Give to ALA

When you make a gift to the American Library Association, you help give a voice to libraries and library workers across the country. Your donation may be designated toward a specific ALA mission, or undesignated to give ALA the flexibility to use funds as needed.

Designated donations are applied to the specific area for which the donation is made. Designated donations have been used to support the Campaign for America’s Libraries, the Cultural Communities Fund, and the Spectrum Scholarship Program, as well as creating a named scholarship or a named endowment fund. See the links at right or visit our Projects page to learn more about designating your donation toward a specific mission!

Unrestricted gifts (ALA's "21st Century Fund") have been used for helping ALA defend First Amendment rights, empowering rebuilding efforts for libraries in the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and providing scholarships through ALA’s general scholarship fund. To give to the General Fund, go to our secure donation site and choose "21st Century Fund."

The American Library Association is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, therefore your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent provided by law. ALA is a nonprofit charity operating since 1876. Our federal tax identification number is 36-2166947.

Corporate Support
Each year, hundreds of companies partner with ALA. We can offer your company several opportunities:

• Enhance your company's profile through a partnership with the nation's oldest and largest library association, supported by number of internationally known celebrities and high profile spokespersons.
• ALA has a dedicated media relations team which works with our corporate partners to maximize the PR benefits of their partnership.

Library Champions contribute annually to ALA’s Libraries Transform Campaign, a nationwide strategic communications effort about the value and benefits of libraries.

Foundation Support
Government grants and contributions from private, family, and corporate foundations are important sources of support for ALA. To learn more about how your foundation can help support the work of ALA and its many divisions and offices, please contact the ALA Development Office at development@ala.org or telephone at 312.280.3259.

With your planned gift, the American Library Association can help foster opportunities to learn, grow, adapt, enjoy, exercise our freedoms, and enhance our quality of life—and protect those same opportunities for generations that follow.

With a planned gift, you can:

• Support ALA's planning for the future and pursuing excellence for future generations.
• Champion the development of programs and activities for all types of libraries.
• Enhance the work of the Association overall, or support your favorite division, round table, or program.
• Uphold advocacy efforts for libraries and increase awareness for the value and services they provide.
• Create or support awards and scholarships that promote and advance the librarian profession.
• Make a larger charitable gift than you though possible while taking care of the financial needs of your family.
• Leave a lasting legacy to the librarian profession without giving up assets now.