Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Texas

Texas tourism and cultural organizations can seek designation support for cultural districts that drive economic development, cultural tourism, and community vitality. Focused on arts-centered place-based development, Texas Commission on the Arts invites established Texas nonprofit arts organizations and government entities to apply for recognition of defined cultural districts with clear leadership, boundaries, branding, and existing cultural assets.

Eligible Texas nonprofit arts organizations and local arts agencies can apply for US $3,000 - US $250,000 from the Texas Commission on the Arts to support cultural district tourism projects. Funding can back major visitor‑drawing arts programming, district enhancements, signage, promotion, and organizational support that strengthen travel and tourism in designated cultural districts.

With a mission to advance a creative Texas, Texas Commission on the Arts provides Texas arts and cultural organizations with project-based funding that can include related administrative costs. Eligible nonprofits and government entities can support arts projects that drive tourism and economic development, such as festivals, fairs, exhibitions, performances, and other cultural events attracting visitors.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Texas and the broader Southern region can seek funding for programs in animal welfare, families and children, education, disaster relief, health, poverty relief, conservation, and spiritual endeavors. Grants from Robinson Foundation help established, fiscally responsible charities create tangible, single-year impact, which may include ecotourism or nature-based tourism initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on ecotourism, environmental conservation, and habitat restoration in Texas may be eligible for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help Texas ecotourism and conservation efforts on private lands, ecosystem restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy, with a focus on U.S. regions including the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Nonprofits and for-profit businesses in Texas developing heritage tourism events or projects in Austin can receive up to US $50,000 to promote historic sites and attract visitors. City of Austin supports tourism-focused historic preservation, storytelling, tours, and heritage events at sites that are historically significant or pursuing official historic designation.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and for-profit businesses with at least two years of operations in the Austin metro area can fund heritage tourism events at designated historic sites. Grants from City of Austin support festivals, tours, exhibits, and history-focused programs that expand access to historic places, highlight local stories, and attract visitors and hotel guests, with awards up to US $150,000.

Nonprofits and for-profit businesses in Austin’s metro area can receive City of Austin support for capital projects that enhance heritage tourism at historic sites. Grants up to US $250,000 fund preservation-related improvements, accessibility, and infrastructure that expand visitor access, market local history to tourists, and strengthen Texas’s travel and tourism economy.

Students from Bucks County planning to major in tourism or hospitality-related fields can receive scholarship support for accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools. Bucks County Foundation’s Visit Bucks County Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship may benefit those pursuing higher or vocational education who aim to strengthen the travel and tourism industry, including in Texas and beyond.

Texas college and university students pursuing aviation or hospitality majors can receive higher education support through the NetJets Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation. This program offers US $25,000 awards to full-time students in eligible U.S. institutions, encouraging careers in business aviation and hospitality that may benefit the tourism sector.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students in Texas pursuing full-time degrees in tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields can receive need-based scholarships from Native Forward Scholars Fund. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund provide US $2,500 - US $5,000 per academic year to support tuition and related educational costs at accredited institutions across the U.S.

Graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing hospitality management at Del Mar College in Texas can receive scholarship support honoring restaurateur Harry Porter. Coastal Bend Community Foundation supports tourism and hospitality education through this memorial scholarship for students from Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio counties.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits that are current Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund partners and serving the Galveston community can seek up to US $7,500 for strategic organizational growth, such as consultants, training, or professional development. Focused on capacity building and resilience, the fund invites aligned organizations to strengthen governance, equity, data, advocacy, and disaster readiness, which may benefit tourism-related work.

New and smaller 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups supporting or benefiting Galveston, Texas can seek seed funding for community-based programs, including tourism-related initiatives. With a mission to invest in Galveston’s long-term success, Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund provides up to US $5,000 in micro-grants to build capacity and pilot innovative local projects.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the Galveston, Texas community can apply for the Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund’s Vibrant Culture core grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $75,000 for eligible projects. Funding supports arts, humanities, historic preservation, cultural heritage, and organizations that strengthen Galveston’s creative ecosystem and tourism-related cultural assets.

Nonprofit and community groups offering arts-based tourism and cultural programming in Texas can seek support for projects in Greater Houston. Houston Arts Alliance provides funding up to US $10,000 for initiatives like art and neighborhood cultural destinations, art and conference tourism, and disaster resilience awareness that engage residents and visitors.

Grants from Madison Alexander Cooper and Martha Roane Cooper Foundation help Texas nonprofits and government agencies fund community projects in Waco. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental entities can support initiatives including tourism, arts and culture, community building, and related services that make Waco a more desirable place to live and visit.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Texas and across the U.S. can seek funding for arts and science programs that engage youth and create measurable impact. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help support program, capital, and limited general or endowment needs for museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and similar entities with audited expenses above $2 million.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence survivors near TJX locations in Texas can seek program funding that supports vulnerable families and children. The TJX Foundation offers invitation-only grants for projects like food, clothing, shelter, out-of-school enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety services, which may benefit community-based tourism and hospitality workforces.

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.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.