Foundation Board Recruitment Guide
A Case for Support for our Libraries Kitsap Regional Library: The Cornerstone of a Thriving Community Fostering Community & Social Connections Libraries provide a neutral, central gathering place that transcends social, economic, and cultural boundaries— where people from diverse backgrounds come together. By offering a welcoming environment that encourages meaningful interactions, and shared experiences, libraries build connections and combat isolation. We create inclusive environments where everyone can actively participate, contribute and thrive. Creating a Safe Space for Shelter & Support Beyond information hubs, libraries serve as havens, offering shelter and support during crises and serving as safe spaces for education and refuge for children and teenagers. In Kitsap County, Kitsap Regional Library acts as a critical starting point, offering essential resources and assistance in navigating housing, medical support, and job opportunities. Committed to community collaboration, the library actively forms dynamic partnerships to address challenges, foster connections, and deepen collective impact.
Connecting to the World Libraries serve as gateways to a global community with access to technology, learning resources, media, and diverse programs. Serving as centers for digital literacy, internet access, and places to learn vital skills to navigate the digital world, this connectivity fuels discovery. By bridging the digital divide, we ensure access to essential technology for work, education, and staying connected with family and friends.
Our libraries are vibrant community hubs that continue to evolve to meet the diverse needs of their patrons. Charitable support serves as the catalyst that advances the Library’s mission, ensuring that they remain accessible, enriching, and indispensable cornerstones of thriving communities. The combination of public funding, private donations, community partnerships, and the social connections they create is essential for sustaining our Library’s significance and enduring impact.
Philanthropy Strengthens Our Library’s Financial Resilience Structured as a junior taxing district, property tax revenue supports the collection, services, and dedicated staff that shape Kitsap Regional Library and underpins the Library’s role as a trusted, publicly accountable institution. With 94% of the total operations budget covered by tax funding and a limit of 1% increase over the prior year, tax funding falls short of sustaining the our Library’s current level of service. Given the unpredictability of public funding, private contributions, large and small, are vital. They enhance Library resources, services, and programs and provide the capital needed to support innovative new library buildings. Private philanthropy plays a critical role in ensuring that our libraries can thrive and meet the evolving needs of their communities by:
Leveraging Public Funding Philanthropic contributions complement public funding, allowing libraries to embark on ambitious projects and implement innovative programs that would not be possible with public funding alone. This public/private partnership keeps our Library dynamic and responsive to changing community needs.
Enhancing Access to Programming & Resources Charitable contributions empower our Library to go beyond the basics, acquire cutting-edge technology, expand collections, sustain programs and services and build and improve facilities. This supports continuous learning and creativity and provides patrons with additional services and resources to improve their lives.
Fostering Community & Social Connections Beyond money, fundraising builds social bonds. Engaging individuals, businesses, and organizations creates civic pride and connections and enhances the Library’s impact, helping communities thrive.
About the Foundation Our Mission & Values The Kitsap Regional Library Foundation proudly supports our community by facilitating charitable gifts, we advance our Library’s mission and vision of a collaborative community inspired by curiosity and connection, so that all people have the opportunity to grow, belong, and thrive. The Foundation achieves its purpose by:
Inspiring charitable giving to Kitsap Regional Library
Effectively stewarding the assets entrusted by donors for the benefit of the community
Fostering lasting relationships developed by Kitsap Regional Library through exceptional service
Amplifying Kitsap Regional Library’s impact through widespread community engagement
Making a Difference
Technology
Since our inception in 1993, more than $8 million has been given to support the Library’s technology, collections, programs, major capital building projects, and branch needs. Funds raised through the Foundation supplement and strengthen the public’s investment in Kitsap Regional Library.
Collections Programming Capital projects Branch needs
Building a Better Future Large capital projects are only realized through philanthropy:
A New Library in Kingston
A New Library in Silverdale
Coming Soon: A New Library for Port Orchard
“Through the generous support of our community, the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation plays a vital role in amplifying the impact of Kitsap Regional Library, fostering lasting connections, and inspiring curiosity that transforms lives.” Jason Driver, Library Director, Kitsap Regional Library
2023 Financial Information Support for the Library Services, Programs & Branches
With your support, the Foundation gave over $262,602 to Kitsap Regional Library, providing the necessary funding for essential services, programs and projects.
$80,763
Branch, Program & Collection Support
$81,433
Summer Learning
$79,722
Unrestricted Support to Kitsap Regional Library
$6,977
Staff Training & Recognition
$222
STEM & Community Internship Program
$13,485
To the Library
We collectively inspire future generations by nurturing a spirit of giving.
Sources of Support
Last year, 639 donors contributed over $421,771 to the Library and 191 individuals made their first gift!
15% $65,124 Grants
83% $351,647
Community Supporters
1% $5,000
Planned/Estate Gifts
We Want You! Join the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation Board of Directors As we continue to advance the mission and vision of the Kitsap Regional Library, we are actively seeking individuals with diverse skills and talents to contribute to our cause, and we believe that your expertise would be a valuable addition to our team. Embarking on a journey of impact and inspiration as a valued member of the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation Board of Directors is designed to be manageable yet impactful, requiring: Attendance at six meetings a year held in the odd months, typically over Zoom at 5:00 PM. This flexibility allows for active participation while accommodating busy schedules. Make an annual gift based on your personal capacity and finances. This commitment ensures the sustainability of our initiatives and showcases a shared dedication to the Kitsap Regional Library’s success. Be an ambassador for the Kitsap Regional Library, fostering lasting relationships within the community. Your role goes beyond governance, extending to advocacy that amplifies the library’s impact. Joining the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation Board of Directors is an opportunity to be part of something greater, ensuring that all people have the opportunity to grow, belong, and thrive.
Let’s talk! I’m eager to discuss this exciting opportunity further and address any questions you may have. Your dedication to community impact is genuinely appreciated.
Apply today!
supportKRL.org/boardapplication
Board Membership Introduction As a Kitsap Regional Library Foundation Board member, you agree to become a fiduciary for the organization. This is a set of duties defined by law (the duty of obedience, the duty of care, and the duty of loyalty), which means that you have assumed accountability and responsibility to both the oversight of Foundation assets and the advancement of its mission. Although all board members of the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation are covered by liability insurance, for your own peace of mind, and to protect yourself as well as Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, you should stay abreast of your legal responsibilities and exposure to liability. As a collective body, the Board’s role is to ensure that an organization functions within the framework of and in furtherance of its mission, that its resources are adequate and appropriately protected, and that there is sufficient oversight. The Board is also always accountable to the public trust. As an individual board member, you should be committed to carry out any tasks that are assigned you, come to meetings regularly and prepared, make independent and unbiased decisions, and disclose conflicts of interest.
“As trustees, we believe in the transformative power of board service. It’s not just a commitment; it’s a shared journey of building community connections and enriching experiences. Together, we elevate our Foundation and Library, inspiring curiosity and connection. Join us in the joy of creating a lasting impact for the community we proudly serve.” Stephanie George, Kitsap Regional Library Trustee
Ways to Give
Gifts of any size make a difference and we are truly grateful for your support, thank you for choosing the Library! Give today at supportKRL.org/ways-to-give.
Join a Giving Circle and be recognized for your support.
Become a Library Champion through monthly giving.
Make a gift of stock or other appreciated assets.
Be visionary. Be generous. Give to the endowment fund.
Join the Legacy Society with a legacy gift.
Encourage your business to be a community sponsor.
1301 Sylvan Way Bremerton, WA 98310
(360) 860 - 5100 supportKRL.org