TexTreasures Grant Program

The TexTreasures Grant Program is administered by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission as part of its broader TexShare initiative, which aims to enhance access to shared library resources across Texas. This program is funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the Library Services and Technology Act and is designed to support libraries in making their unique or special collections more widely accessible. The program prioritizes increasing public access to historically, culturally, or regionally significant materials and encourages projects that expand availability beyond local communities to a statewide audience. The primary purpose of the TexTreasures grant is to improve access to existing collections rather than to support acquisition or content creation. Eligible activities include digitization, cataloging, indexing, and organizing materials that are already held by libraries. Projects that demonstrate strong community engagement or collaboration with other institutions are encouraged. The program is structured to support both smaller libraries with limited experience and larger institutions managing complex collections through two funding tracks: TexTreasures Basic and TexTreasures Original. The Basic track supports smaller libraries serving populations up to 25,000, while the Original track supports more advanced or collaborative projects with broader significance. Funding under this program varies by track. TexTreasures Basic offers grants of up to 10,000 dollars, while TexTreasures Original provides up to 40,000 dollars for single institutions and up to 50,000 dollars for collaborative projects. Approximately 450,000 dollars in total funding is expected to be available, contingent upon approval and funding availability. The grant period is one year, running from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Projects funded under the Original track may be eligible for continued funding for up to two additional years, though continued support is not guaranteed and must be competitively evaluated. Eligibility for the program includes accredited public libraries, library systems, and members of the TexShare Library Consortium, as well as nonprofit organizations applying on behalf of eligible libraries. Nonprofits must demonstrate that supporting library activities is part of their mission, and certain “friends of the library” groups may qualify if they serve as fiscal agents. Applicants are limited to one submission per funding cycle and must meet all accreditation and eligibility requirements established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The application process requires submission through the agency’s Grant Management System. Required components include a certification form, a program narrative and budget, a Children’s Internet Protection Act certification, and letters of cooperation for collaborative projects. Applicants are encouraged to submit draft proposals for review prior to the deadline and may consult with agency staff during development. A Unique Entity ID is required prior to submission. Applications must be submitted electronically by the stated deadline, although alternative submission methods may be used in cases of accessibility challenges. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process based on criteria including the significance of the collection, project design, availability and access, cost effectiveness, and evaluation methodology. Projects that demonstrate statewide relevance, strong planning, sustainable access, and effective use of funds are prioritized. A peer review panel scores applications, and final funding decisions are made by the commission. Successful applicants are notified after review and must comply with reporting and administrative requirements throughout the grant period. The timeline for the current funding cycle begins with the release of guidelines in December 2025, followed by a recommended draft submission deadline in January 2026 and a final application deadline of February 9, 2026. Applications are reviewed between February and April, with funding decisions finalized in June 2026. Funded projects begin in July 2026 and conclude by June 30, 2027. This program is recurring annually, providing ongoing opportunities for eligible libraries to enhance access to their collections.

Prioritize projects that provide statewide digital access to unique Texas-related collections; clearly demonstrate significance and sustainability; include measurable outcomes and strong project design; collaborative projects with defined roles score higher