The Morrill Public Library is a prime example of successfully utilizing multiple funding resources to finance a large project. The 30-year-old elevator at Morrill Public Library required a full modernization to ensure it was functional and safe. Such a significant project came with a hefty price tag, totaling more than $128,000. Erin Verbick, the Morrill Public Library Director, along with her staff and Board, got creative to secure the necessary funding for the renovation.
A combination of various funding resources was used to fully fund the project. These included an accessibility grant from NEKLS, a grant from the Sunderland Foundation, and fundraising efforts by the Friends of the Library, among other initiatives. Erin also collaborated with her Board to secure donations from local businesses and individuals. A particularly effective strategy was a personal ask from the Board Chair and other Board members to community leaders. This solicitation involved identifying potential donors, preparing a custom proposal package, and scheduling personal meetings with these prospects. Additionally, Erin worked closely with the Friends of the Library to encourage contributions for this project.
The elevator renovation, which will be completed in September, addresses a critical need that resonated with many in the Hiawatha community—ensuring safety and accessibility for library patrons. Morrill Public Library’s approach to this challenge was both creative and strategic. Most large-scale projects cannot be funded by a single grant or donor; therefore, collaboration with library supporters at all levels proved to be a highly successful strategy.
Erin commented, “Fundraising can be a daunting task, especially when a large project is the focus, but I have learned to get out into the community with little fear of rejection. Some might worry they will only be met with “no” since so many local nonprofits have their hands out, too, but you won’t know until you ask. Board members and I met in person with leaders in the community, armed with handouts with FAQs and an infographic highlighting what our library accomplished in 2024, and it ended up being rewarding in more ways than one. Some business owners aren’t library super-users, so getting insight into our statistics helped them understand our place in the community. While not everyone gave extraordinary amounts, each organization we met with did contribute to the project.”