Best Earth Science Grants in Texas

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary program support that demonstrates clear community need and measurable outcomes. Grants from Costco Foundation help organizations, including those with earth science-related education or youth programming, that collaborate locally and maintain a broad base of financial support and sustainable project budgets.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling urgent social or environmental challenges in Texas and beyond can access funding and support through the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help scalable, impact-first ventures grow solutions that benefit underserved communities and integrate with existing systems.

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.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or earth science-related work in Texas can seek funding to support programs that significantly benefit their target populations. With a mission to strengthen charitable, scientific, medical, and educational efforts, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides U.S.-based organizations with support for projects that materially advance the general welfare.

Focused on storytelling for impact, the Storytelling Grant invites Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profits to fund projects that share their community work across preservation, education, or wellness. Organizations doing wildlife conservation, environmental conservation, historic preservation, outdoor access, or related earth science efforts may be eligible for more than US $50,000 to tell their stories.

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.

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.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, environment, or community enrichment near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants. Eligible organizations must be located within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community and serve those communities through programs that improve long-term well-being and sustainability.

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.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that strengthens hunger relief, housing stability, adult self-sufficiency, and cultural enrichment. Texas organizations working on community vitality or volunteer-driven causes, especially where Ameriprise employees or advisors are actively engaged, may be strong candidates.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.