment for long-term sustainability.
- A branch-based Friends of the Library group or Association to support that branch.
- Any donation that is restricted to specific uses must be discussed with the Library Director to ensure the Library can commit to the restriction(s).
Donations to the Library Fundraising Groups
The Library is grateful for the numerous groups of volunteers who raise funds exclusively for library programs and initiatives. Donations to such groups, the BCLS Foundation, branch-based Friends of the Library and Associations are tax-deductible* and may be governed by each organization’s acceptance and use policy. When such groups accept donations on behalf of the Library, they must consult with the Library Director to ensure the Library can effectually commit to it. If the Library cannot commit to the amount, due to the time, resources needed to manage the donation or because such donation may not align with the Library’s mission, such donation shall not be accepted.
Governance
The Burlington County Library Commission (Commission) shall have sole authority to accept donations on behalf of the Library via Resolution at its public meeting.
The Library:
- Reserves the right to accept or refuse gifts. The decision to accept a donation is made by the Library Director who shall consult the Library Commission for major gifts.
- Accepts gifts with the understanding that no restrictions will be applied to the gift, except such restrictions jointly agreed upon and which gift becomes the property of the Library.
- May retain, determine placement or use or dispose of any gift without notification to the donor unless a written understanding has been memorialized.
- Will provide a note of acknowledgement of a gift.
- Will not provide valuations of non-monetary gifts for tax deduction or other purposes.
- Will recognize donors via Resolution at a regular meeting of the Commission. The Commission retains the right to determine when the use of a gift plate or additional recognition is feasible and appropriate.
The Library is grateful for every donation, large or small. The extraordinary support and generosity of members of the community is more than just monetary, it is an expression of shared value and a commitment to the mission of the Library.
*We recommend you verify the nonprofit status of any organization you donate to.