Conference Agenda

In an increasingly competitive philanthropic landscape, music library and archives organizations must look beyond traditional fundraising to secure their long-term sustainability. This session will explore the critical role of planned giving as a powerful, yet often underutilized, strategy for non-profit organizations. Planned gifts, which include bequests, charitable trusts, and gift annuities, provide a crucial pathway for donors to make a significant and lasting impact on the institutions they care about, without affecting their current financial position.

Organizations like IAML, dedicated to music libraries, archives and documentation centres, are uniquely positioned to inspire deep loyalty and connection among their members, both active and retired, whose careers and lives have been enriched by participation in the work of the organization. Unlike annual fundraising or short-term campaigns, where funds are raised for a specific purpose and are completely expended, planned giving provides a pathway for IAML members to leave lasting legacies—whether through bequests, endowed funds, or other charitable instruments. Such gifts can support innovative programming, outreach and travel, other initiatives, and help ensure the viability of IAML for the future.

Drawing from best practices in nonprofit development and real-world examples from several IAML national branches, this session will outline the differences between fundraising and development, and how planned gifts could work for IAML in stabilizing its financial future.