What is the difference between operating and capital budgets?
All organizations spend money for operating and capital purposes. For the Library, operating funds cover materials and collections, staff costs, utilities, routine maintenance and similar items. Capital funds cover major improvements to new or renovated facilities such as a new roof, heating and ventilation and other non-routine outlays. The two budgets are separate and funders often specify which budget they support. For Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the majority of our operating dollars come from sales tax revenues, via the Allegheny Regional Asset District. Donations to our Capital Campaign are restricted to renovate, build or relocate facilities.
