Tocker Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Tocker Foundation supports small, rural Texas libraries serving populations of 12,000 or less and partners with community libraries to meet the particular needs of the community.

IP TAKE: For rural Texas libraries, Tocker is a good funder to know. It has a strong web presence with an accessible application. Keep an eye on application deadlines as the window only opens twice a year.

OVERVIEW: Established in 1964, the Tocker Foundation was created to implement the philanthropic interests of Phillip and Olive Tocker. Phillip Tocker was a practicing attorney, and later expanded to own outdoor advertising plants throughout the United States. After years of supporting a wide range of community-based causes, the Tocker Foundation now supports small, rural Texas libraries serving populations of 12,000 or less.

Grants for Community Development

The foundation makes Library Grants, focusing on General Library Improvements, Newspaper Digitization, Library Automation, and Professional Development, which provide travel stipends for staff at rural libraries to attend the Texas Library Association’s (TLA) annual conference. Past grants have supported collection development, technology and hardware, programming, furniture and shelving, outreach and many other projects initiated by the community’s patrons. 

Past grantees have included Allen Memorial Public Library, Stella Hill Memorial Library, and Bandera Public Library Corporation.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $170 to $100,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $1.9 million.

The foundation receives all applications through an online application system. Grant applications are evaluated twice a year by a permanent, appointed committee of the Texas Library Association. The board of directors makes all final decisions.

CONTACT:

Tocker Foundation
5806 Mesa Drive, Suite 375
Austin, TX 78731
(512) 452-1044