This Giving Day, September 17, 2026, is special this year!
You Can Help Hire a Librarian to Oversee CMI's Most Important Resource
Continue Annual Support of CMI
AND Double Your Gift!
When you give, you. . . .

WAYS TO FULFILL YOUR INTENT FOR CHURCH MUSIC

1. An online gift through the Communities Foundation on or before September 17,
2026.

2. Writing a check to the Church Music Institute.

3. An online gift through the Church Music Institute website.
Advantages are:

4. Gifts of appreciated securities transferred directly to CMI. Go to the Church
Music Institute website, scroll to lower right of screen.
Advantages are:

5. Gifts from IRA and Charitable Gift Funds operate like #4 with all the same
benefits.

Secure the future of CMI’s most important resource:
the online Choral and Organ Libraries!

HELP CMI HIRE A NEW PROFESSIONAL LIBRARIAN!

BACKGROUND

Dr. Robert Mann                    Dr. Margaret Evans                    Mr. Lee Corbin

In 2007, Dr. Robert Mann consulted with music librarians at the University of North Texas and Westminster Choir College to design the online database to house choral and organ music with search criteria specific to planners of congregational worship.  Now, nearly 20 years later, his faithful volunteer work, along with that of Dr. Margaret Evans and Lee Corbin, results in the nearly 65,000 titles of music housed in hard copy for preservation and online for ease in access.

Now, the CMI libraries are ready for a professional librarian to oversee, curate, grow, coordinate volunteers, and facilitate use of the libraries for years to come.

Funding Sought

Funding is needed for a position to secure and advance the work of professional volunteers.  We ask our faithful donors to stretch giving this year to first renew support of the annual fund, and then to add an extra gift to underwrite the salary of a professional librarian.

What users say about the CMI libraries

“I am a fan of CMI thanks to their vast library of organ music, presented on their website in an easy-to-browse interface.  CMI is important because they preserve many pieces of music that are no longer in print.” – Methodist Organist from Kent, WA

“I really enjoy the organ library database!” – Doctoral student in organ, member of the Paul Lindsley Thomas Society

“The work CMI does to preserve, document, and catalogue repertoire is singularly impactful.  It ensures church musicians have access to a wide swath of repertoire, and it challenges us to expand our own personal libraries and offerings, allowing us to intersect our ministry with the Word and Sacrament, crafting exceptional experiences for the worshipping communities we serve today.” – Episcopal Director of Music from Chicago, IL

“I have frequently found just the right title that meets our purposes. CMI has made my job just a bit easier and I consider it a valuable resource, which I access on a regular basis, that makes it well worth the annual expenditure.” – Presbyterian Minister of Music and Resident Organist from Long Beach, CA

“As a volunteer church organist with no formal music education other than organ lessons, I find the CMI library an invaluable tool to assist me in selecting repertoire.  The search features are well-designed, and I often find just the right piece.  The library is a joy to use!” – Volunteer Lutheran church organist in Minnesota

“The online libraries have been a valuable resource for me.  I use both the choral and organ libraries to search for repertoire based on hymn tunes.  The platform allows me to find organ preludes and postludes by the same tune name, as well as choral music tailored to specific liturgical seasons or Sundays.  It has been an incredible time-saving tool in my work as a church music director.” – Catholic Music Director from Bend, OR