What to Expect
Where do I start?The foundation has hosted outreach events with eligible libraries all around the state. We asked everyone ‘what stops you from submitting an application’. We heard that time is frequently the primary obstacle but we also heard from potential applicants that they are intimidated by the application process and hesitant to call us for guidance.
Our website contains a short tutorial if you would like some instruction to de-mystify the process. If your request requires you to provide vendor quotes, you will need to be able to upload documents from your computer. These quotes can be PDFs or Word docs. Screenshots are not a substitute.
If staff members at the foundation have questions or need more information from an applicant, we will reach out before, and sometimes after, the grant deadline. We may also use a feature in the application software to make suggestions for further editing after it has been submitted. All of this will be done prior to any formal grant review.
All library grant applications are first reviewed by our grant review committee. This committee includes a team of experienced librarians who are also successful grantees appointed by the Texas Library Association. They make recommendations to our board of directors who make the final decisions.
Grant decisions for our January grant cycle are usually released in mid-late March and grant decisions for our June cycle are usually released in mid-late August.
Applications for digitization and automation projects are reviewed soon after they are submitted.
Inevitably some grants will be declined. Notification of a decline will arrive in a letter with feedback as to why it was declined.
Many grants are approved. Notification of an approval will start with an email followed by an envelope containing a grant contract and further instructions.

The more we engage with each other, the more we learn about your vision and the more that helps us to be a strong partner.
Our mission is to support rural libraries and the communities that they serve. Your successful grant project helps us to accomplish our goal.
Were you approved?
Release of funds will depend upon the type of project you are executing. For smaller projects like collection development, the funds are released upon receipt of the contract. For larger projects like furniture and shelving, funds are released upon receipt of all ordered items and a vendor invoice.

Most projects are completed within twelve months of grant notification. With the exception of digitization projects, the final step is the submission of the final report. This report is due at that time. Once we have acknowledged receipt of your report, you are eligible to apply for another grant.

The more we engage with each other, the more we learn about your vision and the more that helps us to be a strong partner.
Our mission is to support rural libraries and the communities that they serve. Your successful grant project helps us to accomplish our goal.