Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Texas

The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation provides vital support to nonprofit organizations in Texas, focusing on charitable, educational, and scientific initiatives. It prioritizes research and education-related projects that promise long-term benefits. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, scholarships, or political activities and prefers not to support fundraising events or school-related sports teams. This ensures its grants are directed towards impactful and sustainable community projects.

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 Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

2026-2027 Effective Advising Framework Implementation Year 1

Program Description

The Effective Advising Framework (EAF) supports the development and implementation of an individual student planning system within the context of a comprehensive school counseling program. The EAF also aims to foster innovation and promotion of promising and proven career and technical education (CTE) programs, which may include nontraditional fields. This includes the development, implementation, and adoption of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers and industries.

This grant project supports school districts who successfully completed all the requirements of the EAF planning process through the 2025-2026 Effective Advising Planning Grant. Districts will be supported by an Effective Advising Framework Coach (EAF Coach) at the ESC who will monitor, support, and coach the district through effective advising implementation aligned to the essential actions and key practices of the Effective Advising Framework. The intended outcome of this program is to improve the district’s individual student planning system and to measure the impact of individual student planning when implemented with fidelity.  

2026-2028 System of Great Schools: Advisor Pool Management

Program Description

TEA’s Division of System Support builds the capacity of districts to plan and execute school actions to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality fit school. One way the division builds the capacity of districts and leaders is through the System of Great Schools (SGS) network. The SGS strategy is a district-wide innovation and problem-solving approach that seeks to:

1) empower educators to design and lead high-quality schools;

2) empower families with high-quality options and informed choices; and

3) focus central office on high-leverage oversight, innovation, and support activities. 

2026-2028 District-Wide Classroom Review Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of district wide classroom reviews to support district strategic planning and performance systems alignment in a variety of Agency initiatives, including the Effective District Frameworks Diagnostics, Effective Schools Frameworks Diagnostics, and HB-1605 Local Classroom Reviews.

The District Wide Classroom Reviews Grant will provide school systems with a review to determine the degree to which the materials submitted (1) corresponds with the instructional materials adopted by the school district or district campus; and (2) meets the level of rigor of the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002 for the grade level in which it is being used. The purpose of this project will be to provide logistics and operations support for all district wide classroom reviews and district wide diagnostics, including training and events, budget tracking and invoicing for completed district wide classroom reviews and working with designated vendors for additional supports and resources, including diagnostic platforms, as identified by TEA.

The Moody Foundation Grant supports charitable projects in Texas, focusing on innovative ideas that foster long-term community improvements. Eligible recipients include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governmental entities, and certain supporting organizations. The Foundation prioritizes grants for education, health, arts, and social services, particularly in underserved areas like Galveston, Austin, and Dallas. Applicants should anticipate a twelve-month process from inquiry to funding decision, as the Foundation carefully reviews each proposal.

The Katherine C. Carmody Charitable Trust, established in 1957, supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Texas, focusing on education, human services, and religion-related programs. Grants are primarily awarded to organizations in Navarro County and the Dallas area. Organizations must wait two years after receiving a grant before reapplying. This trust has contributed millions to various Texas charities, reflecting Ms. Carmody's commitment to her community and charitable causes.

The Sid W. Richardson Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing educational and health initiatives for nonprofit organizations in Texas. Established in 1947, the foundation supports programs that align with its mission to serve the people of Texas. Eligibility is restricted to tax-exempt organizations, and applicants must submit a preliminary inquiry before applying. Notably, the foundation does not fund individual projects or events such as school trips and fundraisers.

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.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth baseball or softball, education and literacy, childhood cancer, military recognition, or quality-of-life programs can seek grants to advance their work. The Astros Foundation provides funding within the Astros MLB territory, which may benefit education-focused organizations serving youth and families in Texas communities.

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.

ESC Perkins Statewide Initiative Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of district wide classroom reviews to support district strategic planning and performance systems alignment in a variety of Agency initiatives, including the Effective District Frameworks Diagnostics, Effective Schools Frameworks Diagnostics, and HB-1605 Local Classroom Reviews.

The District Wide Classroom Reviews Grant will provide school systems with a review to determine the degree to which the materials submitted (1) corresponds with the instructional materials adopted by the school district or district campus; and (2) meets the level of rigor of the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002 for the grade level in which it is being used. The purpose of this project will be to provide logistics and operations support for all district wide classroom reviews and district wide diagnostics, including training and events, budget tracking and invoicing for completed district wide classroom reviews and working with designated vendors for additional supports and resources, including diagnostic platforms, as identified by TEA.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, governmental entities, and eligible supporting organizations can seek funding for education, cultural arts, healthcare, and public service programs benefiting the Greater Houston area. With a mission to improve quality of life, Cullen Foundation provides sustained investments that may support education-focused nonprofits serving local communities.

Texas charitable organizations working in education, arts, health and human services, environment, or historic preservation can apply for Burdine Johnson Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000. The foundation is especially enthusiastic about Hays County and Central Texas groups, and education nonprofits in these areas may be strong candidates.

Texas Military-Connected Student Support and Capacity Grant

The purpose of this grant is to expand and enhance statewide capacity, infrastructure, and coordinated support systems to meet the unique academic, social-emotional, and transitional needs of military-connected students and their families in Texas. 

Program Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to expand and enhance statewide capacity, infrastructure, and coordinated support systems to meet the unique academic, social-emotional, and transitional needs of militaryconnected students and their families in Texas. This initiative will empower the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and School Systems (e.g., districts and open enrollment charter schools) by providing high-quality professional development, evidence-based training, and comprehensive resources and tools designed to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for nearly 230,000 military-connected students enrolled in Texas public schools.

Goals

The overarching goal of this grant is to strengthen Texas’ statewide framework for supporting military connected students by building sustainable systems and resources that enable School Systems to deliver responsive, high-quality services. Specifically, the grant aims to:

• Expand TEA’s capacity and infrastructure to lead and coordinate statewide efforts addressing the needs of military-connected students.
• Equip School Systems with specialized training, tools, and resources to effectively identify, support, and engage military-connected students and families.
• Foster collaboration and alignment across Education Service Centers (ESCs), TEA, and military community partners to ensure consistent, high-impact practices statewide.
• Advance Purple Star Campus program enhancements to recognize and scale exemplary practices that support military-connected students.

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.

P-TECH Continued Support Grant

Program Description

This grant will implement innovative strategies for providing a robust model of support to P-TECH campuses in the CCRSM network:

• Developing strategy and resources for successfully scaling CCRSM programs with fidelity to increase the number of CCRSM teachers and CCRSM students
• CCRSM leaders from campuses, districts, institutes of higher education, and business and industry to support and sustain a mature CCRSM model.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, religious, scientific, arts, or hospital-related programs can apply for funding from the Adeline & George McQueen Foundation. The foundation provides charitable grants that may benefit education-focused organizations and projects across the state of Texas.

Texas education and other charitable organizations can seek funding for programs in areas such as education, arts and culture, health, human and social services, and more. Rawley Foundation supports a wide range of nonprofit initiatives across Texas, so education-focused nonprofits may be eligible if they qualify as charitable organizations in the state.

The Robert D. and Alma Moreton Foundation Grant supports initiatives in religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational fields. For detailed information about this grant program, please use the foundation finder available online. This foundation is dedicated to funding projects that align with its mission and values, making it a valuable resource for organizations seeking financial support.

The Moor Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote public welfare in Texas, emphasizing aid for vulnerable individuals in the El Paso area. This grant focuses on providing resources for food, shelter, and social services, ensuring that those in need receive the necessary support. Applicants are encouraged to align their initiatives with the foundation's mission of enhancing community welfare through religious, charitable, and educational programs.

The Pangburn Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, educational, or scientific organizations in Texas. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. For more information about the application process, please visit the foundation's finder link provided by JPMorgan.

The William & Catherine Bryce Memorial Fund Grant supports charitable, benevolent, religious, or educational institutions, preferably located in Fort Worth, Texas. This grant aims to enhance the community through various initiatives that align with its mission. Interested applicants should refer to the foundation finder for detailed information about the application process and eligibility requirements. This funding opportunity encourages local organizations to apply and contribute positively to their community.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA), as the pass-through entity, is the grantee from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and TEA awards subgrants to non-federal entities such as local educational agencies (LEAs), including school districts, charter schools, and education service centers, and to a lesser degree institutions of higher education (IHEs), and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) who are the agency’s subgrantees.

State Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG)

The purpose of this program is to accelerate the impact of state facilities funding by providing supplemental federal facilities funding to high-performing charter schools, increasing their capacity to serve Texas communities with the greatest need for educational choice.

The Kenedy Memorial Foundation Grant supports both Sectarian and Non-Sectarian entities, primarily focusing on Catholic schools and churches in Texas. The Foundation emphasizes grants that foster significant community benefits and encourages applications from recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. Core values include breaking the cycle of poverty, advancing spirituality, and nurturing support for Catholic institutions. The Foundation also allocates a portion of funds to non-sectarian charities, promoting inclusive support within the community.

Reliant Gives is dedicated to empowering Texas communities by supporting organizations invested in education, health, and well-being. With deep roots in Texas, Reliant Energy emphasizes the importance of giving back, encouraging local organizations to apply for grants that foster positive change. Their commitment reflects a holistic approach to community improvement, aiming to enhance the quality of life for all Texans. If your organization shares this passion, consider applying for funding to further your impact.

The M.G. & Lillie A. Johnson Foundation Grant, established in 1958, aims to support charitable activities in the Texas Gulf Coast area, particularly in health and education. The Foundation, which has dispensed over $106 million to date, prioritizes nonprofits and institutions that serve Texas communities. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, and eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations. The Foundation's significant contributions have notably aided the establishment of the Lutheran Hospital Pavilion at M.D. Anderson Hospital.

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

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 I, Part D, Subpart 2 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

[ESSA, Section 1421]

The purpose of Title I, Part D, Subpart 2, is to do the following:

• To carry out high-quality education programs to prepare children and youth for secondary school completion, training, employment, or further education;
• Provide children and youth with the services needed to make a successful transition from institutionalization to further education or employment; and
• To operate programs in local schools, including schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Education for children and youth returning from correctional facilities and programs that may serve at-risk children and youth.

Intended beneficiaries are school systems with high numbers or percentages of children and youth residing in locally-operated (including county-operated) correctional facilities for children and youth. 

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 I, Part D, Subpart 1 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

[ESSA, Section 1401(a)]

The purpose of Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 is to do the following:

• Improve educational services for children and youth in local and state institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth so that such children and youth have the opportunity to meet the same challenging state academic content standards and student academic achievement standards that all children are expected to meet;
• Provide such children and youth with the services needed to make a successful transition from institutionalization to further schooling or employment; and
• Prevent at-risk youth from dropping out of school and provide dropouts and children and youth returning from jails or institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth with a support system to ensure their continued education and the involvement of their families and communities.

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) and the Windham School District are the eligible state agencies in Texas.