Best Faith-based Grants in Texas

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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 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.

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.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Community Foundation of Abilene offers community grants to enhance the quality of life in the Abilene area. Established in 1985, it supports local nonprofit organizations through a flexible funding model, addressing various sectors such as health, education, and community development. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, with occasional larger requests considered. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve populations within Taylor County, ensuring impactful community development through strategic funding.

The Community Foundation of West Texas offers South Plains Foundation Grants aimed at fostering charitable programs in Lubbock County, Texas. Established in 1981, the foundation supports various community needs including education, healthcare, and economic development. Grants typically do not exceed $10,000 and are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local government units. Eligible organizations must report on the use of funds within one year of receiving the grant, ensuring accountability and effective use of resources.

The Best Life Community Awards, funded by Altra Foundation Inc, invites nominations for nonprofit organizations that have made a significant impact in their communities. Altra members can nominate eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits they support with their time, talents, or financial contributions. The selected nonprofit will receive a $10,000 grant, aimed at fostering initiatives in education, health, and community services across specific counties in the U.S. Nominate today to help recognize outstanding contributions!

AAF: Arts & Culture Fund

The boards of the Amarillo Area Foundation and the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation decided to allocate a portion of the Discretionary Grant funds from the Economic Opportunity cycle to fund visual and performing arts organizations within the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. The funding priorities are operational, programmatic, marketing, and capital expenses. ​

​This application process is new, and an external arts committee will select organizations to recommend to the Amarillo Area Foundation board of directors for funding. The requests must fall within the range of $5,000-$50,000.

The Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

The Black Fund of Central Texas aims to empower Black-led organizations and strengthen the Black community through targeted investments in various impact areas, including arts, education, health, and advocacy. With over $850,000 granted since 2022, this fund prioritizes fairness and opportunity while fostering collaboration and community growth. In the current cycle, $250,000 will be awarded across 20 grants to eligible nonprofit organizations operating within the Central Texas region, enhancing individual and community prosperity.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

The Scanlan Foundation Grant aims to foster a culture of vocations within the Roman Catholic Church in Texas. By focusing on priesthood, religious life, and strong families, the foundation supports initiatives in marriage preparation, Catholic education, and evangelization. This grant seeks to enhance access to faith-based resources, ensuring that individuals are equipped to live out their vocations while contributing to a vibrant community of faith across the state.

The Scanlan Foundation Grant aims to foster a culture of vocations within the Catholic Church in Texas by supporting initiatives that promote priesthood, religious life, and strong families. Through strategic funding, the foundation prioritizes education, marriage preparation, and community support to enhance the spiritual growth of individuals and families. This grants program is a vital resource for organizations committed to nurturing faith and service, ensuring that the values of the Catholic faith continue to thrive in the community.

The Texas Methodist Foundation Grant supports innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life for communities in Texas and New Mexico. Emphasizing faith-based social impact, the grant prioritizes organizations that empower those in poverty through strategic partnerships and measurable outcomes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that align with the foundation's mission. This grant cycle offers both competitive and invitation-based funding opportunities aimed at fostering hope, health, and belonging.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Community Partners Grant Program, led by the Humana Foundation, aims to enhance community health by addressing social barriers and promoting equitable health outcomes. With a focus on Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, the program fosters connections through emotional support and nutritional education. It also provides disaster relief funding to ensure long-term recovery and preparedness. By collaborating with local organizations, this initiative helps individuals access essential services and resources, thereby improving their overall well-being.

Texas Capacity Building and Resiliency Initiative

Advancing resiliency and capacity building in community-driven organizations.

The goal of this pilot grant initiative is to advance resiliency and capacity building among community-driven organizations by investing in their priorities. These priorities must align with the foundation’s mission to advance mental health in everyday life and at least one of the four strategic focus areas: Community; Partnerships; Policy; and Research, Innovation, and Education (RIE).

About the Initiative

This pilot grant initiative, Texas Capacity Building and Resiliency Initiative, will fund organizations with a total operating budget of $250,000 or less. Each grantee partner will receive a two-year grant, with award amounts ranging from $15,000 to $75,000 per year (up to 30% of the total operating budget) divided equally across the grant term. The goal of this initiative is to advance resiliency and capacity building among community-driven organizations by investing in their priorities. Each selected organization will have access to additional capacity building support and tools. The foundation is awarding these grants based on their alignment with at least one of these four strategic focus areas: 

Community: Strengthening local leadership and organizations by centering community voices to identify gaps, co-create solutions, and implement and sustain projects that reflect community priorities. 

Partnerships: Fostering strategic partnerships that can amplify mental health impact among various communities across Texas. 

Research, Innovation, and Education (RIE): Expanding knowledge, tools, and practices that study, improve, and provide education on mental health systems and services in Texas. 

Policy: Engaging in activities that empower individuals and community organizations to have a voice in developing policies and systems that impact mental health, resilience, and well-being.  

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.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo offers grants to Texas-based 501(c)(3) charities and accredited educational institutions. These grants support programs that benefit youth, education, agricultural development, and the preservation of cultural heritage. With over $89 million awarded to more than 100 organizations, the program emphasizes alignment with its mission pillars. Eligible entities include faith-based organizations for non-sectarian projects, while ineligible projects range from new initiatives under three years to capital projects and fundraising events.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.