Agency Fundholder Spotlight: Jefferson County Library Foundation

YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis helps nonprofits build Endowment Funds that support long-term stability, create future income, and strengthen donor trust. Through affordable investment management, endowment education, personalized support, financial reporting, and annual matching funds for eligible child-serving nonprofits, YouthBridge works alongside organizations to help secure their long-term impact.

Nonprofits that establish Endowment Funds at YouthBridge are known as Agency Fundholders. Each month, YouthBridge highlights one Fundholder to recognize partnerships that strengthen and connect our community. As part of YouthBridge’s celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, this month’s spotlight features the Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCL), a meaningful example of an enduring American institution. Public libraries have deep roots in our nation’s history—the first was established nearly 30 years before the Revolutionary War—reflecting America’s long-standing commitment to knowledge, learning, and public access to information.

Patti Redel, President of the Board at Jefferson County Library Foundation, shares her insights about the value of their YouthBridge Endowment.

Q. How do you see your Endowment with YouthBridge impacting the future of your organization?

A. Our Endowment was created to allow the Foundation to work toward a sustainable future without continual fundraising efforts – which are challenging, and without great returns. The Endowment gives us the ability to breathe, knowing that our funds are safe and will be there when we need them. That is huge!

Q. What influences your decision to continue growing your Endowment through additional contributions?

A. Oh, my goodness! Seeing our annual return on our investment is a great boost to our organization. We can see our efforts paying off in a very big way. It gives us the confidence to reach out to our patrons for one-time, monthly, legacy donations that will not only give them satisfaction, but make all of our hearts smile!

Q. If asked by another nonprofit leader about the value of establishing an Endowment with YouthBridge, how would you reply and why?

A. The bottom line for any non-profit is to have the courage and dedication to establish an Endowment. Once we understood the process as well as the short- and long-term outcomes, it was a no brainer! Cindy Hayes, Executive Director of the Library District has an answer that is stellar.

“I actually referred another non-profit to YouthBridge a few weeks ago at a conference. During a presentation by an organization that works with schools and libraries, another library director asked if his Foundation could invest with them and he was told no. At the end of the event, I approached him and told him about our experience with YouthBridge”.

I think that says it all!

Q. Will Jefferson County Library celebrate American Independence Day in any special way? Please share any exciting news, milestones, or upcoming events.

A. All of our libraries have been celebrating America 250 all summer long with programming for our patrons – many that focus on our local history. We are also very excited to bring a fundraiser on October 31st: Library Mini Golf at our Arnold Library that will bring people into the library to spaces they normally do not see. Every child will receive a book and a plush toy (while supplies last). Our goal is for grandparents, parents, children and family members to experience fun in the library!

If you are interested in becoming part of the YouthBridge family and exploring your charitable giving options, please contact Andranique Joe, Director of Philanthropy.

For those who wish to make a lasting investment in the future of JCL, you may contribute directly to its Endowment through the YouthBridge website: Designated Fund for Jefferson County Library Foundation Endowment. These gifts are not general donations, but contributions to JCL’s Endowment—helping build long-term financial stability and ensuring the organization can continue serving the community for the next 250 years.