Gifts That Make An Impact Now

If you would like to help the library expand its collections, offer innovative programs for people of all ages, and upgrade neighborhood libraries today, consider the giving options below — many of which offer financial and personal benefits to you.

You can learn more about these special opportunities in our free brochure, Easy Ways to Create a Legacy, and other complimentary planning resources. These resources are just a click away!

Donate Now

To support The Seattle Public Library Foundation‘s current work, make a gift online or by mail:

The Seattle Public Library Foundation
PO Box 3951
Seattle, WA 98124

Recommend a grant now from your donor-advised fund

You can use your donor-advised fund (DAF) to make a one-time gift, or to create a recurring monthly or quarterly gift for even more impact.

You can conveniently initiate a grant from your DAF using the link below. Simply type in the name of your fund sponsor and the system will prompt you through the process.

Memorial or Tribute Gift
When you give a memorial or tribute gift for The Seattle Public Library Foundation to honor someone special, you’re expressing your love, admiration, and gratitude in one of the most meaningful ways there is. Your gift will honor your loved one, create a lasting tribute, and inspire others to support, enhance and upgrade our city’s libraries.
Gifts of Appreciated Securities
You can use stocks, bonds, and mutual funds that have appreciated in value to support our shared vision. You may receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the stock (up to a maximum of 30% of your adjusted gross income) and avoid paying the capital gains tax on any increase in the value of the stock.
Matching Gift Opportunities

Would you like to maximize the impact of your giving and encourage other supporters to mobilize on behalf of The Seattle Public Library? Consider sponsoring a matching gift challenge. Donate a pool of funds to The Seattle Public Library Foundation, from which we will match any donation made within a given period of time. In this way, you can double the impact of your giving.

Qualified Charitable Distribution
You can transfer funds from your IRA directly to The Seattle Public Library Foundation. This is an effective way to have an immediate impact and ensure our work of supporting and advocating for The Seattle Public Library. Here’s how it works:

  • You must be 70 ½ or older.
  • An individual may transfer up to a total of $105,000 per year and a married couple may give up to $210,000 to all organizations.
  • Your gift must be transferred directly from the IRA account to The Seattle Public Library Foundation.
  • Your gift is a transfer of funds from your IRA to The Seattle Public Library Foundation so it does not count as income for the year.
  • If you are 73 and older, the transfer of funds counts towards your annual Required Minimum Distribution from your IRA.

You can download a sample letter for your IRA administrator here to start the distribution process. You may also be able to request a qualified charitable distribution through your online account portal.

Please note: If you are still working and contributing to a retirement account, this gift could impact your taxable income. Please consult a qualified advisor before making a gift.

See Your Impact

Free access to a deep, diverse collection of books and materials is essential for our society. Foundation funding provides the library with the resources necessary to purchase physical and digital materials for the general collection, invest in books in more languages, furnish special collections, give away books at community programs, and increase access for people facing restrictions on reading.

Our Team is Here to Help

Our experienced team is here to help you…

  • Learn about special projects that align with your interests.
  • Structure a donation that maximizes benefits for you and your loved ones.
  • Stay up to date on how your gift is used.
  • And more!