April, 2026
Recently, Evanston Public Library received a remarkable $1 million gift from an anonymous donor—an investment that strengthens both our present work and our long-term future.
What does this gift support?
The largest portion, $850,000, will be placed in EPL’s endowment fund, managed by the Evanston Community Foundation. This ensures ongoing, stable funding that can support library services for years to come. An additional $100,000 helps us meet our 2026 annual fundraising goal of $600,000—our most ambitious goal yet—while the remaining $50,000 will support programs and services in 2027.
Endowment Funds: How EPL is investing for the future
By placing the majority of this gift in EPL’s endowment fund, EPL is balancing immediate community needs with long-term sustainability. Endowment funds are invested to grow over time, with a portion of earnings used each year to support the library. This creates a lasting financial foundation that can support services well into the future.
Our Board of Trustees reviews the endowment fund monthly as part of its financial oversight, ensuring transparency and thoughtful stewardship. These monthly updates are included in the Library Board Packets found on our website at https://epl.org/2026-agendas-minutes/.
Annual Fundraising: Your donation matters
While this generous gift is wonderful, it does not stand alone. Annual fundraising supports the library’s current needs—like this year’s programs, collections, and services—ensuring we can meet community demand right now. Donations from across the community are essential to sustaining the full range of library services—from everyday resources to innovative programming.
Investing Together in Our Public Library
Every contribution, whether toward the endowment or annual fund, helps ensure that EPL remains a welcoming, trusted space for everyone and continues to evolve alongside the community it serves. Together, these investments—large and small—make it possible for EPL to serve today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow.
If you are interested in making a donation to EPL’s endowment or annual fund, please contact Jennifer Shreve in EPL’s Development Department at 847-866-5947 or jshreve@cityofevanston.org.