Best Earth Science Grants in Texas

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Texas and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Cisco Systems Foundation prioritizes innovative, early-stage solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial Letter of Inquiry.

Texas educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs may include disaster preparedness and recovery, home and auto safety, neighborhood revitalization, and STEM or other K–16 education efforts with long-term, sustainable community impact.

Texas cultural nonprofits with strong arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million, especially museums, performing arts institutions, and STEAM-focused education programs, may be competitive for awards over US $100,000.

Organizations such as nonprofits, schools, governments, 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 of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible projects must be located in the U.S. and request at least $50,000.

Focused on oceanography research, National Science Foundation invites Texas earth science researchers and institutions to apply for the Ocean Drilling Grant, with awards up to US $9,000,000. Funding supports pre- and post-expedition drilling-related studies, small projects during expedition moratorium periods, critical instrumentation, data synthesis, and related planning and educational activities for U.S. scientists.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development in Texas communities where PNC has a significant presence can apply for foundation grants supporting their programs. PNC Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as early learning, affordable housing, small business support, arts, and neighborhood revitalization that may benefit earth science–related community projects.

Charitable organizations running community, environmental, science education, or arts projects in Texas and other countries can seek support for innovative, sustainable initiatives. Focused on humanitarian, educational, community, and contemporary arts activities, Roche invites accredited charities to propose projects that may engage its expertise, logistics, and employees while strengthening local communities and environments.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, environment, or arts and culture can seek sponsorship support to strengthen local communities. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit organizations whose earth science or environmental programming contributes to preserving neighborhoods and promoting vibrant, healthy communities.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Texas nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs, schools and hospitals, environmental and wildlife protection, and community services. IRS-qualified organizations working in areas like earth science, youth, seniors, disabilities, or job readiness may be eligible.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

K–8 earth science teachers in Texas who are full-time U.S. classroom educators may be eligible for this award supporting innovative earth science instruction. With a mission to strengthen geoscience education, American Geosciences Institute provides recognition and up to US $4,000 for a prize and conference travel to the NSTA National Conference.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for Dr Scholl Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help Texas earth science and related organizations fund one year of project-based work rather than general operating support.

Undergraduate natural science majors of Polish descent studying full-time in the U.S., including those in earth science programs in Texas, can compete for a US $5,000 Drs. James and Wanda Trefil Science Scholarship. Kosciuszko Foundation supports eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents with strong academic records (3.5 GPA or higher).

Declared earth-science majors at Texas universities can receive $2,500 to help cover college educational costs and support involvement in the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Focused on geology and astrogeology, this graduate-level Gene M. Shoemaker Scholarship especially benefits students likely to make significant contributions in earth science fields.

Undergraduate geology and earth science students attending four-year accredited colleges or universities in Texas can apply for the Ted H. Foss Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 toward educational costs. Offered by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, applicants must be at least sophomores and AIPG student members or have applied for student membership.

High school seniors and college students in Texas’s Region 14 intending to study geology, earth science, hydrology, or environmental science can receive $500 - $5,000 through the Abilene Geological Society Scholarship. Focused on earth science, the Community Foundation of Abilene supports Big Country students pursuing higher education in these fields.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in Texas can seek project, general operating, or capital support focused on economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-based groups, including those with earth science–related programs that address basic needs or disaster impacts, strengthen underserved populations.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, environmental sustainability, community vitality, or workforce development can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily benefit Texas communities served by Union Pacific and demonstrate strong need, capacity, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted support. With a mission to back environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides flexible operating or project funding that may benefit earth science initiatives based in Texas.

Texas environmental nonprofits working on youth, community, or food-related initiatives can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs in environmental education, stewardship, community gardens, beautification, or related efforts that support underserved young people and their families.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Early-career postdoctoral researchers worldwide pursuing chemistry and related fields can receive US $231,000 in three-year fellowship support to advance their research careers in Texas. The Welch Foundation, in partnership with LSRF, funds work across chemical subfields and allied disciplines, which may include earth science–related chemistry conducted in Texas laboratories.