Finger Lakes Library System
Finger Lakes Library System (FLLS) is a public charity based in Ithaca, New York. Chartered by New York State in 1958, it is a cooperative system serving 33 independent public libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties. Its support includes state-funded aid and grant opportunities for member libraries, as well as services for underserved groups across its service area.
Finger Lakes Library System at a glance
In short: Finger Lakes Library System gave $745K across 16 grants in 2024 (avg $47K), mostly in New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $744,647
- +597.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 16
- +60.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $46,540
- +335.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,868
- Total assets
- $4,508,040
- +1.0% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New York (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Finger Lakes Library System
- How to Apply
-
For Outreach Mini-Grants, member libraries can consult the FLLS Outreach Grants LibGuide for application materials. Construction grant applications for the service area are administered through FLLS.
- Contact
Mailing address: 1300 Dryden Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: (607) 273-4074
Website: https://flls.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Finger Lakes Library System funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Tompkins County Public Librar ($558K). Together the top 10 received $702K.
Grant Size Distribution
62 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 59 grants of 62 (95%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
FLLS serves libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties. Its 2024 grant dollars went entirely to recipients in New York State.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 16 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Finger Lakes Library System gives
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $107K (2023) to $745K (2024). In 2024 it made 16 grants totaling $745K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tompkins County Public Librar Ithaca, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose, CDLA, Bullet | $558,094 |
| Cortland Free Library Cortland, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose, Bullet | $25,322 |
| Groton Public Library Groton, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose, Mini Grant | $23,340 |
| Ulysses Phiomathic Library Trumansburg, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose, Bullet | $20,514 |
| Seneca Falls Library Seneca Falls, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose, Bullet | $14,993 |
| Seymour Public Library Dist Auburn, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose, Mini Grant | $14,776 |
| Hazard Library Association Poplar Ridge, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose, Bullet | $13,493 |
| Southworth Library Assoc Dryden, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose, Mini Grant, | $10,993 |
| Cady Library Nichols, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose | $10,742 |
| Lamont Memorial Free Library McGraw, NY | LLSA, Special Purpose, Mini Grant | $9,623 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4,508,040 | $1,632,448 | $1,637,490 | $744,647 | 16 | $43,907 |
| 2023 | $4,465,089 | $2,163,285 | $1,525,845 | $106,797 | 10 | $14,265 |
| 2022 | $3,833,789 | $1,768,257 | $1,489,538 | $239,428 | 22 | $4,827 |
| 2021 | $3,557,709 | $1,662,099 | $1,432,869 | $260,560 | 11 | $5,885 |
| 2020 | $3,751,649 | $1,645,015 | $1,442,423 | $142,920 | 3 | $-41,488 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
FLLS’s mission is “to stimulate, coordinate and strengthen library and information services within Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties.”
Its grant opportunities include outreach mini-grants to help member libraries serve underserved groups and people with special needs; Family Literacy mini-grants for literacy work with at-risk youth from birth through age 21; and construction grants for eligible public library projects. The libraries supported in 2024 describe their own work in terms including providing information, materials, and programs; promoting literacy; and offering books, internet access, and other public library services. For example, Cortland Free Library says it provides resources and programs that educate, inspire, enrich, entertain, and inform, while Groton Public Library describes its work as promoting literacy and serving as a community information center.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, FLLS reported 16 grants totaling $744,647. The grants ranged from $5,493 to $558,094, with a median of $10,868. The largest listed grant was $558,094 to Tompkins County Public Library in Ithaca. Other notable grants included $25,322 to Cortland Free Library, $23,340 to Groton Public Library, $20,514 to Ulysses Phiomathic Library, and $14,993 to Seneca Falls Library. The filing lists LLSA and special-purpose aid among grant purposes, and also identifies CLDA and bullet or mini-grant designations for some grants.
FLLS’s website says member libraries may receive $300–$3,000 per year through Outreach Mini-Grants. It also announced $25,000 available for the 2026–2027 cycle, with applications due March 31, 2026; that deadline has passed. The website says the program typically opens in November, with applications due in March. Outreach grant recipients are selected by the Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Council with input from FLLS librarians.
FLLS also administers New York State construction aid for its service area. The program is competitive and can support eligible acquisition, construction, renovation, rehabilitation, and broadband infrastructure projects; routine maintenance is not eligible. The website lists a minimum allocation of $2,500 per project for the 2026–2027 program year, with no set maximum award.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Sarah Glogowski as Executive Director; Martin Toombs as President; Cynthia Mannino as Vice President; and Elaine Meyers as Secretary. Trustees listed are Kathryn Maroney, Priscilla Berggren-Thomas, Micci Bogard, Patricia Schaffer, and Bonnie Thomas.
Finger Lakes Library System is led by Sarah Glogowski, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 9 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sarah Glogowski
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$95K (2020) → $112K (2024)
Martin Toombs
President
Vice President → President, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Micci Bogard
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Patricia Schaffer
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bonnie Thomas
Trustee
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kathryn Maroney
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Priscilla Berggren-Thomas
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cynthia Mannino
Vice President
Trustee → Vice President, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elaine Meyers
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (8)
- Former: Liz Hudson (2020–2023) — Finance Chair
- Former: Sue Heavenrich (2020–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Sharon Campanella (2020–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Deborah J. Lewis (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Gary Seymour (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Kay Zaharis (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Susan Marteney (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Steven Moolin (2020) — President
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $112K, to Sarah Glogowski (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about Finger Lakes Library System
How much does Finger Lakes Library System give each year?
Finger Lakes Library System gave $745K across 16 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $107K across 10 grants.
What is Finger Lakes Library System's typical grant size?
Finger Lakes Library System's median grant in 2024 was $10,868, and its average grant was $46,540, across 16 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Finger Lakes Library System give grants?
Finger Lakes Library System gives mostly in New York: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there.
Does Finger Lakes Library System give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 16 grants with a stated purpose on Finger Lakes Library System's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "LLSA, Special Purpose, Mini Grant" (8 grants) and "LLSA, Special Purpose, Bullet" (6 grants).
Who are Finger Lakes Library System's largest grantees?
Finger Lakes Library System's largest 2024 grantees include Tompkins County Public Librar ($558,094), Cortland Free Library ($25,322) and Groton Public Library ($23,340), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 81% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Finger Lakes Library System?
Finger Lakes Library System reported $4.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.6M.
What does Finger Lakes Library System fund?
FLLS’s mission is “to stimulate, coordinate and strengthen library and information services within Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Finger Lakes Library System?
For Outreach Mini-Grants, member libraries can consult the FLLS Outreach Grants LibGuide for application materials. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Finger Lakes Library System's EIN?
Finger Lakes Library System's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 15-0613223. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 20, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 17, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 30, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 22, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Finger Lakes Library System's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Community Foundation of Tompkins County Inc
Ithaca, NY
The foundation funds flexible operating support and other grants for organizations serving Tompkins County, with interests including equity, racial and social justice, community resilience, and organizational capacity. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,200 to $145,272, with a median of $11,000; the 2026 regular-cycle grants offered up to $15,000. Unsolicited off-cycle requests are not accepted: applicants must first consult foundation staff and receive an invitation to apply.
Assets
$31.9M
Grants
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Total Given
$2.1M
Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation
Binghamton, NY
The foundation supports transportation for older adults and organizations serving seniors in Tioga County, New York. In 2025, its grants ranged from $3,000 to $60,050 for program support, alongside a much larger $1.3 million liquidation grant; it gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
—
Grants
3
Total Given
$1.4M
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
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Total Given
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Nelson B Delavan Found Part
Chicago, IL
This foundation supports libraries, arts and cultural organizations, museums, and schools, with grants typically around $5,000 (the 2025 median) and amounts ranging from $650 to $14,500. It is based in Chicago but directed most 2025 grant funding to New York organizations. It accepts applications through JPMorgan Chase Bank’s online grants process.
Assets
$3.8M
Grants
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Total Given
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Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation Inc
Nichols, NY
The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations addressing poverty and community deterioration through community development, housing, health, youth, and family services in Broome, Tioga, and Chemung counties in New York and Bradford County, Pennsylvania. Recent grants ranged from $20,000 to $50,000 among the examples provided; it reported 100 grants totaling $1.41 million in 2023 and none in 2024. Its 2024 filing says it accepts only requests from preselected organizations, although its website lists an application for the 2026 cycle.
Assets
$10K
Grants
100
Total Given
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Ralph R Wilkins Foundation Inc
Cortland, NY
The foundation supports charitable organizations and projects such as camperships, repairs, program support, accessibility, and community services. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $4,500, with a median of $2,000; grants primarily went to New York recipients. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1M
Grants
31
Total Given
$65K
More similar funders
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Finger Lakes Library System funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/finger-lakes-library-system-morg_9f731f33d2f344039c7dafb703e7fac5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_150613223_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Finger Lakes Library System funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/finger-lakes-library-system-morg_9f731f33d2f344039c7dafb703e7fac5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Finger Lakes Library System's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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