FAQ

Are there any provisions on what TSLAC grants will not fund? 

This grant program will NOT fund the following costs:

• Building construction, renovation, or repair, including fixtures and services.
• Food, beverages, food delivery equipment or services. 
• Awards, honoraria, prizes, or gifts.
• Equipment or technology not specifically needed to carry out the goals of the grant.
• Transportation/travel for participants or library personnel or performers or presenters whose purpose is to entertain rather than to educate.
• Databases currently offered or similar to ones offered by the agency (i.e., a magazine index database may not be purchased if a comparable one is provided by the agency).
• Collection development purchases not targeted directly to the grant goals nor integral to the serices program.
• Advertising or public relations costs not directly related to promoting awareness of grant-funded activities.
• Performers or presenters whose purpose is to entertain rather than to educate.
• Other expenses as excluded in specific grant program guidelines.

The Notice of Funding Opportunity for each grant program will contain a more detailed list of  eligibility. 

How do I get set-up in GMS or make changes to my current GMS account?

If you need a GMS account or need to make changes to an existing GMS account, please fill out THIS FORM and email it to grants@tsl.texas.gov with your request. Someone will contact you with further information concerning your request. 

How do I submit my grant application? 

Grant applications and required documents can be submitted electronically, using:

• TSLAC's grant managment system (GMS). TSLAC uses a grant management system or GMS that enables applicants to apply for grants electronically through a web portal at https://grants.tsl.texas.gov.
• By mail. Mail submissions must be postmarked on or before the grant deadline. Please send mail submissions to: 

TSLAC Grants
Texas State Library and Archives Commision
Library Development & Networking Division
PO Box 12927
Austin, Texas 78701

What needs to be in my grant application? 

The grant application consists of the following components:

1.     Application Certification Form signed by appropriate signing authority.
2.     Program narrative and budget.
3.     Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) certification form .

Before submitting an application, applicant organizations must have a current and active federal Unique Entity ID (UEI). The federal government uses a unique identifier for each entity (company, non-profit, organization, etc.) that does business with the federal government. 

If you are currently registered in SAM.gov, you’ve already been assigned a SAM Unique Entity ID. It’s viewable on your entity registration record in SAM.gov. If you have never registered at SAM.gov or have never applied for a grant with TSLAC or other state or federal agency, you will need to initiate the process of obtaining a SAM UEI at SAM.gov. 

To get started registering your entity, to renew your registration, or for more information, visit SAM.gov or to refer to the Quick Start Guide for Getting a Unique Entity ID, published by the US General Services Administration (GSA).

Where can I find the Grant Application Certification Form in GMS? 

Your Grant Application Certification Form is located within your GMS application. It is pre-populated with your information as you fill out your application. Below is a screenshot of where you can locate your Grant Application Certfication Form within your GMS application. Print it out, have it signed by your governing authority, and upload it to your grant application in GMS as a note.

How do I know who is authorized to sign the Grant Application Certification Form? 

The Grant Application Certification Form must be signed by someone authorized to enter into legal contracts on behalf of the library. Most often, this a City Manager, County Judge, or Library Board Chair. 

On rare occasions, a Library Director will be given proxy by the signing authority to enter into these contracts on behalf of the library. If that is the case, you must file an official letter with TSLAC designating this person as proxy. Letters of proxy should be addressed to Grants Administrator and sent to grants@tsl.texas.gov. Proxy letters must be on file with TSLAC before you submit your grant for review. Please reference this sample letter for details on what a proxy letter must include. 

Who can submit the grant for the library?

Any individual authorized to use GMS and having the correct security roles within the GMS system will be able to submit the application. A complete submission packet includes the application, a completed CIPA form, and a completed Grant Application Certification form.