The Northeast Kansas Library Foundation is a new organization created to support library services in Northeast Kansas. The foundation has been recognized as a tax-exempt support organization by the IRS, and will pursue the following goals:
- Apply for grants and other financial assistance that is restricted to 501-c-3 tax exempt non-profit organizations.
- Provide a legal entity to enable local libraries that do not a have a local 501-c-3 organization to apply for grants.
- Accept gifts for the benefit of individual libraries or for improvement of regional library services.
- Perform other activities on behalf of regional library service that the Northeast Kansas Library System is not able to perform directly.
The Foundation will at all times encourage donors to give first consideration to donating funds to, or on behalf of their local library.
The Board of Directors of the Northeast Kansas Library foundation includes:
- Kathy Jordan, Ottawa
- Steve Fike, Louisburg
- Gloria Creed-Dikeogu, Lawrence
- Rita Higley, Horton,
- Gerald Speidel, Hiawatha
The Foundation Board is seeking additional members. Prior knowledge of non-profit foundation operations and willingness to represent the Foundation in your community is helpful. The Foundation Board is expected to meet annually, and at other times as needed.
Jim Minges is the Director of NEKLS. You can reach him by email (jminges (at) nekls.org) or by phone. Visit the 
