Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in Texas

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek support for new or expanded initiatives. Focused on creative approaches to societal issues, the Creag Foundation invites organizations, including those running tutoring or mentoring efforts, that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year to submit a letter of inquiry.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first, mission-driven for-profit organizations in Texas tackling urgent social or environmental challenges can access funding to scale proven solutions. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help organizations in Africa, Europe, India, the U.S., and select regions grow bold, systems-focused models with up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support.

Organizations and social enterprises in Texas working on education or family economic stability for urban low-income children can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants; awards are more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible entities include nonprofits, schools, governments, and other mission-aligned organizations serving youth, including mentoring initiatives.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving early childhood education or community economic development can seek funding for programs benefiting low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods. PNC Foundation provides support for early learning, mentoring or tutoring components, workforce development, affordable housing, small business support, arts, and broader community revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities serving high-achieving, lower-income youth can seek capacity-building grants up to US $25,000 to strengthen systems and operations. Focus areas include early literacy, out-of-school enrichment, charter schools, and college readiness, so mentoring and tutoring programs that fit these priorities may be eligible for support from the Webber Family Foundation.

Nonprofits, schools, and government entities supporting women and girls with education, workforce skills, or small business development in Texas can apply for this program. Grants from Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation help eligible communities expand mentoring, college and career readiness, leadership development, and financial capability initiatives that improve income, employment, and business outcomes for women and girls.

Public school systems and other eligible education entities in Texas can receive Texas Education Agency support for mentoring programs serving children of incarcerated parents and youth at risk of incarceration. This Amachi Texas grant funds consistent, supportive tutoring and mentoring relationships that build resilience, prevent intergenerational incarceration, and strengthen youth services statewide.

The Oliver Foundation

The Oliver Foundation was founded by Mrs. William B. Oliver (Cluthe) in 1995 and official programs for the Prevention of Childhood Obesity began in 2004. The foundation is dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity.

The Oliver Foundation is a Houston-based 501(c) (3) non-profit operating foundation dedicated to the prevention of childhood obesity. We provide funding of various levels and time frames to qualified grant recipients. The grants, by application, are based on the Oliver Foundation’s Seven Healthy Messages to promote a healthy lifestyle to kids and teens, referred to as “The Seven Healthy Choices!”

• Choose 5-A-Day servings of fruits and vegetables.
• Have more water and less sugary beverages.
• Opt for healthy snacks.
• Increase active play and decrease screen time.
• Choose 3-A-Day servings of low-fat dairy products.
• Enjoy a healthy breakfast.
• Serve a smart portion size.

Teen Advisory Board Grant

The goal of the Oliver Foundation is to encourage children, families and communities in Texas to improve the eating and physical activity patterns of Pre-school, Elementary, Middle School and High School students.

Teen Advisory Board Grants (TB) are available to middle and high school campuses that are interested in implementing a TB at their school. A Teen Advisory Board is a group of diverse students that have a passion for creating a sustainable healthy campus environment, be involved in community service events, and can mentor younger students.

Oliver Foundation Staff and TB will provide training and assist in the implementation of this grant. A school sponsor is required for this group and will complete the grant application.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, and qualifying government programs in Texas can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support youth initiatives that benefit primarily Hispanic students through caring relationships, safe spaces, education, health, or service. Grants from The Long Foundation help Texas tutoring and mentoring programs serving Austin-area Hispanic youth advance measurable educational and life outcomes.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Assistant-level biomedical researchers at eligible Texas institutions can apply for the Voelcker Fund Young Investigator Award, offering up to US $450,000 over three years for innovative work on cancer, heart disease, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, or retinal diseases. Texas programs that include mentoring early-career investigators may benefit from this support.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits running basic needs, community development, or cultural enrichment programs can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants. Focused on hunger relief, shelter and housing, adult self-sufficiency, and community vitality, organizations with strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement may be especially competitive and mentoring components within these efforts may be eligible.

501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored projects in Texas serving Dallas County with time-sensitive needs can apply for Byrne Family Foundation Trust’s Fast Track Grants, awarding up to US $10,000 for education or domestic animal welfare initiatives. Mentoring, youth empowerment, afterschool, and related equity-focused programs may be especially competitive.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities offering youth mentorship, workforce development, or creative arts programs for under-resourced children may be eligible for support, primarily near Colleyville and Nashville. The Graham and Carolyn Holloway Family Foundation funds U.S.-serving nonprofits, including general operating support, with an LOI due February 15 and full applications by March 15.

Nonprofit community development organizations in Texas working on housing, small business, or workforce development projects can partner with a graduate fellow through the NCRC Fellowship for Equitable Development. With a mission to advance a just economy, National Community Reinvestment Coalition provides member hosts with innovative talent and support, with priority given to several U.S. locations including Texas.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life in Texas communities can seek project, operating, or capital support for programs like economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-focused nonprofits, including those offering mentoring or tutoring as part of broader services, in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofit organizations in Texas with strong, replicable community partnerships may be eligible for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary collaborations addressing significant social issues. U.S. nonprofits running mentoring or tutoring partnerships that model effective cross-sector collaboration can receive recognition for their impact and potential to scale or be replicated.

Non-sectarian human and social service nonprofits working with disadvantaged people in Texas can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000 to build self-reliance. With a mission to help disadvantaged individuals become self-reliant, Gupta Family Foundation provides support to smaller 501(c)(3) organizations, which may include mentoring and tutoring programs.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Texas Academic Innovation and Mentoring (AIM) Grant

Program Description

The Academic Innovation and Mentoring (AIM) grant is designed to close the gaps in the student achievement among English language learners and minority and low-income students who are at risk of dropping out. The Texas AIM program is a partnership between Texas Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs (BGC) and a supplemental academic learning center that is owned and operated in the United States to provide an after-school and summer AIM program statewide. Program goals include decreasing the dropout rate and discipline issues and improving academic achievement and attendance among participating at-risk students.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, tutoring and mentoring, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development in Smith County, Texas can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 in support. Altra Foundation’s Best Life Community Awards are based on member nominations of organizations they have personally supported in the past year.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

2026-2027 Academic Decathlon Grant

Program Description

The purpose of the Academic Decathlon grant is to provide financial support to the Texas Academic Decathlon Association in its efforts to sponsor and lead the Texas Academic Decathlon program. Through the Academic Decathlon program, students who are mentored by Academic Decathlon coaches take part in individual and team competitions designed to promote problem-solving strategies, research skills, critical and analytical thinking skills, communication skills, and teamwork skills. State and regional coordinators organize competitions that begin at the local level with the opportunity for winners to move on to compete at regional and national levels.