A common question that I get, especially from new board members, is about where funds come from to support YALSA and its members. The answer is pretty straightforward, although not one many people expect. Member dues make up only about a third of YALSA’s total funding. The other two thirds comes from product sales (award seals, books & e-learning); events (YA Services Symposium & ticketed events at ALA conferences); grants; corporate sponsorships; interest from YALSA’s endowments; and individual donations. Many people are surprised to learn that funds from ALA or the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) are not a part of YALSA’s annual budget. Actually, YALSA receives important services from ALA, such as HR and legal counsel, but not regular financial support. IMLS offers competitive grants that YALSA is eligible for, and we have been awarded two. If you’re interested, you can learn more about YALSA finances in my latest annual report.
All the funds that come into YALSA, from whatever source, are used to
- Provide members with services and support, like free monthly webinars and the summer learning grants we now have available
- Create and share resources with the library community, at no cost to library staff, such as our short, informational videos and newest toolkit about teen literacies