Campaign Results
Library Giving Day 2025 Campaign Results
Through the hard work and vision of the Seattle Public Library Foundation and Carl Bloom Associates, what started as an idea has become an exciting and successful day of nationwide library support. But the real success is due to the many library organizations across North America that responded to the opportunity, took advantage of the positive momentum, and launched their own #LibraryGivingDay campaigns and celebrations.
The information below was compiled from results submitted voluntarily to the Library Giving Day organizers.
Background
Since the first Library Giving Day in 2019, 589 library organizations from 46 US States, 6 Canadian Provinces, and as far away as Nairobi, Kenya, have joined the #LibraryGivingDay movement, and more than $10,740,000 in fundraising revenue has been reported.
The resiliency of libraries and their commitment to serving their communities has been inspiring, and the 2025 Library Giving Day campaign results reflect that.
For the 2025 Library Giving Day campaign, 113 organizations submitted fundraising results, with the majority reporting positive fundraising revenue.
What was the total dollar amount raised?
Of the organizations that reported fundraising revenue, the total projected fundraising revenue goal was $1,538,570.
The actual amount raised was $2,289,881 – approximately 49% higher than projected.
Of the organizations that submitted Library Giving Day campaign results, 67% reached their fundraising goals.
How did 2025 compare to prior years?
Overall fundraising revenue has increased year-over-year from $741,456 in 2019 to $1,108,512 in 2020 (49.5%), then to $1,561,882 in 2021 (41%), and to $1,637,146 in 2022, representing a 10.3% increase. Reported revenue for 2023 dipped slightly year-over-year by 4.22% to $1,548,856. However, 2024 was a massive success, with fundraising revenue surging 23% to $ 1.9 million. And 2025 was the biggest success so far with revenue spiking 32% to $2,289,881!
How many people donated?
The total number of donations increased from 5,002 in 2019 to 9,516 in 2020, representing a 90.2% increase. Donations increased again to 13,889 in 2021, decreased to 12,030 in 2022, increased to 12,171 in 2023, increased to 12,431 in 2024, and surged to 16,233 in 2025. The average gift for 2025 was $141.
How did organizations celebrate the 2025 Library Giving Day?
Organizations reported conducting multifaceted fundraising campaigns with a variety of fundraising initiatives and activities.
Below is a breakdown of the different channels, methods, and marketing materials organizations used to promote 2025 Library Giving Day.
How many organizations were able to secure a matching grant?
29 organizations – 25.6% who submitted results – were able to secure a matching grant. However, 25 or 86.2% achieved or surpassed the match goal. Of the 113 total organizations that responded to requests for 2025 Library Giving Day results, 84 or 74.3% did not have a matching grant.
Thank you to all organizations that participated in the 2025 Library Giving Day!
The number of organizations that submitted fundraising results in 2025 increased significantly compared to 2024. And, total fundraising revenue from those that submitted increased dramatically. Note: All Library Giving Day campaign results are voluntarily submitted and do not necessarily represent all the organizations that participated in Library Giving Day fundraising initiatives.
Library Giving Day is an excellent opportunity to engage your community and raise much-needed funds.
To make the most of your Library Giving Day fundraising campaigns, be sure to download the free Toolkit and other resources, plan, utilize multiple fundraising channels, build upon what has worked in previous campaigns, find inspiration from others, engage your volunteers, and work on obtaining a matching grant.
Collectively, let’s continue to make a difference for public libraries everywhere!
