Ways to Give
The role of the Wellesley Free Library Foundation is to build upon the taxpayer base, bridging the gap between our community’s aspirations for the Library and available municipal funds. This past fiscal year, the Wellesley Free Library received 1.6% of the Town of Wellesley’s annual budget to fund basic services. The Library’s portion of the town budget and state aid only covers 80-85% of the Library’s total expenses.
Annual Fund
The Wellesley Free Library Foundation Annual Fund is the yearly effort (July 1 — June 30) to help raise the private funds necessary to cover the cost of library enhancements and programs that are not covered in the town tax budget. Currently the operation costs of the Fells Branch Library is completely privately funded. Click here for more funding priorities.
Gifts to the Annual Fund are an indication of our residents pride in our exceptional Library and each gift, no matter its size, has enormous impact on our library. Gifts designated as unrestricted are applied towards areas of greatest need within the Library. Gifts may also be directed to the Centennial Fund supporting collections, endowment or to the Branch Libraries.
To support the Library Foundation’s Annual Fund, use our online donation form or make your contribution payable to the Wellesley Free Library Foundation.
Matching Gifts
Many employers will match employee gifts to the Wellesley Free Library Foundation. By submitting a matching gift form along with your own gift, you may double your impact!
Stock Gifts
Gifts of publicly traded securities and insurance are also welcome. To donate securities, please contact our Development Office at 781-235-1610 ext. 1127 or click here to e-mail.
Bequests and Other Planned Gifts
Including the Wellesley Free Library Foundation in your estate planning is a meaningful way to make a lasting contribution to the Library while taking advantage of federal and state tax laws. At the heart of planned giving is the ordinary will. Leaving a bequest is like planting a tree today so that others can enjoy its shade tomorrow. Donors who leave a bequest in their will become welcomed members of the The H. H. Hunnewell Society.
Corporate Support
The Wellesley Free Library Foundation seeks long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between the business community and the Library. These unrestricted, current-use funds will provide critical monies necessary to bridge the gap between our community’s aspirations for the Library and available Town resources.
Memorial or Tribute Gifts
A Memorial Gift to the Library is a meaningful and lasting way to remember a loved one. A Tribute Gift is a thoughtful way to celebrate a birthday, honor a graduate or commemorate an anniversary. Gift made in memory or tribute will be recognized in our Annual Report.