The Altadena Library Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, supports the independent Altadena Library District through fundraising and advocacy. As part of its fundraising efforts, ALF Board President Mark Mariscal approached Jericho Road Pasadena to locate a volunteer expert who could identify private and corporate foundations that might be interested in supporting the library’s work.
JRP immediately reached out to one of its most distinguished and effective volunteers: John O’Malley, principal of Pasadena-based O’Malley International Associates. The global strategic communications agency specializes in fund development consulting services for nonprofits, universities, arts groups, K-12 schools, businesses, government organizations and individuals. John is an internationally known fund development and proposal writing advisor, communications strategist and workshop and seminar leader.
Working with ALF’s list of current and past donors, John set out to create a list of grant makers whose missions align with theirs. He produced a detail-rich Excel chart of local area foundations, rated by their potential to support the library, and compiled a list of possible corporate grant makers and sponsors. Finally, he drafted two template letters seeking operating and program support grants that the Foundation could use as guides.
“John’s list and letter templates gave us a first-round direction on making contact with businesses and organizations that might be interested in offering financial assistance to the ALF,” says Mark. “Our goal is to make at least $40K in asks, realize at least $10K in support, and establish new relationships for the District.”
John is confident that his collaboration with the Foundation will give it a basis for efficient proposal planning and writing tasks. “The short-term result of getting new and updated information on local grant makers will enhance their fundraising efforts,” he says. “Longer-term impacts will include not only additional revenues for the foundation’s operations and programs, but stronger connections to the entire local philanthropic community.”
John enjoyed working with the Foundation’s leadership team and appreciated JRP’s consistent follow up and communication. “This assignment offered challenges I learned from,” he says.
The mid-century modern Altadena Main Library, designed by famed architect Boyd Georgi in a park-like setting on historic Christmas Tree Lane, was built in 1967. The Branch Library, dedicated in 1957, closed after Proposition 13 was passed in 1978, limiting property tax revenues and threatening the district’s existence. In 1991, it reopened as the Bob Lucas Memorial Branch Library and Literacy Center.
2024 donations to the Foundation are earmarked for the district’s CuriosityConnection mobile library operations, construction of Little Free Libraries in underserved areas of the city, and community-wide opportunities to engage in local arts and culture.
Thanks to volunteer Linda Taubenreuther for writing JRP social media posts!