Best Grants for Performing Arts in Texas

The Cullen Foundation, established in 1947, supports cultural arts, education, healthcare, and public service primarily in the Greater Houston area. With over $500 million in grants distributed, the Foundation emphasizes initiatives that enhance community quality of life. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities. The Foundation does not fund businesses, individuals, or operational support, ensuring that its contributions directly impact the community. For more information on eligibility and grant history, please visit their website.

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.

The Meadows Foundation Grant Program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Texans through diverse funding initiatives across education, environment, arts, and health. With a focus on community development and support for nonprofit organizations, the foundation aims to address pressing issues like homelessness and mental health. By prioritizing programs that offer measurable outcomes, they foster innovation and empower local efforts, ensuring a lasting impact in Texas. This grant program reflects a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

The Webber Family Foundation's Capacity Building Grants aim to enhance the capabilities of organizations serving low-income youth in Austin, TX, focusing on education and arts. Grants of up to $25,000 support projects that align with the foundation's mission and benefit students exceeding grade-level expectations. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and primarily serve local youth. The foundation emphasizes quality education, early literacy, and out-of-school enrichment, fostering both academic and artistic skills.

The Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in San Antonio and Bexar County through support for arts, education, health and wellness, animal welfare, and wildlife conservation. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower youth, promote health, and protect animal welfare, reflecting Mrs. Kelso's commitment to community enrichment. Organizations eligible for funding are primarily 501(c)(3) nonprofits, dedicated to making a positive impact in these focus areas.

The TCA Texas Arts Respond Performance Support grant aims to enhance Texas's creative economy by investing in arts activities. It provides funding for Texas-based artists and organizations to present performances and workshops in local communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and government units. The grant supports artistic fees for approved companies from the Texas Touring Roster, ensuring that all Texans can enjoy diverse artistic experiences. Applications must be submitted quarterly before the performance date.

The Sybil Harrington Endowment for the Arts, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, supports diverse artistic and cultural initiatives in Lubbock and Hale counties. Grants range from $500 to $2,500, aimed at start-up funding, operational support, and program initiatives. All recipients must report on fund expenditures within a year. The foundation does not fund annual appeals, political efforts, or grants to individuals, ensuring support for impactful community projects.

The TCA Texas Arts Respond Project Grant, offered by the Texas Commission on the Arts, supports innovative arts projects that enhance education, health, economic development, public safety, and environmental awareness in Texas. Eligible applicants include various arts organizations and institutions that comply with specific regulations. This competitive grant program aims to foster creativity and community engagement, ultimately contributing to the state's cultural and economic vitality.

The Dallas Foundation's Spring Grant Cycle invites nonprofits to submit Letters of Inquiry for funding in key areas: Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, and Domestic Violence. Emphasizing diversity and inclusivity, the Foundation aims to support organizations that enhance community welfare and provide essential services to Dallas County residents. With plans to fund 5-10 nonprofits, this initiative underscores a commitment to improving lives and fostering a brighter future for all in North Texas.

The Joyce Peugh Pate Capper Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable initiatives in Fort Worth, Texas, with a focus on the performing and visual arts, libraries, churches, and hospitals. Established by philanthropist Joyce Peugh Pate Capper, the trust prioritizes organizations active during her lifetime. Eligible applicants must operate within Tarrant County, while grants are not awarded for animal-related causes. This grant fosters community enrichment and cultural development in the region.

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 Albert E. and Myrtle Gunn York Trust Grant aims to enhance the lives of Victoria, Texas residents by supporting religious purposes, education, and the arts. The trust provides funding for initiatives that promote Christian stewardship, higher education, and cultural development in fine and performing arts. Additionally, it offers assistance to the elderly and fosters the intellectual and physical growth of youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in Victoria.

The CH Foundation, established in 1969, aims to enhance human services and educational opportunities for the South Plains of Texas community. Founded by the generous Christine DeVitt, the foundation has contributed over $161 million in grants to support various initiatives, including education, health, and cultural development. Focused on long-term sustainability, it primarily funds organizations that benefit Lubbock and nearby areas, promoting a brighter future through innovative leadership and community engagement.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The Rural Arts Initiative Grant Program, established by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations in rural communities. The program encourages access to the arts through scholarships, community engagement, and innovative activities. Priority is given to organizations located in areas with populations under 20,000, ensuring that artistic opportunities are available to both adults and children. Applications are accepted for one year of funding, with potential for up to three consecutive years.

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Full-Time Associates

Regions supports organizations important to our associates through the Regions Matching Gifts Program. This program, which is open for use for all full-time Regions associates, affiliate associates and recent retirees, allows you to make an even greater difference to your favorite charities by doubling your tax-deductible contributions to these organizations. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

ConocoPhillips Charitable Investments focuses on local community giving, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving to address unique community needs. Eligible organizations include 501(c) charities, political subdivisions, and accredited schools. Ineligible entities include those promoting religious worship or political advocacy. Recent funding has supported education and social services, particularly in the Permian region, reflecting ConocoPhillips' commitment to responsible citizenship and community enhancement through targeted charitable investments.

The Gilbert and Thyra Plass Charitable Trust aims to enhance the quality of life for residents in Brazos County, Texas, by supporting diverse charitable initiatives. Established through the legacy of Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Thyra Plass, the trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) entities and maintain a local office, ensuring their initiatives directly benefit the community.

The Helen Gertrude Sparks Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Texas, focusing on the elderly, disabled children, the arts, and education. Established in 1971, the trust aims to uplift local communities through grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Preference is given to organizations that do not primarily rely on government funding and those operating in Tarrant County. The trust awards 2-3 grants annually, promoting a rich cultural and supportive environment for those in need.

Performing and visual arts nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas’s Panhandle can seek support for operational, programmatic, marketing, or capital expenses. With a mission to strengthen regional arts and culture, Amarillo Area Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $50,000 through its Arts & Culture Fund for organizations serving residents in the top 26 counties.

The Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts Grant supports the creative and performing arts in the San Antonio area, honoring Rogers' legacy. Grants are focused on specific projects, performances, and productions aligned with the arts, including music, literature, and visual arts. Only 501(c)(3) organizations primarily serving the San Antonio metropolitan area are eligible. The Fund emphasizes thoughtful consideration of funding requests while adhering to its budget limitations, ensuring a lasting impact on the local arts community.

The Montgomery County Community Foundation offers various grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of local communities. With a focus on nonprofits in Montgomery County, Texas, the foundation supports initiatives in arts, education, health, and social services. It encourages collaborative projects that address significant community needs while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Grants are available for organizations that are tax-exempt and provide substantial services to the area, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

The Henry Foundation, established in 2006, aims to enhance the quality of life for Midland, Texas residents through charitable contributions. It focuses on supporting educational institutions, social services, and community projects that bring lasting benefits. The Foundation encourages collaborative efforts with other non-profits and emphasizes projects that address root causes of community issues. Grants are available for both capital and operating projects, favoring initiatives with a direct connection to Midland.