Best Grants for Youth Programs in Texas

The Trull Foundation offers local sponsorship grants to organizations seeking funding for events under $1,500, prioritizing children in rural areas, those affected by substance abuse, and projects in the coastal Texas environment. Interested applicants should submit requests at least one month prior to their events. The foundation values cooperation with other organizations and may provide guidance on project assistance, ensuring resources are effectively utilized for community benefit.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can access funding for programmatic, capital, or related operating needs through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, with awards up to US $50,000. Grants support youth services, education, health, and child welfare programs that foster growth, self-esteem, and innovation for children across Texas.

Texas youth-serving education nonprofits can access funding through the Minnie M. Jones Trust for one-year programs that provide quality education to underserved children. Special consideration is given to charitable organizations working with youth in Denison and Grayson County, making this a strong option for local youth program support.

Focused on youth and education, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo invites Texas 501(c)(3) charities and accredited higher education institutions to seek grants for programs benefiting youth, supporting education, expanding agricultural horizons, or preserving pioneer heritage and cultures. Faith-based nonprofits may apply for non-sectarian, community-focused youth initiatives in Texas.

Texas youth programs and K-12 schools focused on special education or substance abuse and violence prevention can access funding through Simmons First Foundation, with awards from US $2,500 - US $50,000. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) or qualifying governmental organizations in a Simmons Bank county that can sustain the program beyond the first year.

Texas youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations with K–12 education or health care programs can access funding through Simmons First Foundation’s Mini Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $2,500. Projects must address immediate, long-term needs for youth, and prior 2024 Mini Grant recipients must wait until 2026 to reapply.

Texas children’s and general hospitals with pediatric departments can receive US $20,000 - US $50,000 to host prom-like experiences for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dunkin’ Prom Grant supports youth-focused hospital programs near Dunkin’ locations with event costs and in-kind donations.

Tax-exempt nonprofits, schools, and community projects in Texas can receive funding to support youth services, education, and community development initiatives. Young Family Foundation provides grants for projects in the YK Communications service area that demonstrate strong potential for positive impact, promote inclusivity and engagement, and align with the applicant’s tax-exempt mission and fundraising efforts.

Organizations providing youth life skills training in Texas can apply for funding from Texas Health and Human Services to deliver Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) services. Grants support assessment and life skills training for DFPS youth and young adults in Regions 7–11 to help them successfully transition to adulthood, with awards up to US $696,190.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving ill children in Texas can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 from the Joy in Childhood Foundation to build or expand pediatric gaming programs. Grants support equipment, connectivity, virtual programming, and specialist staffing to bring engaging gaming experiences to hospitalized youth, especially teens.

Youth- and family-serving organizations in Texas can seek funding to provide community-based youth development, family support, and violence prevention services. Focused on positive youth development, Texas Health and Human Services invites Texas youth programs to strengthen protective factors, reduce juvenile justice involvement, prevent child abuse and neglect, and promote workforce readiness, with awards ranging from US $400,000 to US $1,000,000.

501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, New Mexico, or Oklahoma serving low-income or vulnerable people can apply for the Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Foundation’s flexible support. Grants fund basic needs for children and youth, and services that enhance quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities, which may benefit youth programs in Texas.

Graduating high school seniors involved in 4-H in District One of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service can receive scholarship support for college studies, with preference for human science and related majors. Grants from Amarillo Area Foundation help Texas youth pursue higher education, supporting youth-focused academic advancement in the region.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, youth, and young adults up to age 23 can apply for Russell Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support youth development programs. Funding can back education, tutoring, mentoring, health, intervention, character-building, and related services that help young people reach their full potential.

Texas nonprofits and public agencies planning AmeriCorps programs that engage youth in community service and evidence-based interventions can apply for planning support, with awards up to US $100,000. The Onestar Foundation provides Texas youth services organizations with funding to design AmeriCorps projects addressing education, economic opportunity, health, environmental stewardship, disaster services, and support for veterans and military families.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, especially those serving youth in Fort Worth and Tarrant County, can seek grants for health, human and social services, education, children’s services, and arts programs. Thomas M Helen Mckee and John P Ryan Foundation provides support to eligible nonprofits through a quarterly application process, beginning with a brief letter of inquiry for first-time applicants.

Texas organizations serving handicapped and homeless children or providing services for the aged can seek support for charitable programs. Focused on youth and vulnerable populations, the W. L. and Louise E. Seymour Foundation invites eligible groups to apply for funding that benefits children facing disability, homelessness, or poverty across Texas.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, and qualifying government programs in Texas can apply for the Long Foundation’s grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support youth programs. Funding focuses on Austin-area initiatives where at least 75% of participating youth are Hispanic and activities advance education, mentoring, safe spaces, healthy development, or community service.

Texas youth-serving and religious 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding to support programs benefiting young people, including health, mental health, arts, and child welfare services. Texas youth programs can access funding through Martha Sue Parr Trust, which prefers projects tied to religious organizations and hospitals serving children and youth in the state.

Texas youth-serving organizations focused on mentoring children of incarcerated parents and youth at risk of incarceration can access funding through Texas Education Agency’s 2025-2026 Amachi Texas program. Grants of US $7,000,000 support consistent, supportive mentoring relationships that build resilience, disrupt intergenerational incarceration, and help young people reach their potential.

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 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.

Jack's Community Grants, managed by the Jack in the Box Foundation, seeks to empower youth in local communities by providing funding to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. These organizations must focus on feeding, educating, and empowering youth and operate within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box restaurant. The Foundation promotes originality and opportunity while ensuring that applicants adhere to a nondiscrimination policy. Special consideration is given to applications with support from franchisees or employees.

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 501(c)(3) public charities serving youth, schools, healthcare, social services, or agricultural education can seek funding for programs and operations. Behmann Brothers Foundation supports agricultural research and education, youth groups, schools, healthcare, and service organizations, with a preference for nonprofits in Nueces, Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, Refugio, and San Patricio counties.

The Chamiza Foundation Grant supports the preservation and revitalization of Pueblo culture through targeted grantmaking. For over 33 years, the foundation has enabled positive change in Pueblo communities by prioritizing language preservation, sustainable agriculture, traditional arts, and youth leadership. With an emphasis on collaboration and community involvement, the foundation awards grants averaging between $3,000 and $15,000 to projects that foster cultural continuity and innovation.

The Albert and Mary Dick Charitable Trust, established in 1991, supports religious, charitable, scientific, and literary initiatives, primarily focusing on organizations in Victoria County, Texas. Grants are aimed at promoting higher education, assisting youth, and preventing cruelty to children and animals. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. The Trust emphasizes local impact, specifically aiding programs related to education, health, and the environment.