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Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Resource Guide Collection

Friends and Foundations: Starting a Fundraising Advocacy Group

Information, resources, and advice for library friends groups and library foundations in Massachusetts.

Getting Started

Thank you for wanting to take your library support to the next level! The main focuses for a Friends group are fundraising and advocacy. If fundraising is one of your primary goals, we strongly recommend becoming a registered 501(c)3 with the state. As a registered charity you will:

  • Receive tax-exempt status, including a tax ID
  • Be searchable among state charities
  • Able to officially accept money for grants on your library's behalf

Here are some resources to get you started in setting up your 501(c)3: