• Debt Service.
• Endowment Funds.
• Normal Operating Expenses.
• Salaries.
• Employee Benefits.
• The Foundation will not consider a new request if a previously funded project is incomplete.
• The Foundation will not consider two separate applications from the same library. If the library has two or more similar projects, the projects should be prioritized on ONE grant application.

Examples of Projects Funded:

• Materials: Fiction, Non-fiction, Reference, Large Print, Non-English, Audio, Video, Adult, Young Adult, Children's, Music, Electronic, etc. The Foundation prefers that requests not exceed the amount of materials that can be purchased within one year. Request ranges have been $5,000 to $10,000.
• Remodeling and Construction: The Foundation does not generally contribute a requested amount to the overall construction or remodeling project. Requests should identify a specific project such as the shelving, carpeting, children's area, reference area etc Request ranges have been $10,000 to $55,000.
• Special Programs: Literacy Programs, Outreach Programs, Children's Programs
• Equipment: Copiers, Fax Machines, Computers, Printers, Computer Peripherals
• Library Automation: The Tocker Foundation has placed certain prerequisites for Library Automation. Request ranges have been $15,000 to $40,000.
  
  

1. The library must show that the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) has been the first source for library hardware and software. Although the TIF is primarily structured for internet access projects, much of the hardware and software will provide the library with better automation resources.

2. The library must show that the shelflist is current and collection weeding is to be completed.

3. Retrospective Conversion should be directed to a vendor that will directly bill the Tocker Foundation. The experience of the Tocker Foundation is that retrospective conversion is better achieved by contracting with an appropriate vendor. In house retrospective conversion is difficult in that the task consumes valuable volunteer & staff time, does not provide a double check data base and does not provide warranties on the final project. Retrospective conversion vendors can be separate from automation software vendors. Past projects have used Autographics, Marcive or SirS.

4. Retrospective Conversion of materials should utilize the USMARC format and the Z39.50 standard.

5. Automation Software should be Windows based.

6. Patron access terminals will be limited to two (2). The Foundation will consider the necessary hardware to make the automation project functional. Additional access terminals should be provided by other sources.

• The Tocker Foundation will seriously consider any project submitted that enhances the services provided by the public library.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Describe the project to be funded by the Tocker Foundation. Include:

• The library service area and population to be affected by the project.
• The needs your project will address.
• A tentative timeline for implementation of your project.

2. Has this library received a previous grant from the Tocker Foundation? (Mark appropriate response)

Has this grant application been reviewed by the Library System Office? The Library System offices have had experience and influence in grant applications. The Foundation recommends that the applicants submit the applications for review by the system office.

Has this grant application been reviewed by the Texas State Library Office? The Texas State Library has offered to review Library Automation Requests. Applications should be directed to Christine Peterson, Texas State Library.

3. If a grant is awarded, how will this project be funded beyond the grant year? The Tocker Foundation would like to be assured that a project would not be closed or underfunded past the initial funding. Give the expected source of funds for subscriptions, supplies, license fees and warranties. If no funding will be necessary beyond installation or implementation, enter "N/A".

4. Provide a detailed budget for your project. Include itemized costs for materials, equipment, furniture, shipping, labor, etc . This is one area of the application where a vendor can be most useful. The itemized price list, or bid may be placed in this section. Individual titles for material applications need not be listed. Over all prices by category or acceptable. Computer hardware must be detailed by the major components (i.e. patron access terminals, file server, office computer, etc )

5. Describe how this project will improve library services in your community. Denote the group(s) in your community who will benefit and how they will benefit from this project.

6. Explain how you will measure the success of your project. What are the outcomes you anticipate? If possible, denote project objectives in circulation increase or collection enhancement. Not all projects are quantifiable. The Foundation is interested in results measured by esthetics, accessibility, compliance as well as count.

7. Identify the person(s) who will implement the project, monitor the results and submit reports. Provide name(s), title(s) and address(es). The Foundation would prefer to have two (2) contacts on any application. These two contacts should be the persons responsible for implementing the submitted project.

8. Please include any additional information you believe is important.