Ways to Give
There are many ways to support York Public Library.
The York Public Library Association (dba York Public Library) is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization, EIN: 01-0360256
Become a Supporting Member
York Public Library is owned by the York Public Library Association (YPLA), a member-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Becoming a member of the York Public Library Association supports vital library services, enhances community access to books and materials, technology, and programs, and helps preserve and grow a valuable educational and cultural resource for all ages. The Town of York currently provides 70% of our operational expenditures. The remainder is largely funded by Association memberships.
An annual gift of $50 or more will qualify you as a YPLA Supporting Member, entitling you to special benefits. Our annual campaign, “Membership Month” kicks off each October, but your gift is appreciated at any time throughout the year. Donations of any amount in support of our Membership campaign may be given online or mailed to: York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, York, ME 03909. Learn more about Membership
Give Now
Make a general gift to support the Library.
Make a Memorial or Honorary Donation
A memorial or honorary gift to the Library is a lasting tribute for a loved one that enriches our community. Each gift helps sustain programs, resources, and spaces that inspire learning and connection.
Donate in memory of or in honor of a loved one, and we will notify the honoree or a surviving family member that you have made a thoughtful gift in support of York Public Library.
Business Sponsorship
Do you have a business in greater York? The Library provides countless benefits to local businesses and their customers, and we need your support in return! Sponsor the Library and receive added visibility for your business at the same time.
Leave a Legacy: Introducing the 1922 Society
Bequests and other estate gifts are a crucial source of continuing support for the Library, and a powerful way to impact both the Library and the York community beyond your lifetime. The 1922 Society, named for the year of YPLA’s incorporation, is a legacy circle recognizing the individuals who have included York Public Library in their estate plans. By working with your attorney or financial advisor you can maximize the tax benefits of your donation and provide for community members and library users for years to come.
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
A donor-advised fund (or DAF) can be thought of as a charitable savings fund. It allows you the flexibility to recommend how much and how often your designee(s) receive a gift. Donors qualify for a federal charitable deduction without having to manage their own private foundation.
How it works: Once cash is transferred to a tax-exempt sponsoring institution, such as Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, Vanguard Charitable, or a public foundation, donors choose the amount and frequency of funds to distribute to the York Public Library Association (Federal EIN #01-0360256).
Matching Gifts
Many businesses and corporations match the personal gifts to nonprofit organizations made by employees, retirees, and their family members. Contact your company’s personnel office for more information.
Naming Opportunities
Make your mark in the Library! With your unrestricted gift of $10,000 or more, your name can appear on an attractive slate plaque to be placed on a bookshelf or book stack. Contact the Development Office to discuss naming opportunities at 207.363.2818 ext. 1016 or email development@yorkpubliclibrary.org.
Support the Library’s Endowment
Supporting York Public Library’s Endowment is an investment in the long-term vitality of a key community institution. The endowment provides a stable, permanent source of funding, helping the library weather economic fluctuations and maintain core services without being overly reliant on annual municipal budgets or short-term fundraising. Unrestricted donations create the most flexibility for the Library, but you may wish to contribute to an existing restricted fund, such as the Dan Bancroft Fund for Civic Engagement, the Julie Steedman Book Fund, or the Parsons Endowment for Youth Services. A minimum of $10,000 is required to establish a new restricted fund under our Endowment. Our Investment Policy can be furnished on request. Contact the Development Office for more information at development@yorkpubliclibrary.
Tax-Smart Gifts: Gifts of Appreciated Securities
By making gifts of appreciated securities (as opposed to selling the securities first and then donating the proceeds), it is possible to avoid paying capital gains tax, allowing you the ability to take the full market value as a charitable deduction.
An easy way to give securities is by Direct Transfer: your broker electronically delivers your securities through DTC to LPL Financial, our investment firm, who is authorized to accept gifts for York Public Library:
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- Prior to transfer, please call 207-363-2818 and ask for either Jane Siviski Hoffman, York Public Library’s Marketing & Development Coordinator, OR Michelle Sampson, Executive Director, to confirm the gift. At that time, they will provide you with our investment firm’s DTC and account numbers your broker will need to complete the transfer.
- Your broker makes the DTC stock transfer: you or your broker must notify either Jane or Michelle prior to transfer of assets so that we can confirm your donation and coordinate with our investment firm at LPL Financial– e.g.: “I am sending [number] of shares of [kind of stock] and I want it to go to York Public Library’s General Investment Fund. The donor is [name] [mailing address].” Government Securities and Mutual Funds are also eligible.
DONATING IRA ASSETS
Retirees age 70 ½ and older may donate up to $100,000 tax-free from their IRA each year with what is called a qualified charitable distributions (QCD). When exercising a QCD directly to a nonprofit, you don’t recognize the income as a taxable distribution.
Individuals 73 and older must take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from their IRA each year. Generally, these distributions are subject to income taxes. If you do not need all of the income from your RMD, consider donating it directly to YPLA with a QCD. The QCD, subject to its annual limitation, will help to satisfy part or all of your RMD. The QCD amount would be excluded from your taxable income if the distribution is made directly to the non profit. You will be contributing to a worthy cause with the added benefit of lowering your tax bill. Please contact either Jane Siviski Hoffman, York Public Library’s Marketing & Development Coordinator, OR Michelle Sampson, Executive Director, prior to executing your QCD distribution so we can provide you with the appropriate information and properly confirm your donation.
As always, consult your tax professional or financial advisor for more information.