VCU Libraries has reached the halfway point in its quest to raise $1 million in new gifts and pledges by June 30, 2017 to

As of August 8, VCU Libraries has raised $501,149 from 128 generous donors.

“This is a significant achievement for a library,” says Kelly Gotschalk, director of development and major gifts.

“Everyone on campus depends on the libraries. But, we don’t have a built-in alumni base. Every VCU grad is an alumnus of VCU Libraries. Donors find their way to us because they understand how vital the library is to the core purposes and needs of the university and its faculty and students.”  

When VCU Libraries reaches the $1 million goal, the Cabell Foundation will commit $1 million, bringing the total raised to $2 million for the new library. Half of the funds will support the which will outfit and equip the new library with the kind of furnishings and equipment not provided by state funds. The other half of the funds will create a an endowment earmarked to continually update technology in the building and to replace worn-out, broken and outdated furniture.

Gifts thus far have been weighted toward the New Building portion of the campaign, with $380,293 raised, while gifts and pledges totaling 120,855 have been given for the Library of the Future Fund.

“VCU Libraries is in an exciting period of transition, said University Librarian John E. Ulmschneider. "To borrow the often-quoted passage from George Eliot’s Middlemarch, ‘It is never too late to be what you might have been.’ This is certainly the case with VCU Libraries, which is evolving at a rapid pace to keep pace with the technological, research and study needs of the VCU community.

“The challenge grant from the Cabell Foundation is a great motivator for those who have never considered supporting the library before to make a gift, as well as inspiring many of our long-time friends to give again, multiple times in some cases. The amount of gifts VCU Libraries has received since the challenge was issued is record breaking.”

To make a gift or pledge to help VCU Libraries reach the goal of the Cabell Challenge, visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/vculibrariesmakeagift and select either the New Building Fund or Library of the Future Fund. If you would like more info on how to make a gift to VCU Libraries (including making a multi-year pledge or adding VCU Libraries to your estate plans, please contact Kelly Gotschalk, Director of Development and Major Gifts at (804) 827-1163 or kjgotschalk@vcu.edu.