BPL is a valued and critical civic asset that is free and accessible to all. Its purpose is to enrich Boston and Commonwealth residents through the use of collections, public spaces, technology and programs. A higher profile and a higher level of philanthropic performance were identified as essential for the library to truly deliver on its mission, innovate for the future and address systemic problems of the last several decades.

Through a visioning process, all stakeholders noted the importance of centrally organizing the library’s priorities so the opportunities for philanthropic support could be easily understood and the impact clearly demonstrated. A key innovation was the creation of the Fund for BPL, which leads fundraising for the library. Affiliate organizations have for the first time formal MOUs with BPL, outlining avenues for collaboration and partnership. BPL is stronger together and collectively can raise more support.

Results from the new collaboration have been extraordinary. In the last eight months, $2.8 million was raised in capacity building support to launch the new Fund (with new board & staff) and an inaugural Gala raised $3.4 million for the library’s education programs. In the process, Boston’s most prominent civic and philanthropic figures have provided guidance and leadership to raise BPL’s visibility and shine a light on its impact. Moving forward the goal is to raise $5-7 million for library needs annually.