Founded in 1999, the Calgary Public Library Foundation (CPLF) fundraises for the Calgary Public Library. Its mission is to enable the citizens of Calgary to have the best public library system in the world. The Foundation does not replace existing funding but instead seeks to enhance the collections, programs and services offered by the Calgary Public Library.

The Calgary Public Library Foundation covers the priority needs for the soon-to-be 21 branches of the Calgary Public Library not covered by the $51.6m in government funding it received in F2016. In F2016, the Calgary Public Libraries had over 600,000 members and 6.7 million visits, an 8% increase in visits over F2015. The library serves more individuals than the combined attendance of all of Calgary’s professional sports and cultural events. This indicates that the Calgary Public Libraries are receiving the equivalent of $7.70 in grants per visit.

The Foundation is running a $350m campaign for the library built on 4 strategic pillars – Adding Information, Adding Inspiration, Adding Imagination and Adding Innovation. Adding Information (17% of spending) encompasses the acquisition of resources. Highlighted projects include a digital community library and a collections endowment. Adding Inspiration (27%) seeks to provide programs, spaces and events to children that will contribute to their wellbeing. Notable projects include early learning centres in all libraries and the Arts + Culture Pass. Adding Imagination (40%) deals with the infrastructure of the libraries. Projects include three new community libraries and library booktrucks. Adding Innovation (16%) seeks to implement new technologies in its offerings. Highlighted projects include a startup hub and laptop lending.

According to a community benefits study conducted by the library, the Foundation, and Berk Consulting, the library provided a social return on investment between $2.66 and $5.73 for every dollar invested in the library, with a midpoint SROI of $4.20 in direct benefits.

The Calgary Public Library Foundation is considered a medium-cap charity with donations and special events revenues of $3.2m in F2016. Its administrative costs are 15% of revenues and fundraising costs are 31% of donations. For every dollar donated, 54 cents goes towards the charity’s programs, falling outside of Ci’s reasonable range. The foundation has funding reserves of  $1.6m which can cover program costs for just over 9 months.

This charity report is an update that is being reviewed by the Calgary Public Library Foundation. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on July 20, 2017 by Josh Lam.