CARES Grant Requirements
Need Help?
For more information or questions about the CARES Grant application process, please contact:
Grants Administrator
Email: grants@tsl.texas.gov
Eligibility
Through their governing authority, accredited public libraries, local public library systems, libraries that are members of the TexShare Library Consortium, or non-profit organizations that are applying on behalf of accredited libraries and/or TexShare members, are eligible to apply for funds.
Public library applicants must be accredited by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for the fiscal year in which the grant contracts are issued.
There is no requirement for cost sharing, matching funds, or cost participation with this grant program.
Applicants may only receive one award under the TSLAC CARES grant program. For example, a subrecipient for Cycle 1 funding is not eligible to submit an application for subsequent TSLAC CARES grant program cycles.
Please email the Grants Administrator with any quesitons regarding eligibility at grants@tsl.texas.gov.
Funding
This grant program will fund expansion of digital access in areas of Texas where such access is lacking. This can include the purchase of internet-enabled devices and provisions for technical support services in response to the disruption of schooling and other community services during the COVID-19 emergency. Additionally, funding may be used to address efforts that prevent, prepare for, and respond to situations arising from the COVID-19 emergency.
Funding is provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). TSLAC will conduct at least two grant cycles utilizing CARES Act funds with approximately $250,000 expected to be available for Cycle 2.
Cycle 2 funding can be utilized retroactively to cover expenses incurred beginning April 21, 2020. Please note that expenses incurred before April 21, 2020 are not eligible for reimbursement.
Cycle 2 will open for application on August 28, 2020 with an award date in November 2020.
The maximum grant award will be $25,000 for a single library location and $50,000 for a multi-branch library location.