Best of the Best District Program Funds
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PROGRAM GUIDELINES
The Best of the Best stipend, an initiative of TLA President Julie Todaro (2000-2001), began in the fall of 2000 and has been continued each year since. The purpose of the stipend is to provide each of the ten districts with funds for programming during fall district meetings. Currently, each district is allocated $1,000 for the program. President Todaro’s goal for this initiative is to enhance district meetings by providing seed money to bring the Best of the Best programs from conference and other organized environments. The content and the marketing for the program should be directed at providing higher quality educational programs during the fall meetings to address member needs.
In an effort to target funds toward meeting the goal of this initiative, funds may be used for the following expenditures:
- Speaker honorariums
- Speaker travel
Please note that speaker honorariums and travel may only be paid for
presenters from outside the organizing district, per TLA Standing Rule 7D.
Alternative proposals can be made which would be allowable under this program. For example, in 2001, District 6 used its Best of the Best grant to award conference stipends to two library staff members attending the TLA conference for the fist time.
Funds may not be used for these types of expenditures:
- Catering
- Refreshments or other food related items
- Speaker gifts
- Decorations
- Supplies
- Printing
- Facilities Rental
How to Request Funding
The District Chair submits the online application form to the TLA office by August 31. Upon approval of the request, the district chair will be notified. Funds must be expended by June 30 of the fiscal year in which they are awarded. Consequently, funds cannot be carried over to a subsequent fiscal year. Consistent with TLA guidelines, all requests for reimbursement or payment must be submitted by June 30 of the current fiscal year.
Request For Payment Procedures
The District Chair submits a copy of the electronic speakers agreement for each speaker as documentation for honorariums and/or travel. Following the district meeting, funds up to $1,000 will be transferred to the district’s budget to cover approved expenditures under this program.
Questions? Catherine Lee, Director of Administration
PHONE: 512/328-1518 or 800/580-2TLA; FAX: 512/328-8852
MAIL: TLA, 3355 Bee Cave Road, Suite 401, Austin TX 78746-6763
