Ridgewood Library foundation plans to hire fundraising pro
FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012
BY LAURA HERZOG
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
The Ridgewood Public Library Foundation is seeking to hire an independent contractor in an effort to raise an additional $600,000 for the library.
The Ridgewood Public Library Foundation hopes an independent contractor can help reach its fundraising goals.
A part-time professional fundraiser, according to the foundation’s volunteers, would help the group achieve its goal of a $1.5 million endowment in two years. Currently, the foundation has a $900,000 endowment, including both tax-deductible donations and investment income, and has received more than $400,000 in gifts earmarked for specific projects.
According to its president, Melanie Stern, the foundation plans to post the position on the library’s website and in local newspapers in mid to late September. The salary will be based on the “candidate’s experience and professional standards, plus some incentives,” she said.
Practical reasons motivated the search for a new hire.
“Our board is made up of approximately 19 directors, most of whom have full-time careers,” Stern said. “A professional fundraiser can structure the entire effort … The board is looking at the big picture and the fundraiser has to be the implementer and manage the process.”