Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Texas

The TSBVI Access Grant, awarded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance access to core and expanded curricula for students with visual impairments. This project will provide refreshable braille tablets to eligible braille-reading students in Texas, addressing funding gaps due to changes in federal quota fund availability. Through this initiative, the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired will support educational equity for visually impaired learners in the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Helen Gertrude Sparks Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Texas, focusing on the elderly, disabled children, the arts, and education. Established in 1971, the trust aims to uplift local communities through grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Preference is given to organizations that do not primarily rely on government funding and those operating in Tarrant County. The trust awards 2-3 grants annually, promoting a rich cultural and supportive environment for those in need.

The 2025-2026 Autism Supports Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the capacity of Texas public schools to support students with autism. By providing subgrants to local educational agencies, charter schools, and nonprofit organizations, this initiative focuses on implementing evidence-based practices that address the unique academic and behavioral needs of students with disabilities, ensuring high expectations are met.

The 2025-2026 ESC IDEA-B Preschool program, administered by the Texas Education Agency, allocates funds to 20 regional education service centers. These funds support local educational agencies in providing free appropriate public education to children with disabilities aged 3-5. The initiative emphasizes professional development, technical assistance, and coordination with the state's Early Learning Initiative, ensuring that every child receives the necessary resources and support for their educational needs.

The 2025-2026 ESC IDEA-B Sensory Impairments program, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance support for local educational agencies. It focuses on improving educational outcomes for students with visual impairments, including those who are blind or deafblind. The program provides essential technical assistance and training for educators, as well as funding for certified interpreters, ensuring effective communication and access to resources for teachers at the Texas School for the Deaf.

The Special Populations Diagnostic - Content Support Grant, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance diagnostic tools for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to evaluate and improve their special education systems. By developing resources like rubrics and interview templates, the project seeks to empower LEA leaders to identify areas needing support, ultimately leading to better outcomes for students with disabilities.

The Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund, established in 1953, offers financial assistance to paraplegic or quadriplegic students residing in Texas. This scholarship covers tuition, books, and necessary appliances for students pursuing education at any accredited institution, including elementary to graduate schools. It aims to empower individuals with disabilities by providing essential support for their educational journeys, thereby fostering inclusive opportunities and contributing to thriving communities throughout Texas.

The Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust, established in 2017, supports Texas charitable organizations in areas such as medical research for serious conditions, education for children with disabilities, and promoting fine arts. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $100,000, with an average of $35,000. The Trust prioritizes unique and necessary proposals that meet local community needs and do not duplicate existing services, particularly focusing on projects in Dallas County and surrounding areas.

The Russell Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing the development of children and youth into confident and responsible individuals. With a focus on education, character building, health, and intervention, the foundation seeks to support programs that address the holistic needs of young people. Their mission emphasizes fostering a positive environment that promotes growth and development, ensuring that children and youth can achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their socio-economic background.

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.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal K–12 education law. ESSA was signed into law in 2015, replacing No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizing the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. Every school must inform parents about their standards and their results. 

ESSA requires every state to provide parents important information on test performance in reading, math, and science. The report cards must also provide data on graduation rates, suspensions, absenteeism, teacher qualifications, and many other areas. Texas provides maximum transparency for parents and publicly shares performance information on TXschools.gov and in data reports on the Performance Reporting pages.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant includes: 1) Title I, Part A Grants; 2) Title I, Part C Grants; 3) Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 Grants; 4) Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 Grants; 5) Title II, Part A Grants; 6) Title III, Part A ELA Grants; 7) Title III, Part A Immigrant Grants; and 8) Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 Grants.

Title II, Part A

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

The intent and purpose of the Title II, Part A, program is to provide resources to school systems to do the following:

• Increase student achievement consistent with the challenging State academic standards;
• Improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders;
• Increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools; and
• Provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders

The Martha Sue Parr Trust Grant supports charitable, nonprofit organizations defined by section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code, focusing on programs that benefit young people, religious organizations, and hospitals in Texas. Applications are restricted to nonprofit entities, as individuals are not eligible to submit. For more information, please refer to the foundation finder provided by JPMorgan. This grant aims to foster community support and development through targeted funding.

The W. B. & Ellen Gordon Stuart Trust provides grants for the study and treatment of cancer, heart disease, and infantile paralysis, specifically within Texas. This private foundation only funds charitable nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Grant applications cannot be submitted by individuals. For more information on the application process and eligibility, interested parties should refer to the foundation finder.

The Joe & Jess Crump Foundation provides support to charitable organizations that assist children with disabilities. This private foundation prioritizes funding for nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Program areas include Human and Social Services as well as Health and Medical Research. However, individuals are not eligible to apply for grants, ensuring that funds are directed solely towards established nonprofit entities.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal1 and state grant awards to its subgrantees2 to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations. The following Program Guidelines apply to all eligible subgrantees for the designated grant program.

Program Purpose

The 2026-2027 Empowering Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Educators to Improve Student Outcomes grant will enable Region 10 ESC to administer a program providing funding support for school systems and ESCs seeking training and certification for ECSE professionals during the 2026-2027 school year. The grantee will create a plan for prioritization of funds and determine the funding process for program participants. Trainings will focus on behavior management and inclusive opportunities and will increase ECSE educators to improve student outcomes for children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5 and receiving ECSE services. School systems also can apply for funding through the program to support prekindergarten teachers with dual certification in special education and general education.

The Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on medical research, arts promotion, and youth development in San Antonio. Eligible organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the physical, mental, and moral well-being of local youth. Notably, it does not fund individuals or organizations involved in political lobbying. This grant offers a vital opportunity for community support in various essential sectors.

The Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support programs benefiting children in Texas, focusing on growth, self-esteem, and innovation. Grants usually do not exceed $10,000 for program funding and can reach up to $50,000 for capital needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and serve children within Texas. The foundation encourages collaborative projects and may request site visits to evaluate grant proposals effectively.

The Dallas Stars Foundation Community Grant Program aims to provide financial support to local non-profits, enhancing awareness of their charitable missions through the 50/50 Raffle at Dallas Stars games. Selected organizations will benefit from proceeds during a benefit game in the 2025-2026 season, with an average donation of $10,000. Non-profits focusing on youth hockey, community engagement, and children's health are encouraged to apply, while those funded in the previous season are ineligible.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The W. L. and Louise E. Seymour Foundation Grant provides financial support for initiatives benefiting handicapped and homeless children, as well as charitable organizations for the elderly in Texas. This grant aims to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations by funding essential services and resources. Organizations interested in applying should ensure their missions align with the foundation's focus areas to maximize their chances of receiving funding.

The Texas Talent Connection Grant Program, led by Governor Abbott, aims to foster innovation in workforce development. This initiative supports exemplary training projects that enhance job placement, wage increases, and job retention. Eligible partnerships include local workforce boards and educational institutions, which can apply for funding up to $350,000 annually for projects addressing workforce populations with special needs. Applicants must reapply yearly, with no guarantee of continued funding.