Legal Name: Mead Public Library Foundation, Inc.
Exemption Status: 501 (c)(3) by letter dated December 14, 1994
State of Wisconsin Charitable Organization Credential Number: 5312
Internal Revenue Service Employer Identification Number: 39-1670997

Mission
To benefit the community by raising, managing, and distributing funds to enhance the services, facilities, and collections of the Library and to increase public awareness of Library needs and services.

Funding
The Foundation is a 509 (a)(3) organization. All contributions to it are deductible to the extent allowable by law 501 (c)(3). Funded by voluntary contributions, for both restricted and non-restircted purposes, the Foundation welcomes immediate and planned gifts for its Endowment Fund, projects and capital campaigns. Endowment Fund contributions may be either direct or through Renaissance Society membership cumulative gift recognition categories. Gifts designated for restricted purposes may include, but are not limited to, named program series, guest lectures, collection development funds, publicatons, etc.

Foundation History
Incorporated in 1989 to benefit the community by raising, managing and distributing funds to enhance the services, facilities and collections of the Mead Public Library, and to increase public awareness of Library needs and services. Spearheaded in 1995 a $2.4 million capital campaign for the Mead Public Library Centennial Building Project, an addition and remodeling project successfully completed in 1997. Launched in 1998 its long-term Endowment Fund Campaign. Established in 2000 the Renaissance Society to help ensure immediate and planned gifts for the Endowment Fund. Refer to information below for more information on the Renaissance Society. An elected, voluntary board comprised of 16 members governs the Foundation. Its administrative and operations costs are nominal.

Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund contributions are invested in a managed, segregated account with investment income credited to the same accounts until such time as the Foundation Board of Directors determines to disburse funds in concert with the Mead Public Library Foundation mission. By resolution, the Mead Public Library Foundation Directors invest all monetary contributions to the Endowment Fund upon receipt, and realize the cash value of all non-monetary contributions as soon as practical and prudent. This resolution does not preclude restricted gifts to the Mead Public Library Foundation from being used for the purpose or purposes specified by the donor. Endowment Fund investment income is used to supplement public funds appropriate by the Sheboygan Common Council for Mead Public Library services. Voluntary gifts do not replace tax dollars available to support current or improved library services.

Renaissance Society
Established in 2000 to identify "patron" support for the Mead Public Library Foundation and its Endowment Fund. Enthusiastic response resulted in over 150 society memberships by October 2003. Membership in the Renaissance Society continues to grow. The member roster is prominently displayed in Mead Public Library.

Donor recognition categories for cumulative gifts made by society members were announced in 2002. The categories are:
Renaissance Society Member $500
Shakespeare $ 1,000
Gutenberg $ 2,500
Da Vinci $ 5,000
Michelangelo $10,000
Donor’s Name $25,000 and beyond

The categories acknowledge Renaissance personages whose achievements have echoed through the centuries and the patrons whose encouragement and support made such great accomplishments possible.

In the same manner, Renaissance Society members encourage and support the Mead Public Library Foundation mission.

A Foundation report and Renaissance Society Member roster recognizing all members is provided annually. Additional society events and mementos are benefits enjoyed by members. A deferred gift to the Renaissance Society is recognized at the time of receips in the cumulative category attained and is recognized thereafter in the annual Member Roster.

For further information, please contact:

Director, Mead Public Library
710 North 8th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081-4563
920-459-3400, ext. 3414
Fax: 920-459-0204

Direct immediate gifts and deferred contributions to:
Mead Public Library Foundation, Inc.
710 North 8th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081-4563

Gifts to Mead Public Library Foundation may be assigned to:

* Endowment Fund
* Renaissance Society member listing for gift of $500 and beyond (Endowment Fund)
* Restricted: Donor designates intent of gift
* Non-Restricted, for greatest need, and assigned by action of the MPLF Board