Apply

Step 1: Prepare

1. Watch TSLAC Grant Opportunities for FY 2026. This webinar will provide information about the grant process. 
    
2. Download and read the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the program in which you are interested in applying. Inside, you will find the information on eligibility requirements as well as a scoring matrix that will provide guidance on the best information to include in your application to ensure the best scoring outcome. 
    
3. Check to make sure you have an active login for the Grants Management System (GMS). The GMS Contact Import Template (.xsl) needs to be fully completed and submitted to the grants staff to establish GMS access and the appropriate permissions. Please contact grants@tsl.texas.gov for assistance.
    
4.  Find out who has sigining authority for your library. Someone with the authority to enter into legal contracts on behalf of the library must sign the Grant Application Certification form required for submission with your grant package. Your signing authority is most often someone like a City Manager, County Judge, or Library Board Chair. 
   
   Build time into your schedule to collect the appropriate signature on the Grant Application Certification Form. We understand that these signatures may prove difficult to obtain given the present situation. We are willing to work with you if you let us know you may run into difficulties with this task. 

Step 2: Compile and Review

• QUESTIONS & SCORING: The questions you will be asked in the grant application can be found inside the Notice of Funding Opportunity for each grant program. You will also find a scoring rubric detailing how each question will be scored by the grant reviewers. Use this information to compile information for your responses. 
   
• PRE-WRITING: Write and save your responses in a word processing program (Microsoft Word, etc) for review and editing before transferring them to GMS. This also serves as a back-up should something go awry during the submission process. 
   
• SPECIAL CHARACTERS: GMS does not like special characters or formatting. For example, if you want to include a list, use a dash to delineate your points rather than bullet points. 
   
• REVIEW & EDIT: Write early, edit frequently, and have several sets of eyes proofread review your proposal before submission.
   
• COMPILE: A completed application with all required documentation includes the following components:
  • A completed grant application (program narrative and budget)
  • Grant Application Certification Form (print, sign, and upload)*
  • Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) certification form (print, sign, and upload)**
  • Letter of cooperation (if applicable) - See NOFO for details
  • Letters of support (optional) - See NOFO for details

*Please reference the FAQ tab for details on who is authorized to sign the Grant Application Certification form.

**You must submit a completed CIPA even if your grant submission has nothing to do with technology. The CIPA is a mandatory form for a complete grant submission.  

Step 3: Apply

Pay close attention to the deadline for application submission. There are several ways to submit a completed application.

• TSLAC GMS: Submission through the TSLAC Grant Management System (GMS) is preferred. 
   
• EMAIL: Send completed applications with all required documentation to grants@tsl.texas.gov. Please include the grant year and the program for which you are applying in the subject line. For example: FY25 Grant Submission: TexTreasures
   
• FAX: Fax completed applications with all required documenation to 512-936-2306. Please include the grant year and program for which you are applying on the cover page. 
   
• MAIL: Mail completed applications with all required documenation to TSLAC

Library Development & Networking
2024 TSLAC Competitive Grants
P.O. Box 12927
Austin, TX 78711

A completed application with all required documentation includes:

1. A completed grant application (program narrative and budget)
2. Grant Application Certification Form (print, sign, and upload)*
3. Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) certification form (print, sign, and upload)**
4. Letter of cooperation (if applicable) - See NOFO for details
5. Letters of support (optional) - See NOFO for details