Best Plant Grants in Texas

Texas organizations and projects focused on botanical conservation, native plant education, restoration, or research can receive support for supplies, tools, seeds, equipment, and related costs. Native Plant Society of New Mexico provides grants up to Up to US $5,000 for efforts that advance its mission with New Mexico native plants and habitats, including eligible work in Texas.

Undergraduate students at Texas colleges majoring in biology, ecology, botany, landscape architecture, horticulture, or related fields can access funding through the Dr. Alfred Richardson Scholarship to support tuition and academic development in Texas. Grants from Native Plant Society of Texas provide US $5,000 - US $10,000 annually for up to two years for students focused on Texas native plant conservation and research.

Graduate students in Texas studying biology, botany, horticulture, landscape design, or related fields can receive funding for research on Texas native plants and habitat conservation. With a mission to support botanical conservation, Native Plant Society of Texas provides up to US $2,500 for graduate research expenses, excluding salary and tuition.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose primary mission is preserving the natural environment and who have completed a Tier 2 grant can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative, project-based conservation work. With a mission to protect lands, waters, and native species, The Environmental Fund of Texas provides funding for water, natural areas, native wildlife, and classroom conservation action projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public, tax-exempt schools in Texas can access funding for plant and habitat conservation projects through the Environmental Fund of Texas, with awards of US $2,501 - US $12,000. Grants support botanical conservation, native vegetation restoration, invasive species control, and public engagement projects that connect communities with nature.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on preserving the natural environment can receive up to US $2,500 for grassroots conservation projects and native plant learning gardens. The Environmental Fund of Texas provides support for on-the-ground work protecting water resources, natural areas, native wildlife, and botanical conservation that engages local communities, teachers, and students.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations restoring diminished native tree species through research, seed orchard development, or forest land preservation can apply for project-specific support from the Oak Hill Fund, which serves the continental U.S. The program funds forestry and botanical conservation projects and allows necessary administrative and fundraising expenses tied to the proposed work.

Texas conservation organizations working on wildlife and botanical conservation can access funding through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s State Wildlife Grants. These grants support projects implementing the Texas Conservation Action Plan to conserve species of greatest conservation need, including plants, and require a 35% non-federal match from recipients.

Undergraduate and graduate students conducting botany, plant ecology, or other plant-focused research within the Northern California Botanists geographic range can receive US $1,500 research scholarships to support independent study, thesis, or dissertation work. Northern California Botanists provides these awards to encourage academic careers and research in plant science and botanical conservation.

Students pursuing natural resource–related degrees in Illinois can receive scholarship support for full-time study through the Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship. Focused on conservation and fields like botany and ecology, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois program may benefit those interested in plant and botanical conservation, including students originally from Texas now residing in eligible Illinois counties.

Texas students pursuing plant sciences, conservation, environmental sciences, or landscape architecture may be eligible for the Fort Orange Garden Club Centennial Endowed Scholarship, which supports third- or fourth-year undergraduates and graduate students. Administered by The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, applicants must demonstrate financial need and reside in specified New York counties.

Texas plant-focused PhD students enrolled at U.S. graduate institutions can access funding through Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Botany in Action Fellowship, which awards US $6,000 for plant-based scientific research and outreach. Fellows also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Phipps for science communication training and ongoing public engagement opportunities.

Graduating high school seniors planning to study landscape architecture, environmental science, environmental engineering, horticulture, botany, forestry, or agriculture may be eligible for tuition assistance, including students in Texas. Grants from Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains help students pursuing plant- and environment-related fields, with priority for those from Susquehanna County high schools such as Blue Ridge.

Graduating high school seniors in Texas planning to study natural resources conservation, fish and wildlife management, forest management, or similar fields can apply for this memorial scholarship supporting higher education. With a mission to advance education and conservation, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation provides assistance to students committed to outdoor sports and the role of sportsmen in conservation.

Undergraduate students in Texas interested in plant science and botanical conservation can apply for the Botany and Beyond: PLANTS Grants to attend the 2025 Botany conference with full support for travel, lodging, and registration. Focused on immersive mentoring and career exploration, the Botanical Society of America invites a diverse cohort from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Individuals studying or conserving native orchids in North America, including work relevant to Texas, can receive $500 through the Philip Keenan Award. Focused on botanical conservation, the American Orchid Society invites students, amateurs, and professionals to be considered for this recognition of past and current orchid research or preservation efforts.

Graduate students in biology, horticulture, or related fields conducting conservation horticulture research can receive up to US $4,500 for work at a U.S. botanical garden. Grants from Garden Club of America help Texas and other U.S.-based students study and conserve rare and endangered plants, with preference for projects on flora of the Carolinas or Southeast.

The Bureau of Land Management's Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) aims to enhance the native seed supply chain, crucial for restoring resilient public lands. By collaborating with various partners, PCRP seeks to improve rangeland health, restore wildlife habitats, and create job opportunities. In 2026, the focus will be on local seed collections, supporting farmers entering the native seed market, and developing innovative technologies to ensure effective restoration outcomes and ecological resilience.

Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund)

TREE Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to support scientific discovery and dissemination of new knowledge and best practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.

TREE Fund’s research and education programs shape industry best practices, improve workforce safety and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our communities in the following crucial ways:

• Improving the quality of nursery grown trees and overall tree survival through the development of hardier, drought- and disease-resistant species.
• Stopping diseases and pests while reducing pesticide use with the evolution of integrated pest management programs.
• Enhancing public and workforce safety with advanced tree risk assessment techniques and greater knowledge about why and how trees fail.
• Quantifying the benefits of trees which makes it easier for governments and businesses to project their return on tree care investment.
• Revolutionizing global best practices for growing strong, healthy landscape trees.
• Connecting youth with nature to promote environmental stewardship in the next generation and inspire them to consider careers in green industries.

Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund

Since 1926, John Lucas Tree Expert Co. has worked with investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, railroads, and pipeline customers throughout the United States and Canada. Innovation has always been a core value, and Lucas remains committed to innovation that makes the industry safer, greener, and more efficient. The Lucas Tree Experts Integrated Vegetation Management Endowed Research Fund is a new endowment fund of Tree Research and Education Endowment (TREE) Fund created to support research in Integrated Vegetation Management in the United States and Canada.

This fund program was created in 2026 to help celebrate Lucas Tree’s 100th anniversary. Lucas Tree’s anniversary marks a century of innovation, safety, and stewardship in utility vegetation management.

Projects are expected to be completed within one to three years. No project may receive more than one award from this program.

Application Requirements can be found here.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities working on equitable and affordable housing can apply for Enterprise Community Partners’ national Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. Enterprise Community Partners provides Texas housing innovators with US $2,000,000 grants to scale proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that expand affordable rental and ownership options.

Nonprofits and educational institutions working on food system transformation, farmed animal protection, or related justice and sustainability issues in Texas and beyond can apply for US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support their work. Grants from Stray Dog Institute help fund supply-side, systems-focused efforts such as advocacy, research, movement-building, and public outreach.

AFL Community Grants aim to empower education, youth, and life advancement through targeted community support. The program is designed for non-profit organizations, focusing on STEM education, youth development, and the LEAP initiative for adult self-sufficiency. With grant applications opening in 2025, AFL Global seeks to make a lasting impact in communities by addressing their greatest needs and fostering growth through education and development initiatives.

Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation

Empowerment through Food Awareness, Access, and Education

We are a private, family-directed, not-for-profit philanthropic organization, established through the estate of Ann B. Zekauskas. We are dedicated to educating students, families, and communities, especially the underserved, on producing, preparing, and eating healthy foods, and to supporting organizations focused on hunger relief and careers in the culinary arts.

We perform our mission through collaborations with and support of approved non-profit organizations within these key areas of giving: nutrition education, food access, and culinary arts training.

Nutrition Education

Ann B. Zekauskas believed that individuals of all ages — especially school-aged children and their families — should be provided with an education to understand how food makes its way from seed to plate —from planting and growing, to harvesting and sourcing, to cooking and serving.

Nutrition education empowers people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make healthy food choices, promoting overall mental well-being and physical wellness.

In carrying out Ann’s legacy, we work with schools, community groups, and other like-minded organizations across the country, supporting their programs that encourage a lifelong practice of healthy eating.

Request a Grant

The Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation is committed to supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that align with our mission and values. We welcome grant requests from nonprofit organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities in the areas of nutritional education, food access, or the advancement of cuilnary arts careers.

The Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation Environment Grant aims to support initiatives that combat climate change, prioritizing efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and enhance climate education for young adults. The foundation emphasizes innovative solutions and partnerships to address both immediate and long-term environmental challenges. Areas of focus include climate and clean energy policy, as well as providing scientifically accurate climate change education. By leveraging data and research, the foundation seeks to empower organizations dedicated to creating impactful change.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

The Biophilia Foundation Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, focusing on systemic change through community engagement. The foundation encourages organizations to submit letters of inquiry detailing their mission, tax status, funding requests, and intended outcomes. They prioritize private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and innovative policy initiatives, especially in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available for established partnerships.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.