2024 Top-Rated Nonprofit

The San Jose Public Library Foundation

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Education, Libraries, Philanthropy

Mission: The San José Public Library Foundation provides advocacy, financial support, and leadership to our public libraries and educational programs throughout San José to create an educated, equitable, and engaged community.

Community Stories

55 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

amytran General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/04/2024

SJPLF’s work makes sure the library can help other people like it helped me. When I first came to San Jose, I didn’t have the necessary skills to get a job that would support my family. I went to the library and checked out tapes on how to use Microsoft Excel, and then signed up for English classes. These tutorials helped me develop the skills I needed to land my first office job. I'm so grateful to SJPLF for their support of our library.

e.la General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/01/2024

If you're looking for a nonprofit that is making a real impact in San Jose, I highly recommend SJPLF. Their work is essential for promoting education, literacy, community, and a love of learning.

As an English teacher in the East Side Union High School District for almost ten years now, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of a vibrant library. It's a welcoming place to people of all ages and backgrounds, where our community members, can explore new perspectives and find inspiration. That's why I'm so grateful for the work of the San Jose Public Library Foundation.

andreewnguyenn General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2024

The San Jose Public Library Foundation is a champion of our community's diverse intellectual and cultural well-being. When I first joined the East Side Union High School District as a social science teacher, I was worried about not having the tools I needed to help me be a great teacher. I quickly found that the library has everything I need, and I love sharing those resources with my students. Thank you SJPLF for supporting the library!

obtmf General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/27/2024

The San Jose Public Library Foundation staff are passionate and dedicated, and their commitment to providing essential support is making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. I wholeheartedly recommend supporting this wonderful organization.

aakankshapatel General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/24/2024

Libraries are the cornerstones of our community, and the San Jose Public Library Foundation (SJPLF) is vital in keeping their doors open. What truly stands out is their unwavering commitment to making literature and learning accessible to all. Their diverse programs—ranging from storytime for children to workshops for teens and events for adults—nurture a love for reading and learning across generations. I’ve personally experienced their impact; the Evergreen Branch has been my safe space since I was five, empowering individuals and families in meaningful ways.

thatsverynice General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/23/2024

Growing up on the East Side where support was limited, the library was a beacon of hope for me. I was provided the tools and resources I needed to succeed and complete my education. From visiting the Evergreen branch as a child to finish my second grade reading logs, to pulling all nighters in college at the MLK library, the San Jose Public Library Foundation is a cornerstone of our community that continues providing invaluable support to the library that serves us all.

amityh General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/23/2024

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Library was my second home throughout my college years. Especially during the late nights studying, the library was often the only place I had to go. The library is vital to many students and SJPLF’s efforts in supporting the library are incredibly appreciated.

chickenfry123 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/23/2024

I've been a resident of San Jose my whole life, and the library has always been a central part. The San Jose Public Library Foundation's work is a testament to the power of philanthropy. Their fundraising efforts have helped to keep the library's doors open, and I'm so thankful for their dedication in ensuring that the library remains accessible to everyone.

FreshJoe24 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/03/2024

I have always been an avid supporter of San Jose Public Libraries and the work they do in our communities, especially those with the highest needs. Being a public school educator and leader for over 11 years, I have experienced the firsthand impact of the library's work in collaboration with community organizations. I know that this work is fueled by the work the San Jose Public Library Foundation does in support of our libraries. Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend an event at City Hall with Chef Martin Yan. The team at the library was extremely welcoming and the event was a huge success. We had a wonderful time and I look forward to continuing my support of The San Jose Public Library Foundation!

Donoghue Board Member

Rating: 5

09/23/2024

I am excited to be supporting the work of the San Jose Public Foundation (SJPLF). Our San Jose public libraries provide critical services to our community ensuring access, community, equity and knowledge as a path to upward mobility. SJPLF is an efficient and effective organization that does so much with less. The foundation is a great steward of the donations provided so that the maximum benefit can be return to our community.

AliYoung General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/13/2023

Great organization supporting our libraries. I would recommend.

vivstuh General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/13/2023

This organization is the bomb.com! Really great work.

ofelia408 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/24/2023

The San Jose Public Library Foundation (SJPLF ) has been a strong advocate and supporter of library programs and services for the community. The SJPLF has raised funds to support and further enhance adult literacy via the Partners in Reading Program and other programs at SJPL. The SJPLF staff has been very humble, caring, empathetic, respectful and empowering of all library learners and tutors. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the SJPLF to serve the community and help adult learners and their families achieve their goals and aspirations.

FGarcia47 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/23/2023

Great organization and partner to the library! Grateful for their collaboration in the community.

thuytran Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/23/2023

SJPLF is an amazing organization and a strong supporter of San Jose Public Library. The people behind the scene are talented individuals who believe in the library's mission. They dedicate their time and passion to bring more library programs and services to the community at large.

ethan87 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/19/2023

Great organization that supports our public libraries.

marcoalvarez257 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/19/2023

Fantastic group of people. My time so far at the foundation has been a blast. I feel so lucky to be a part of this cause!

kayla_danielle21 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/16/2023

Hello!

My experience has been so rewarding with this non-profit. I have attend some coding classes that they help fund as well as other events that encourage education and building the community up. I have heard the stories of various program participants and how these programs have given them a job, a hope for the future, and confidence in the professional world. There is also a great sense of community at each of the library locations which SJPLF is a part of making happen.

Meri M. Board Member

Rating: 5

09/14/2023

SJPLF is well organized and attuned to needs of the community

cthielen Client Served

Rating: 5

09/12/2023

I'm grateful our San Jose libraries have a Foundation supporting the great work they do. We love taking our family to special events at the library. Keep it up!

garciareilley Board Member

Rating: 5

10/31/2022

The San Jose Public Library Foundation empowers communities and transforms lives and supports over a dozen of the public library programs. The SJ Aspires program is my favorite! It inspires high school students to be the first in their families to attend and graduate college by enabling students to earn money by completing college-readiness tasks. They can earn up to $5,000. The Career Online High School program empowers adults to complete their high school diploma. I attended the graduation at San Jose City Hall and it was incredibly moving! I saw adults become role models for their children. A grandma whose life goal was to get her high school diploma. A 20-year old mom with young kids wanting to set a good example for her little ones that education is important and worth investing the time and energy to.

loreew Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/31/2022

The SJPLF is a wonderful community resource, helping to fund impactful Library programs that support our community.

cruzc650 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/28/2022

I love working for SJPLF, great team! The foundation does so much for San Jose youth, they go the extra mile. As an employee I have been able to offer so many great opportunities to young adults on the path to establishing a career.

sbirondo Board Member

Rating: 5

10/28/2022

The foundation enriches our community through the support of educational programs as well as providing the tools and programs to empower and engage our community.

yabecca Board Member

Rating: 5

10/28/2022

The San Jose Public Library Foundation funds impactful programs directly benefiting our community. I am a San Jose resident, I am in high tech, and an SJPLF board member. The digital divide that perpetuates the economic divide throughout the Bay Area is real. Through the programs that the SJPLF supports, we create pathways and programs to increase skills and confidence for participants so they can go on to make a difference directly and indirectly in their communities and beyond.

sam.perry Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/28/2022

SJPLF goes above and beyond to help expand the programs offered by SJPL!

michellepeacock Board Member

Rating: 5

10/28/2022

SJPLF is a difference-making organization focused on enhancing and bringing Library programs to life for thousands of San Joseans. As a member of the Board of Directors, I am impressed with the full time staff and leadership, as well as the strong support they garner from the community, city council and city budget. I personally support the organization financially and am confident my donations are being used to help people finish high school, work on college, learn job skills and be better prepared to excel in their career of choice.

charlib Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2022

SJPLF is a wonderful organization that supports not only the Library, but the city of San Jose with it's many free and accessible programs created for our shared community.

OritKN Board Member

Rating: 5

10/27/2022

I used to visit the San Jose public library with my kids to lend books but had no idea about the amazing programs supported by the foundation, until I recently joined the leadership team as a board member.
I found a very engaged and professional team who is dedicated to improve the life of the San Jose community, removing barriers and close the digital divide in the Bay area: from supporting early education programs up to college and career preparation. All the programs are free and accessible to the public.
I'm very proud to be part of this organization!

AlexK1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/26/2022

I love the SJPLF! It funds very important programs that provide access to technology in Silicon Valley and works to close other social gaps that exist here. They are forward thinking and professional. Great organization!

JHayesFugal Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/26/2022

SJPLF is a fantastic nonprofit that makes a real difference for the communities they serve. They provide critical funding to support essential library programming that transforms lives and expands opportunities for the people of San Jose.

jpulliam Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/05/2021

The San Jose Public Library Foundation (SJPLF) is an incredible organization to be part of and support. Every day, SJPLF is ensuring the needs of our diverse communities are represented in the programs they support AND working to improve access and opportunity for those in our community who have the fewest resources.

patwolfe Board Member

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

Low overhead. Very involved with community needs works with supporting programs for all ages. Leadership weighs decisions and makes good decisions for the community and the foundation. In the last 3 years the growth and effectiveness of this organization is amazing.

Scott W.11 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

So proud to be a part of this phenomenal organization creating a more educated, equitable and engaged community in San Jose. We have a high caliber leader in our Executive Director with a staff dedicated to continuously improving the lives of people who rely on the public library system.

My experience working on the Board of Directors has been highly valuable, and I ask to please consider joining us in supporting a place that everyone can come to learn!

ericafensom

ericafensom Board Member

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

The foundation is constantly looking at innovative ways to help the community access education and fund programs to support personal and career growth. The impact of enabling access to education supports generations of our community - from those transitioning to a new career, to young people developing to new skills, to older adults who are supporting their own development. During the pandemic, the foundation supported access to wifi for students learning at home as well as adults who wanted to complete their GED through the Career Online High School. I highly recommend this organization and I am proud to be a volunteer board member supporting its programs.

jaylandrum Board Member

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

The San Jose Public Library Foundation is making things happen, and it's more than lending books! From enabling adults to finish high school via its Career Online High School program, to providing residents and students access to quality internet, free Wi-Fi, and digital literacy programs where they otherwise have none, to providing current high school students with performance-based scholarship programs that educate them about college and career choices, SJPLF is serving the community in so many critical ways. Learn more at www.sjplf.org and help support SJPLF's efforts!

John H.17 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

The team does a great job with "non-traditional" library programs that are critical to our community. San Jose Aspires is a program targeted to high school students that allows them to learn while earning "micro-scholarships" for post-secondary education. Those "micros" can add to to $5,000 over the course of an active high school career.

Previous Stories

Board Member

Rating: 5

10/30/2020

Very impressive support of programs such as Career Online High School and Coding 5K! The Foundation is a great intermediary between the City, the public and the business community. It provides a way for anyone to support our libraries!

RoyEitan Board Member

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

I recently joint the foundation board as a board member. I joined after running a project with the library and the foundation and was very impressed with the quality of the people and work. I found the Foundation management and board very professional.
Tactically - The team that manages the day to day work of the foundation is very dedicated, resourceful and very experienced. This is driving very impressive outcomes that makes a positive impact and help the library make a difference in so many people's lives.
Strategically, as the organization is overachieving the targets, the board leadership embarked on a long term planning process. This process is also very professional, leveraging experience of several of the board members as well as external assistance and focusing on brining the organization to the next level.
I meet professionalism and friendliness in every encounter with the Foundation and it's board. As such it is an honor for me to be associated with the San Jose Public Library Foundation.

libraryuser2021 Donor

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

My donation was used efficiently and wisely. I especially appreciate their efforts towards closing the digital divide as well as adult educational achievement.

earhkat

earhkat Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/17/2021

The San Jose Public Library Foundation is a beacon of light in the the South Bay. They provide much needed workforce training resources for graduating high school students through SJ Aspires as well as those who have returned to finish their degrees through career online high school. SJPLF is providing hope to those who want better economic opportunities. Employers benefit too through the economic uplift of the community. SJPLF runs a lean organization with top notch staff, board and leadership all while delivering essential and highly impactful programs. They also manage their donors well through regular communications on both the impact and how their donations are being invested. SJPLF also adheres to nonprofit governance as well through its board fiscal and investment policies. As an experience professional who works with nonprofits and also serves as a volunteer on nonprofit boards, I have first-hand experience with SJPLF's executive director and board members. They are committed, transparent, professional and good stewards of both donor and public dollars that flow through SJPLF. I'm honored to know them.

benjaminhaggith Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/14/2021

Our firm has worked with SJPLF for the past year and a half and it is incredible seeing the work they do. Every SJPLF team member we’ve worked with clearly has a passion for improving the lives of those in the San Jose community and goes above and beyond to give back.

Katie Rhea S. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/06/2020

The Library Foundation offers helpful resources and programs shaped for the community it serves. I am genuinely impressed with the way it sees a need and works to help fill it creatively and thoughtfully.

Kavitha K. Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/05/2020

They support essential Library programs such as Coding5K, SummerLearning, and many more. Awesome!

1

Cory123 Board Member

Rating: 5

11/05/2020

Innovative programs, well run, responsive to community needs

anngrab General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/05/2020

SJPLF is an amazing organization that maximizes resources for library users and the broader San Jose community. Over the last three years SJPLF has supported an expansion of services that would not have been possible without their stewardship. Truly, their work and partnership with SJPL is changing lives in San Jose!

kkodonoghue Advisor

Rating: 5

11/05/2020

Wonderful organization that is making a true impact in the community.

kenpodgorsek Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/02/2020

SJPLF is a very well run Non-Profit that serves a great need for the City of San Jose, CA. Literacy and communication are foundation stones of a great community. They are able to raise much need funds to expand our communities literacy and communication. My hats off to such a great foundation.

mtlandivar Board Member

Rating: 5

10/30/2020

I have been very impressed by the San Jose Public Library Foundation. This nonprofit plays a big role in helping the diverse communities of San Jose be fully educated, equitable and engaged. Under the leadership of the Board Chair and the Executive Director, this nonprofit is stepping it up to partner with the right stakeholders to put programs in place that the community needs and wants to foster life-long learning, accelerate digital inclusion, and ensure preparedness when it matters most.

jpapier Board Member

Rating: 5

10/29/2020

What an amazing charity. They focus on helping children and adults improve their lives through programming that educates in a multitude of areas. Couldn't be happier with my donation.

slk95128 Donor

Rating: 5

10/28/2020

They are very thoughtful in acknowledging your gift. They are delivering great programs to supplement our library system. I am proud to be a sustaining donor.

drdmc Donor

Rating: 5

10/26/2020

The Library Foundation does so many amazing things to improve San Jose's public libraries but one of my favorites is Career Online High School. My paternal grandparents both died in the past couple of years and in their honor I can sponsor an adult who is motivated to study hard and earn their credentialed high school diploma - and they get entry-level career certificates too! This program is ranked first in the nation for their graduation rate within 18 months. It's a wonderful way to improve our city by giving a hand up to an individual.

stevenchitty Donor

Rating: 5

10/26/2020

Excellent San Jose charity to support! We love using all the local branches with our kids!

Nicole C. Donor

Rating: 5

10/26/2020

I love supporting these great programs helping San Jose through COVID times!

pjallen2 Donor

Rating: 5

10/26/2020

I'm honored to be a longtime supporter of SJPLF going back more than a decade. The Foundation's steadfast advocacy helps our public libraries continue to provide equitable access to information and lifelong learning!

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