Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Texas

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 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 2025-2026 Discipline and Behavior Supports Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational practices for students with disabilities. This program focuses on developing technical assistance and professional development resources, addressing behavioral interventions and alternatives to exclusionary discipline. It intends to support educators in effectively managing challenging behaviors and improving outcomes for students. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the grant seeks to ensure that all voices are heard in the educational process.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees 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.

Perkins V: Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century - Institutions

Program Description

The purpose of the career and technical education (CTE) program is to develop more fully the academic knowledge, technical, and employability skills of students who enroll in CTE programs and programs of study.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the Department) announces a NOFA in HOME funds for Single-Family housing programs under the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) set-aside under a Reservation System. These funds will be made available to HOME Reservation System Participants with a current Reservation System Participation (RSP) Agreement. The following activity types are eligible uses of HOME funds awarded under this NOFA: (1) Homeowner Reconstruction Assistance (HRA) and (2) Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA).

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has been serving the people of Texas for more than a century. Since 1909, when the state founded the agency, we have been supporting the reading, learning, and historical preservation needs of Texas and its people. 

Going back to the days of the Republic, there has always been an official library and archives of Texas. While fulfilling our unique and longstanding place serving Texas government, the State Library and Archives Commission mission is also to ensure that citizens have information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives.

TSLAC Special Projects Grant

Goals and Purposes

This grant program provides funds for efforts that will significantly expand library services to include all members of the library’s community, particularly community members who experience barriers when accessing the library and its resources. It enables libraries to develop programs for populations with special needs or those having difficulty using the library. Programs that focus on community engagement or that involve collaboration with other community organizations are strongly encouraged. Programs must emphasize improved services by the library to its patrons.

The proposed program must meet the following LSTA goals as identified in the 2023-2027 LSTA 5- Year Plan (https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/lstaplan/5yearplan):

Goals

• Through Texas libraries, Texans will have access to digital resources and services needed to help them navigate the digital information landscape successfully.
• Texans will have access to library materials and services that support literacy and educational attainment, especially early childhood and family literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning.
• Texans will receive library services from trained library staff that effectively respond to community needs.

The purpose of this grant program is not for collection development or other activities primarily focused on the acquisition of library materials or resources, or digitization projects.

The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program, funded by the Texas Education Agency, offers grants of at least $1,500 to families of eligible students. This initiative aims to support families in acquiring essential educational goods and services for students with special needs. Families can apply for these benefits through the Region 10 Education Service Center, ensuring they receive the assistance needed for their children's educational success.

The Harry E. and Eda L. Montandon Charitable Trust Grant provides financial support to Texas-based organizations serving handicapped, disabled, or disadvantaged individuals, including children. Grants range from $10,000 to $125,000, averaging $25,000. Priority is given to requests for capital needs and program support, with a duration of one year. Organizations may submit only one application per calendar year, while requests for endowment funds are not accepted.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

The Honda USA Foundation's Mobility Pillar Award aims to empower individuals with disabilities by funding programs that enhance access and mobility. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations and schools that provide therapeutic, adaptive, and comprehensive care programs, as well as mobility modifications and assistive technology. Applications are accepted from U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsors, ensuring that the joy of mobility is accessible to all.

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.