FREMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Friends Foundation Fundraising

About FPLD

Mission: The mission of the Fremont Public Library District is to provide and promote open access to reading materials and other cultural and educational resources that will enrich all segments of the community.

Service Area: Encompasses parts of Mundelein, Grayslake, Hawthorn Woods, Libertyville, Round Lake, Round Lake Park, and Wauconda, serving about 37,500 total residents.

Fundraising Efforts

Friends Group: Primarily book sales Foundation: Primarily annual gala, but

looking to expand Grant writing: Minimal, done by staff

Community Assessment

Large increases in Hispanic (25%) and Asian (33%) populations over the past decade.

Community getting older, with a 37% increase in population over the age of 65.

About 15% of the population does not hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

Mundelein’s current unemployment is above the state average, at about 9.5%

Community Needs

English language assistance Employment assistance GED and remedial education Citizenship preparation Teen and after-school programs Senior citizen services Technology Access

Current Services and Unmet NeedsCurrent Services Addressing Needs ESL classes Computer and technology help classes Drop-in math tutoring Senior citizen book club Computer access (outdated)Unmet Needs Teen zone in library Expert-led computer, job hunting, and citizenship classes Class for senior citizens on technology, social services and

finances Tech center with new computers and technology assistance iPads and e-readers available for checkout

Priorities and Goals

Renovate space to create teen center Upgrade technology Purchase iPads and e-readers for

checkout Offer more classes and activities for

seniors and soon-to-retire Offer classes and resources for new

immigrants

Elevator Speech

Hello, I’m Dan Armstrong. I work with Fremont Public Library here in Mundelein, and I want to tell you about our vision to become a place for Mundelein’s teens. You know that to succeed in today’s society, you have to be educated and know how to use technology. Mundelein needs to educate its young people now to remain a competitive business location in the future. At the library, we’re looking to renovate our teen zone and outfit it with the latest technology—iPads, computers, and digital media equipment. As you may know, we’re located just two blocks down Midlothian from the high school, and we’re the ideal place for teens to come after school and continue learning. We’re looking for $40,000 in private donations to get us there, and I hope you’ll consider supporting us to help our teens today become the technology leaders of tomorrow.

Fundraising Plan

The library currently conducts limited fundraising activities. Fundraising should be expanded, and grant opportunities should be pursued.

Target Corp Early Literacy Grant ($2,000): Would cover cost of e-readers

Illinois State Library Live and Learn Grant (Up to $125,000): To cover most or all of remodeling costs to create Teen Zone

Host donor event to raise funds supplementing budget for new computers (aim to raise $4,000-5,000)

Pursue corporate and private donations to support senior and teen programming and services

Potential Donors - Individuals Mills Family, proprietors of Medline, Inc. VP and GM, Specialty Performance at Amcor Flexibles,

Mundelein President and CEO of MacLean-Fogg, Mundelein CFO, MacLean-Fogg President, MacLean-Fogg Component Solutions Village Manager, Grayslake Partner, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sr. Vice President, Manager Midcontinent Division at Weston

Solutions, Inc. VP, Northwestern-Lake Forest Hospital, Grayslake President, College of Lake County Partner, Ancel-Gilnk Attorneys 

Potential Donors – Small BusinessesSmall Businesses Rock Chevrolet, a new dealership in the area that is

actively looking to promote itself—potential donor of a vehicle to be used for outreach to linguistically or physically isolated families

RE/MAX Showcase, Brokerage with a lot of business in Mundelein

The Family Law Office of Bernardo Isacovici—Mundelein-based firm dealing with immigration issues

Bulldog's Grill, Grayslake (food) The Vine, Grayslake (food & wine)

Foundations and Grants

Corporate Foundations Medline Makes a Difference Day: Volunteers to help with demolition and

teach senior classes Target Corp Early Literacy Grant ($2,000): To purchase of e-readers Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grants ($4,000) for Teen Zone

literacy technology  Other Grants Margaret Alexander Edwards Trust (up to $5,000 for literacy

programming) ALSC’s Everyone Reads @ your library grant ($2,000 for Día Family Book

Club programs) ALSC/Candlewick Press “Light the Way” Grant ($3,000 for outreach to

underserved populations) Government Grants Illinois State Library Live and Learn Grant (Up to $125,000): To cover

most or all of remodeling costs

Fundraising Strategy #1

Pursue corporate sponsor for programming series for senior citizens Medline is a $5+ billion medical supply company,

with a lot of business in senior products Headquartered in Mundelein; town’s top

employer Would be good community relations for them Series could include experts on financial

planning, estates, health, fitness, social well-being, etc.

Family proprietors live in Mundelein

Fundraising Strategy #2

Special event(s) Foundation Special Event: Libations in the Library Local wine bars/vendors do wine/food tasting Use relationships to secure free speaker (Chicago

Tribune food & wine writer) and live jazz music Wine-themed raffle prizes as well Expected costs: $1,010-$1,500 Expected revenue: $3,375-$5,000 Net proceeds: $2,375-$5,990

Fundraising Strategy #3

Pursue grant funding Target Corp Early Literacy Grant

($2,000): To purchase of e-readers Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Grants ($4,000) for Teen Zone literacy technology  

Illinois State Library Live and Learn Grant (Aiming for $40,000; Grant is up to $125,000): To cover most or all of remodeling costs for Teen Zone

Fundraising Strategy #4

Individual donor campaign Seek to raise $25,000 for technology, space,

programming upgrades Special donor-only events

Example: Donor Hall of Fame Reception “A Thank You for Stepping Up to the Plate”

Summer ballpark-style barbeque and small-scale reception with author of Wrigley Field: 100 Stories for 100 Years tied in with baseball HOF weekend

Greg Maddux and Frank Thomas are likely inductees Expected cost: $2,042.50

Direct mail (postcard), email, newsletter appeals

Fundraising Strategy #4 (cont’d)

Fundraising Strategy #4 (cont’d)

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