Why Donate to the Friends & Foundation?

Friends & Foundation donors make a real difference!
As a donor, you’re supporting meaningful educational opportunities that HCLS would not otherwise be able to offer. This innovative curriculum contributes to our top national ranking. Friends & Foundation of HCLS supports the three pillars of HCLS’ educational mission – Self-Directed Education, Research Assistance & Instruction, and Instructive & Enlightening Experiences – through powerful advocacy and financial support.
Donations to Friends & Foundation of HCLS are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The Friends of the Howard County Library, Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 52-1226011) under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Donate to a Specific Friends-Funded HCLS Program (learn more):
Benefits of Being a Donor to the Friends & Foundation: 
You receive advance notice of special events, commemorative book plates, complimentary tickets to signature events, and more!

Who Can Donate? 
Well, anyone can! Whether you’re an individual who wants to support HCLS’ educational initiatives, a couple or family that wants to be up-to-date on the Library’s special activities, a nonprofit or foundation that wants to support the HCLS’ many initiatives, or a local business or corporation that is interested in making a philanthropic impact on education in Howard County – there’s a donor engagement level that’s right for you! Different donor levels offer different benefits and opportunities for recognition.

Where Can I Donate:
You can donate to the Friends & Foundation - one time, monthly, annually - to support our endowment to ensure that the Friends & Foundation has money to support HCLS in perpetuity!
Donate to a Specific Friends-Funded HCLS Program:
  • Area of Greatest Need: Provide unrestricted funds to address the most pressing HCLS needs.
 
  • A+ Partners in Education: Support programs including Battle of the Books, Kindergarten Here We Come, HCLS Spelling Bee/Bumble Bee, and Summer Reading Clubs.
 
  • Curriculum Support: Support programs including author and performer events, classes, Teen Time/Homework Center, HiTech STEAM, the Artist in Residence programs, and the Enchanted Garden.
 
  • Project Literacy
 
  • Equity Initiatives
 
  • Teen Spaces​: Support HCLS efforts to create nurturing, welcoming spaces for teens.
Individuals, Families:
Friends & Foundation Endowment:
The Friends & Foundation Endowment is held at the Community Foundation of Howard County, a long-standing community funder. The endowment allows us to use a portion of the assets each year, and leave the rest to grow in perpetuity, so we can ensure that the Friends & Foundation will be able to fund HCLS initiatives far into the future.
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Interested in learning more? Please contact Rita Hamlet at: rita.hamlet@hclibrary.org

How to Donate:

  • ONLINE: JOIN NOW
  • BY PHONE: Call Rita Hamlet, Development Specialist, at 410.313.7799
  • BY EMAIL: Contact Rita Hamlet at: rita.hamlet@hclibrary.org
  • BY MAIL: PRINT this Membership Form and mail with your check to Friends of Howard County Library System | 9411 Frederick Road | Ellicott City, MD 21042
Give an Annual Gift:
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Businesses, Corporations, Foundations, Nonprofits:

$1,000 –Corporate Friend
  • Logo and name recognition in coordination with a sponsored event or initiative (if applicable)
  • Recognition in HCLS’ annual report, published donor listings, web site, and source, the quarterly classes and events guide
  • Personalized membership certificate
  • Subscription to e-newsletter
  • Subscription to source (quarterly classes and events guide)
  • Volunteer opportunities for employees

$2,500 –Corporate Supporter– benefits above, plus
  • Framed membership certificate
  • Preview of select silent auction items for signature fundraising events

$5,000 –Corporate Champion– benefits above, plus
  • Recognition on the Giving Tree at Central Branch
  • Annual donor highlight feature on e-newsletter or HCLS podcast, Hi Jinx
  • Reserved seats at notable author events for up to six employees
Other ways to give:

Planned Giving

Tributes

Amazon Smile
Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System
9411 Frederick Road 
Ellicott City, MD  21042

"Friends make it happen!"
Chair: Nana Owusu-Nkwantabisa 
chair@friendshcls.org
www.friendshcls.org
Donations to Friends & Foundation of HCLS are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. The Friends of the Howard County Library, Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 52-1226011) under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.