TLA Disaster Relief Fund

The Texas Library Association awards grants from organization’s Disaster Relief Fund to libraries impacted by natural disasters. Grants range from $2,500 to $5,000 and can be used for technology, facility repair, collections, furnishings, or other needs related to storm damage. Academic, public, school and special libraries are eligible to receive assistance.

If your library has recently experienced damage due to a natural disaster, please contact TLA.

The Disaster Relief Committee will evaluate applications for financial assistance on the following criteria:

• Extent of damage sustained;
• Impact on service; include images, video and/or personal stories
• How the funds will be used;
• Availability of public and private funding (or insurance) to assist recovery efforts; and
• Willingness to allow library’s name and photos to be used in publicity efforts.

Institutional members of TLA will receive an increase in the grant award; institutions do not have to be members of TLA to apply for funds.

Support the Disaster Relief Fund

Donations are always welcome. You can donate online or participate in the annual Art Raffle at the TLA Annual Conference which benefits the Disaster Relief Fund.

Committee Charge

1. Coordinates TLA’s response to all types of disasters that severely affect libraries in Texas;
2. Raises funds to build the Disaster Relief Endowment;
3. Prepares and distributes guidelines and the grant application form; determines from the TLA Executive Director the dollar amount available for grant award; and evaluates the application based on a set of criteria;
4. Provides training and resource materials on the prevention of disasters and on recovery strategies;
5. Notifies the TLA Executive Board of the condition of libraries experiencing disasters and the grant amount needed to provide assistance; and
6. Evaluates the effect of the grant award.