The Tocker Foundation was established by Phillip and Olive Tocker to further their philanthropic interests. After years of supporting a broad range of causes, the Foundation identified a unique need in small, rural Texas libraries serving populations of 12,000 or less. Consequently, the foundation now focuses on partnering with these community libraries to address their specific needs, enriching local communities through improved library services.
The Automation Grants program aims to ensure that every small library in Texas, particularly those that have not transitioned to a fully automated system, can achieve this milestone. Recognizing the critical role of an integrated automation system for library operations, these grants are designed to cover the first five years of the selected software subscription. The goal is for these libraries to incorporate the cost of automation into their annual budget by the end of the grant period, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency and service capability.