Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

Nonprofit organizations in Texas that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for operating support. Grants from Costco Foundation help fund evidence-based, community-driven programs with measurable outcomes and broad financial backing in communities where Costco does business, including Texas.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs can seek seed or growth funding that supports new approaches or directions. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations to submit letters of inquiry for invitation-only consideration, which may include Texas-based groups launching or expanding creative community initiatives.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first social enterprises in Texas tackling major social or environmental challenges can access funding through Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000. Organizations should be post-pilot, under 10 years old, serving underserved communities, and able to scale solutions to reach at least 10,000 people within five years.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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, social enterprises, and public entities in Texas can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 to support or scale projects. Eligible work serves urban low-income children and youth in education, health and wellness, or family economic stability, including Central Texas programs.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Nonprofit organizations in Texas seeking support for humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or contemporary arts initiatives may be eligible for Roche’s Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program. Focused on high-quality, sustainable projects managed by accredited charities, Roche invites proposals that can leverage its expertise, engage employees, and build long-term community benefits, including early-stage or seed efforts.

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.

With a mission to support charitable, scientific, medical, and educational work, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides Texas 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for programs that advance general welfare. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds within the U.S., be tax-exempt under federal law, and, when applicable, California law.

Texas nonprofit organizations with established 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) status and at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. Focused on environmental initiatives, Green Mountain Energy invites seed-stage or expanding programs that deliver measurable environmental, social, and financial impact.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for sponsorship funding to advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports efforts in basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environment, and diversity and inclusion, which may help launch or grow new initiatives in Texas communities.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public, tax-exempt schools focused on preserving the natural environment can access funding through The Environmental Fund of Texas for seed projects in water, natural areas, native wildlife, and public engagement. Grants of US $2,501 - US $12,000 support time-limited, project-based conservation and environmental education efforts across the state.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose primary mission is preserving the natural environment and that have completed a Tier 2 grant can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative conservation projects. With a mission to protect Texas lands, waters, and wildlife, The Environmental Fund of Texas supports habitat, water, native species, and classroom-based conservation initiatives.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years and serving communities in the Southern region can access funding for programmatic work in areas like children and families, education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, and more. The Robinson Foundation supports single-year, non-capital projects where grants can create tangible, meaningful impact with visible results.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can seek seed funding for community programs, if located within 15 miles of a TJX site. The TJX Foundation invites eligible organizations that meet its mission and nondiscrimination requirements to begin with an online eligibility questionnaire and Letter of Inquiry.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities launching or expanding community programs can access funding through Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation’s Seeds of Strength Giving Circle, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants support projects serving Georgetown residents in areas like education, health, human services, and economic development, with a preference for smaller nonprofits and underserved populations.

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 Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek funding for hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and community vitality initiatives. U.S.-based organizations that demonstrate strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes may be competitive for these national community grants.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas seeking seed funding for program work can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 supporting education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, and environmental projects. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. nonprofits launch or expand impactful, one-year initiatives across these fields.

Texas public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning or expanding historic preservation initiatives can apply for $2,500 - $5,000 in seed funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Focused on planning, education, and outreach, these grants support activities like feasibility studies, design guidelines, community forums, and innovative programs that introduce new audiences to preservation.

Focused on health, education, human services, and civic programs, this grant invites Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public entities to apply for project support. The M.G. & Lillie A. Johnson Foundation funds organizations serving residents in specified Texas Gulf Coast counties, which may help nonprofits seeking seed money to launch or expand local initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations focused on preservation, education, or wellness, including those in Texas, can apply for the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share their community impact through compelling narratives. Wildlife conservation nonprofits are the only unsolicited applicants considered, with awards of more than US $50,000 to support storytelling about their work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas working to improve community quality of life can seek project, general operating, or capital support, including for seed-stage efforts. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S.-based community nonprofits address economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief in areas where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.