Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation

What Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation does

The Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983 that operates as the primary fundraising and programmatic support arm for the Bozeman Public Library in Bozeman, Montana. The foundation employs 7 staff and is governed by an independent board, raising capital through individual donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, the annual Library Gala, tri-annual used book sales, and the Annual Gift Forever planned-giving program. In 2025, the foundation committed $443,000 to library programming, up from $341,752 in 2024, funding programs and resources that extend public library services beyond what tax-based municipal funding supports.

The foundation's impact is delivered through the main library at 626 East Main Street in Bozeman and a Bookmobile mobile unit that has logged more than 31,000 miles across Gallatin County since 2017, serving over 20,000 patrons annually. Library usage scaled materially in 2025, with more than 1,014,000 items checked out, 337,000 visitors, 6,009 new library cards issued, and 1,734 programs reaching nearly 60,000 attendees. Foundation-funded assets include two creative labs — the Work Bench makerspace (3D printing, laser cutting, recording studio) opened in 2023 and the Kitchen Table demonstration kitchen opened in 2024 — both part of a $5.6 million donor-funded renovation completed in 2024.

Revenue is diversified across individual giving (one-time, monthly recurring, stock gifts via D.A. Davidson), special events, foundation grants, and legacy vehicles including charitable bequests, remainder trusts, lead trusts, and IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions. Partnerships include peer organizations such as the Montana Library Association, American Library Association's Unite Against Book Bans campaign, and HRDC for the 2025 Free Summer Lunch Program, alongside corporate sponsors such as Intercity Radiology PC, Bozeman Health, and Yellowstone Orthodontics. The foundation holds a Candid Seal 2026 transparency designation and received the 2019 Baker & Taylor Award from United for Libraries for its SymBozium civil discourse series.

Name

Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation

Legal name

Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation

Website

https://supportbozemanlibrary.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1983 that raises and deploys charitable funds to support the Bozeman Public Library and its Bookmobile outreach across Gallatin County, Montana.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Foundation Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

After-School, Tutoring & Academic Enrichment Nonprofits (BPAGADAC)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Nonprofit foundation fundraising
• Community literacy programs
• Mobile library services
• Charitable endowment giving

Headquarters

HQ city

BOZEMAN, Montana

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The foundation raises funds from individual donors who support the library through one-time gifts, monthly recurring donations, and stock donations. Donors receive tax deductions as the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
2. Special Events: Annual Library Gala and tri-annual used book sales generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and proceeds from book/material sales. The used book store operates in-library and accepts donated materials.
3. Foundation Grants and Corporate Sponsorships: Support from private foundations, corporate sponsors, and community business partners funds specific programs and initiatives.
4. Legacy/Planned Giving: The Annual Gift Forever program accepts charitable bequests, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, and beneficiary designations to create long-term endowment funding.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that raises funds from individuals, corporations, foundations, and events to support the Bozeman Public Library. It funds programs, digital resources, creative labs, the Bookmobile mobile service, and community initiatives including summer learning, civil discourse, art exhibits, and free summer meals for children in Gallatin County, Montana.

Product overview

Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation supports the Bozeman Public Library through a unified platform of programs and services. The core offerings include the eLibrary Digital Resources (ebooks, streaming video, online courses, research databases), the Bookmobile mobile service, and two creative labs: the Work Bench makerspace (3D printing, laser cutting, embroidery, recording) and the Kitchen Table cooking lab. Additional programs include Summer Learning, SymBozium civil discourse series, Music on the Green concerts, Art in the Atrium exhibits, Health & Wellness classes, Used Book Sales, Volunteer programs, Library Gala, Community Partnerships, and Free Summer Lunch program. Funding comes through donations, sponsorships, and events, with donor-supported renovations ($5.6 million) enabling modernized spaces.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SymBozium: Award-winning civil discourse series that engages the community in respectful and productive conversation around complex topics. A moderated forum with subject-matter experts and opportunity for audience participation. Topics include Fake News, The Economics of Immigration, Artificial Intelligence, and Affordable Housing.
• Annual Gift Forever
• Art in the Atrium
• Bookmobile

Products and services

• eLibrary Digital Resources Collection of electronic resources including ebooks, audiobooks, streaming video, online courses, research databases, language learning, and digital magazines accessible remotely with a library card via Kanopy, Hoopla, Libby/OverDrive, NoveList, LinkedIn Learning, Creativebug, Transparent Language Online, Ancestry Library, Foundation Directory, and New York Times Cooking.
• Bookmobile Mobile library bus serving 10-15 stops weekly throughout Gallatin County, including schools, neighborhoods, assisted living homes, and community events, providing full library services including book checkout, holds pickup, and library card registration up to 25 miles from the main library.
• Work Bench Makerspace Makerspace facility featuring 3D printer, laser cutter, embroidery machine, sewing machines, and audio recording studio offering classes and equipment access for patrons to create custom projects.
• Kitchen Table Creative Lab Demonstration kitchen creative lab for cooking and nutrition programming, exploring culinary traditions, and hands-on culinary skills education hosting programs like Thursday's Table and Teen Kitchen Lab.
• SymBozium Civil Discourse Series Award-winning moderated forum that engages the community in respectful and productive conversation around complex topics featuring subject-matter experts representing varied points of view.
• Summer Learning Program Summer educational programs for children and families including reading challenges, storytimes, hands-on STEAM programs, art projects, and community events.
• Music on the Green Outdoor live music concert series held on the library's front lawn featuring family-friendly performances in a relaxed downtown environment.
• Art in the Atrium Rotating monthly art exhibits in the library's Atrium Gallery showcasing local artists with diverse artistic mediums, including the SLAM festival featuring collaborative art projects and fundraisers.
• Used Book Store & Sales In-library used book store and tri-annual used book sales accepting donated books, music on CD and vinyl, movies on DVD, puzzles, and games, with proceeds supporting library programs.
• Donation & Giving Programs Multiple giving options including one-time donations, monthly recurring donations, stock gifts, legacy/planned giving, and community partnerships supporting library programs, digital resources, and equipment.
• Volunteer Programs Volunteer opportunities including donation sorting, shelving, book boxing, and on-call positions supporting the used book sales operations.
• Library Gala Annual fundraising gala celebrating the library with sponsorships, community celebration, and fundraising for library initiatives including the Children's Room renovation.
• Community Partnerships Program Corporate sponsorship and partnership program supporting library programs and events, including employee matching gift opportunities for local businesses.
• Free Summer Lunch Program Partnership with HRDC to provide free summer lunches for children at the library, ensuring food access and continued participation in summer learning programs.
• Special Delivery Service Homebound delivery service for individuals unable to visit the main library or Bookmobile, pairing homebound patrons with volunteers who select and deliver materials.
• Health & Wellness Classes Free health and wellness programs including yoga, mindfulness sessions, nutrition workshops, and wellness seminars open to all community members.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,014,000+ items checked out in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration10 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• HRDCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership to bring Free Summer Lunch Program back to the library in 2025 after the library lost eligibility for federal reimbursement. Foundation funds the program through donations.
• Intercity Radiology PCminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Corporate sponsor that contributed to funding the 2025 Free Summer Lunch Program at the library.
• Bozeman HealthminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Corporate sponsor that contributed to funding the 2025 Free Summer Lunch Program at the library.
• Yellowstone OrthodonticsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Corporate sponsor that contributed to funding the 2025 Free Summer Lunch Program at the library.
• Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at University of MontanaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2024Co-hosting the program 'Reimagining Democracy in the Age of AI' with Bruce Schneier. The Mansfield Center sponsors dialogues on ethics and diplomacy.
• Montana World Affairs CouncilminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2024Co-hosting the program 'NATO at 75: Past Success, Present Challenges, Future' with Daniel Kochis from Hudson Institute.
• Montana Library Association (MLA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation works alongside MLA to advocate for funding for all Montana libraries. MLA is a group of professional librarians providing training and support, and plans to lobby for state funding in legislative sessions.
• Montanans for LibrariescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn advocacy platform uniting library supporters to champion better resources and equitable access for all Montanans. Focused on the legislative session and statewide resource-sharing programs.
• American Library Association (ALA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation partnered with ALA's Unite Against Book Bans campaign, a national grassroots effort to engage the public in fighting censorship and defending intellectual freedom.
• D.A. Davidson / Bozeman Wealth Management GroupminorOthersFinancial institution used for receiving stock donations. DTC Number: 0361. Brokerage house contact: 406-587-5461.
• Friends of Bozeman Public LibrarycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOperates the used bookstore located under the east stairway at the library and holds quarterly used book sales, with presale access for monthly donors.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Boulder Library Foundation: Small-to-mid-sized Colorado library foundation supporting programming and capital needs of Boulder Public Library — similar small-community, donor-driven operating model.
• Denver Public Library Foundation: Independent foundation that funds programs, collections, and capital needs for Denver Public Library via individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and signature events — same structure and donor mix.
• Pikes Peak Library District Foundation: Colorado-based library foundation supporting programs, technology, and outreach for a regional library district — comparable geographic and rural-outreach profile to Gallatin County.
• Indianapolis Public Library Foundation: A 501(c)(3) fundraising foundation supporting a large Midwestern municipal public library system through annual giving, events, and capital campaigns — directly comparable mission and revenue model.
• Nashville Public Library Foundation: Nonprofit that raises private funds to expand Nashville Public Library programs, collections, and capital projects; comparable mission and reliance on corporate + individual giving.
• Friends of Multnomah County Library: Independent nonprofit 'Friends of the Library' organization that funds programs and operates a used book store for a major metropolitan library — shares the used-bookstore revenue stream and volunteer model.
• Seattle Public Library Foundation: Fundraising arm for the Seattle Public Library, running annual campaigns, signature events, and endowment programs — directly analogous governance and program-funding model.
• San Diego Public Library Foundation: Nonprofit foundation supporting the San Diego Public Library system through major gifts, planned giving, and corporate partnerships; comparable in scale and reliance on community-led fundraising.
• Friends of the Hennepin County Library: Volunteer-driven nonprofit supporting a large suburban/urban Minnesota library system through book sales and fundraising — directly comparable community-led, event-driven model.

Others

• Montana Library Association: Statewide professional association that partners with the foundation on advocacy and legislative funding efforts — adjacent ecosystem participant rather than direct peer, but a relevant coalition partner.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/support-bozeman-library

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation