Support the Library

New Canaan Library is a public-private partnership that depends greatly upon the generosity of donors to deliver the exceptional services and collections that make it the intellectual and cultural center of our town.

The Town of New Canaan is our largest supporter, providing approximately 75% of our operating budget each year. The remaining 25% and all of our building and grounds expenses come as a result of Development efforts and fundraising activities.

Throughout the year, we host a variety of community events and social activities to raise funds to support the Library. Each fall, we launch a major Annual Campaign through the mail, requesting donations from community and Library members.

Ways to Give

Annual Fund

The Library receives approximately 70% of its funding from the Town of New Canaan. This creates an annual challenge for the Library. The New Canaan Library’s municipal support covers the cost of our building and our friendly and courteous staff, but the Library that New Canaan loves would not be possible without the support of our members. Every gift, big or small, is vital to our continued success. Your tax-deductible donation helps us purchase books, provide children, teen and adult programs, author visits, tech classes and so much more. New Canaan Library is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. If you are interested in making a contribution to our Annual Fund, please visit us here or contact Pam Szen via email ([email protected]) or phone at 203-594-5080.

Stock Gifts

New Canaan Library is pleased to accept stock gifts. By gifting stock you avoid capital gains taxes. The donor may also receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock at the time of the gift. To ensure proper transfer of a stock gift, please contact Pam Szen via email or phone at 203-594-5080. You can review instructions for charitable gifts of stocks here.

Matching Gifts

Many organizations offer their employees the opportunity to add to their philanthropic donations. Please consider reaching out to your organization’s Human Resources Department to inquire about your company’s matching gift program and double your donation.

Patron Society

The Patron Society recognizes those individuals that have made a commitment of annual support to the Library at the level of $1,000 or more. Patron Society members enjoy special benefits including reserved seating at lectures, and invitations to special events.

Endowment

The primary purpose of the Endowment Fund is to provide periodic contributions to the Operating Account or Capital Account of the Library for maintenance, improvements, capital projects and comparable expenditures related to the Library’s building and grounds. The secondary purpose of the Endowment Fund is to provide a financial reserve for any serious emergency use. If you would like to make a contribution specifically to the Endowment Fund, please contact Pam Szen, Development Associate, via email or by phone at 203-594-5080.

Planned Giving

Planned giving opportunities allows donors to make a significant or long-term commitment to the New Canaan Library while also considering your individual long term planning goals. There are several ways you can plan your gift to the Library. With all planned gifts you should work with your attorney or adviser to understand all of your options and the process for each. Ways to give a planned gift include, but are not limited to, a planned estate gift in your will, bequests, naming the Library as a beneficiary on your insurance policy or retirement plan, and/or establish a charitable trust benefiting the Library. When working with your attorney or adviser they will need the following information:

The legal entity that accepts gifts for the Library is The New Canaan Library, Inc.
New Canaan Library is a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization by the Internal Revenue Service
Our tax identification number is 06-0646764

Be a Partner

Corporate Sponsors

We could not put on the caliber of special fundraising events without the support of our corporate and community sponsors. By becoming a corporate sponsor your organization will be recognized in targeted mailings, receive local print media coverage, social media coverage and much more. If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor for any of our upcoming events, please contact Brooke Moore via email or call 203-594-5006.

Gifts In-Kind

At New Canaan Library we recognize that not all individuals or organizations are in a position to contribute monetary gift. The Library is happy to receive donations of goods for our special fundraising events. These gifts are considered gifts in-kind and can include such things as auction items, raffle items, food donations, liquor donations, flowers, furniture and many more. If you are interested in donating a gift-in-kind, please contact the Development Office.

Fundraising Events

Special Events

Throughout the year, New Canaan Library hosts Fundraising Special Events. Our largest event is our Literary Luncheon which takes place annually in November. In addition we have Spring Edition. These events are well regarded and attended by the community. The special events are a wonderful way to support and get involved with the Library. There are several ways you can contribute: Donations of goods (gifts-in-kind), become an event benefactor, volunteer or sponsor. Please check our Library calendar to see what is currently being planned. If you have any questions about a special event or would like to get involved, please contact Brooke Moore via email or phone at 203-594-5006.