According to the Minnesota Public Library Trustee Handbook:
"Any size library may create a library foundation. Foundations involve non-library users as well as library patrons to increase awareness of library services and resources throughout the community. The non-profit status of a foundation provides a platform for raising money and support for current library services as well as securing a financial future for the library. Foundations, like Friends groups, are established as 501(c)(3) non-profits."
Public libraries in Southeastern Minnesota can avail themselves of the combined foundation managed by SELCO or maintain their own foundation.