Love for
Lincoln Libraries.
“Public libraries are the heart and soul of any community. They are a place to read and think and browse and dream.”
Write Your Story of Impact.
When you give to the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries, you’re investing in something bigger than our libraries. You’re creating safe spaces, expanding access, fueling creativity, and supporting literacy.
Every dollar you give helps us write a better story—for the next child discovering their favorite book, for the teen building a future in the makerspace, for the neighbor finding connection over coffee
Visits across all libraries
Total materials available
Physical items in circulation
Youth program participation
Ways to Give.
Explore diverse ways to support the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries and leave a lasting legacy.
Planned Giving Options
Leave a lasting legacy for Lincoln’s libraries by choosing a planned giving option that fits your goals:
Wills or Living Trusts
Name the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries as a beneficiary and ensure your love of learning lives on.
Charitable Gift Annuities
Receive guaranteed lifetime payments in return for your gift, with the remainder strengthening the Foundation’s mission.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
Contribute assets to a trust, enjoy steady income for life or a set period, and direct the remainder to the Foundation.
Charitable Lead Trusts
Provide income to the Foundation for a set number of years, then pass the remaining assets back to you or your heirs.
IRA Beneficiary Designations
Simply list the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries as a beneficiary of your IRA to make a meaningful impact.
Memorial Gifts
Celebrate the life of someone special while supporting library services in Lincoln. Memorial gifts, such as those honoring the legacy of the Eiseley Endowment Fund, keep their memory alive while strengthening community resources.
Existing
Community Funds
Support the areas of the library you care about most through designated funds:
Heritage Room Endowment Fund
Help preserve and share Lincoln’s literary and historical treasures.
Eiseley Endowment Fund
Created as a memorial gift, this fund supports services provided by Eiseley branch staff.
Polley Music Library Fund
Supports music programs, as well as the purchase of instruments.
Bookmobile Fund
Part of a capital improvement project, these funds help create mobile libraries to extend access beyond our libraries.
Create your own
You can create your own fund or endowment with a gift of $10,000 or more.
Your Gift Supports
- A brand-new Central Library—modern, welcoming, and built for everyone
- Literacy programs, mental health resources, and youth support services
- Tech access and workforce development tools
- Events, art partnerships, spaces to gather, and more
The Reference Section.
Our FAQ has quick answers to your questions.
For memorials and honorariums, at all levels, we recognize both the donor’s name and the honorarium’s name, and no donation amounts are printed.
Endowment funds are managed by trusted financial services in Lincoln within the guidelines set by the finance committee and passed by the Board of Trustees. Our trusted partner has always been responsive to questions, and they can provide updates throughout the year upon request.
Before selling any assets to fund a donation, please consult your professional advisors. Selling assets might create tax liabilities that reduce the amount available for giving. In many cases, donating the asset directly to the Foundation can be more tax-efficient. Contact our office to discuss transferring stock or other assets.
We’re happy to help you focus your gift on the priority needs of the Libraries. While we provide guidance, we recommend consulting with your professional advisors for estate planning. We are also available to work alongside your advisors to ensure your charitable goals are met.
We welcome gifts of all kinds, including publicly traded stocks, closely held stock, bonds, IRAs, and cash. You may also consider planned giving options like charitable gift annuities or unitrusts, which can provide income for life while supporting the libraries. Our staff can provide information and assistance to potential donors.
Yes. We often work hand-in-hand with accountants, private attorneys, estate planners, and wealth management professionals to help donors fulfill their goals.
We’d be glad to discuss your questions and help you plan your gift. Please call us at (402) 441-0164 to connect with a Foundation representative.
Absolutely! Many donors choose to support programs or collections that are meaningful to them, such as the Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors, the Polley Music Library, community outreach initiatives, children’s and youth programs, the general collection, or technology and equipment upgrades. We’re open to additional endowments if you have a place in the library that’s close to your heart.
Yes! The Foundation gladly accepts testamentary gifts, including life insurance policies, will bequests, and gifts through trusts. If you wish to support the Lincoln City Libraries through your estate plan, we can provide suggested wording for your attorney. Please list the beneficiary as “Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries” to ensure your gift is properly received.
Gifts made to the Foundation for Lincoln City Libraries are fully -deductible. As a private nonprofit recognized under IRS 501(c)(3), your donation supports the Lincoln City Libraries and helps ensure their future.
Events
That
Inspire
Explore a variety of programs and gatherings that support our libraries and strengthen community connections.
