THE CAMPAIGN FOR A LIFETIME OF LITERACY
The Library Foundation’s Campaign for a Lifetime of Literacy will raise more than $10 million, helping our Library reach more children than any other literacy program in Oregon. Campaign support targets the very hardest to reach children and their families, motivating them to read from birth.
A crisis that will define our future
Without reading, everything in life is harder. Over one in five adults in Oregon function at the lowest literacy level, struggling to read a bus schedule, a job application or a prescription bottle.
Low literacy is linked to poverty, crime, dependence on government assistance and poor health.
Research has shown that parents who struggle with reading pass this legacy on to their children. In Multnomah County, one in five children enter school not ready to learn to read. By 10th grade, nearly 50 percent do not pass state reading benchmarks.*
(*Oregon Department of Education, 2006)
Multnomah County Library is addressing this crisis
Multnomah County Library is bringing vision, professional expertise, award-winning leadership and an expansive reach to bear on low literacy. Library staff and volunteers are working in the literacy trenches, taking books and effective programs directly into the lives of children, parents, grandparents, childcare providers and educators.
The Library’s programs are unique because they reach vast populations of children of different ages, they operate during the summer when other programs do not, and they motivate readers through creative approaches that are not found elsewhere.
More than doubling the Library's reach to children at risk
Four years ago, recognizing the urgency of the Library’s work, The Library Foundation launched The Campaign for a Lifetime of Literacy. This ambitious effort, made possible through private support, will more than double the Library’s impact on our community’s literacy with a framework of successful programs.
Foundation receives coveted 4-star rating
The Library Foundation has received the highest rating given by Charity Navigator, the largest and most well known charity watchdog organization in the nation. The 4-star rating is considered a strong indicator of an organization’s ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances and demonstrates to the public that it is worthy of their trust. The Library Foundation is one of only 13 Portland non-profits to receive their highest rating.
VIDEO: The Library works for a lifetime of literacy
View this video, produced by The Library Foundation, illustrating how Multnomah County Library’s innovative literacy and reading programs inspire the practice of reading for life. Watch this film using QuickTime.
Meyer Memorial Trust Challenge Update
Today, The Library Foundation is well on our way towards successfully completing the Meyer Memorial Trust challenge. This $750,000 challenge grant will match any new or increased gifts, providing additional funds for critical children’s literacy efforts in our community.
For more information on the Meyer Memorial Trust challenge grant, contact Karie Trumbo at 503.223.4385 or kariet@libraryfoundation.org.
Use Your IRA to Support the Library
A new federal law could help qualifying individuals reduce their tax liability while supporting charitable organizations like The Library Foundation. This new law, passed in 2006, applies to individuals over the age of 70 1/2 who hold traditional or Roth individual retirement accounts (IRAs). It allows IRA owners who meet the age requirement to make transfers from their IRAs directly to charitable organizations without paying tax on the distribution. Up to $100,000 per year during 2006 and 2007 can be transferred tax-free. Because these funds are not considered part of a donor's annual income, they do not increase his or her tax liability. In addition, they count toward the required minimum distribution.
Fortunately, now IRA gifts can be made simply and without tax complications. You may contribute funds this way if:
• You are age 70½ or older
• The gift is $100,000 or less each year
• You make the gift on or before Dec. 31, 2007
• You transfer funds directly from an IRA or Rollover IRA
• You transfer the gift outright to one or more public charities that qualify
If you are interested in taking advantage of this new provision, we would be happy to assist you with the arrangements. Contact the Foundation office at 503.223.4008.
This information is not intended as legal, tax or investment advice. For such advice, please consult your attorney, tax professional or investment professional.
Sign up for the Library's E-Newsletter
Keep up with what's new at the Library by subscribing to the Library’s new, free e-newsletter. Funded by The Library Foundation, the monthly e-mail will provide you with links to the latest news, events and resources on the Library’s website. To receive the premiere issue, please e-mail enews@libraryfoundation.org. |
