Strategic guidance for public libraries and their fundraising partners
LSN helps libraries and their fundraising partners get the level of support they need — from focused advice on a specific question to deeper consulting engagements for significant organizational decisions and change.
Because our work is grounded in public library fundraising, we understand the relationships, structures, and practical realities that shape this work. We can get to the important questions quickly and help you determine a useful path forward.
Support that fits the need
Get clearer, better aligned, and ready for what comes next.
Sometimes the challenge is specific: a governance question, a changing staff role, a board decision, or uncertainty about how a library and its fundraising partner should work together.
Other times, an organization needs a more substantial process to assess where it is, build alignment, make decisions, and establish direction for the future.
LSN offers both focused advisory support and customized consulting engagements so the level of help can match the need.
The Library Support Network consultants were exceptional partners in guiding our strategic planning process. They brought a practical understanding of library fundraising, deep sector expertise, and a clear framework for navigating complex challenges. Experienced board members and staff alike remarked that it was the most effective strategic planning process they had ever participated in.
How we can work with you
The right level of support for the question
Not every challenge requires a large consulting engagement. We offer focused advisory support for defined questions as well as customized consulting for larger organizational decisions and change.
Focused expertise for a specific question or decision.
Advisory Services are designed for organizations that need experienced, organization-specific guidance on a defined issue. These engagements are intentionally focused and may combine background review, working conversations, analysis of options, and practical guidance about what to do next.
Advisory support may be useful when you are:
- Working through a library, foundation, or Friends relationship question
- Considering a governance or board structure change
- Clarifying a fundraising leadership role or reporting relationship
- Preparing for an important board or organizational discussion
- Navigating a leadership transition
- Assessing a specific fundraising or organizational challenge
- Determining whether a larger planning or consulting effort is needed
The goal is to bring relevant experience to the question, help you see the choices more clearly, and identify practical next steps.
Customized support for larger organizational questions and change.
Some challenges require more than advice. They require a process for gathering information, engaging stakeholders, building agreement, and making consequential decisions.
LSN develops consulting engagements around the organization and the outcomes it hopes to achieve rather than applying a standard process.
Consulting engagements may include:
- Strategic planning and strategic refreshes
- Foundation development or revitalization
- Library-foundation alignment
- Board and governance development
- Leadership succession and transition planning
- Fundraising capacity assessment and growth planning
- Retreat design and facilitation
- Organizational roles, structures, and operating agreements
We work with clients to determine the right scope, participants, pace, and deliverables for the questions they need to answer.
Why this work is different
Public library fundraising has its own realities.
Public library fundraising often involves a public institution, a foundation or Friends group, board members, donors, civic leaders, library staff, and community expectations all moving at once.
Organizational structures vary. Fundraising priorities need to align with library needs. Boards and staff may have different responsibilities and expectations. And decisions about governance, fundraising, donor relationships, and the use of private funds can have implications well beyond a single organization.
When those relationships are clear and aligned, private support can help libraries grow, adapt, and serve their communities more fully.
You should not have to explain how public libraries work before getting to the real questions.
Our library foundation partnered with Library Support Network to facilitate a board retreat in December 2025, and it was an outstanding experience. Jonna was organized, thoughtful, and a pleasure to work with. She brought a depth of expertise that our board trusted and genuinely enjoyed learning from, and her facilitation was truly top-notch.
Why LSN
Deep experience in public library fundraising
General nonprofit expertise is valuable. Our difference is knowing this field, its organizations, and the relationships that make public library fundraising work.
Public library fundraising expertise
We understand the unique realities of raising private support for public institutions — including library foundations, Friends groups, boards, public-private partnerships, and donor relationships.
Experience from inside the work
Our expertise comes from leading and advising public library fundraising organizations, not simply applying general nonprofit practices to libraries.
A field-wide vantage point
Through the Library Support Network, we are continually learning from fundraising organizations and library leaders across the United States and Canada. That broader perspective helps us bring relevant models, questions, and lessons to individual organizations.
Solutions that fit the organization
There is no single model for a successful library fundraising organization. We help clients understand their choices, build alignment, and determine what will work in their own circumstances.
Start with a conversation
Schedule a complimentary 30-minute introductory consultation
Tell us what you are navigating and where you may need support.
We can help determine whether the most useful next step is an existing LSN resource, peer connection, or general guidance; a focused Advisory Services engagement; or a larger customized consulting engagement.
The introductory conversation is an opportunity to clarify the need and determine what kind of support — if any — would be most useful.