TIF has announced a new Community Networking grant. Even if your library is not prepared to take the lead in applying for a planning grant, please alert any others in your community who might be interested. The letter of intent must be faxed or e-mailed by June 15. Gene Crick, head of the TeleCommunity Resource Center, will help you in getting started. Here's more information from Gene: ********** The Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) has released the Second Community Networking grant (CN2) RFP, offering $25 million dollars for Texas communities working together to plan and build telecom infrastructure resources for economic, educational and social development. This first phase of CN2 provides Planning Grants of $25,000 to develop a community-wide plan to use telecommunications; the second phase offers grantees up to $500,000 each to implement their plans. Applicants for this grant must include at least one TIF-eligible entity (school, library, nonprofit medical) working in collaboration with a broad range of local residents and organizations to build a strong, flexible, community-based network. We strongly urge every community to consider this unique grant opportunity. While the short deadlines may regrettably mean many prospective applicants will not learn of this grant before the initial response date, chances of success can be very good for those who do apply. [RFP, FAQ online: http://www.tcrc.net/cn2] The first step for PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS is simply to establish eligibility by signing the required "letter of intent" form (copy attached). TIF requires only that this be signed by any TIF-eligible entity in your community and returned. The completed form can be faxed to TIF at: 512/344-4330. (we suggest a separate email to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> requesting confirmation of receipt). TIF reminds that submitting this form DOES NOT OBLIGATE the signer to apply or accept TIF grants; the letter of intent is required so TIF can estimate staff resources needed to effectively process CN2 applications. For prospective applicants, it is a sort of placeholder, keeping them eligible to consider the grant and apply (by July 16) if they choose. Similarly, the list of collaboration "partners" is not binding; it can evolve as the project grows to serve more of the community. We would be happy to provide further information and assistance for anyone considering this grant opportunity: [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 512/919-7590. Also, as schedule permits, we may be able to come meet with local community leaders. We believe, though timelines are tight, those who apply should have good chances for success. We hope you will help your community be among the winners. Sincerely, Gene Crick [NOTE: Though TCRC is working to help alert communities to this opportunity, we do not speak for TIF. For TIF CN2 information see: http://www.tifb.state.tx.us] --------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Include in body: unsubscribe ctls-l For information on CTLS-L please visit: http://www.ctls.net/document/ctls-l.htm
