Institutes such as this rely increasingly upon the goodwill of their members and friends. The Friends of the Institute of Germanic Studies aim to establish a fund, the purpose of which is to support its programme of activities and to strengthen its library, whose bookfund has been severely eroded. To date the Friends have assisted with the long-overdue redecoration of the main reading room, made general grants to the Institute, and individual Friends have generously supported the restoration of specific valuable books in the Institute's collections. In recognition of their support, Friends are guaranteed, amongst other privileges, regular notification of events, personal invitations to the Bithell Memorial Lecture and the Friends' Lecture, and an annual newsletter. Friends may subscribe individually on an annual or lifetime basis, and can increase the value of their donation substantially at no extra cost to themselves by covenanting their contributions.
Corporate membership is also open to organisations and university departments.