Best Grants for Youth Programs in Texas

About QuikTripQuikTrip believes in investing in the communities in which our employees live and work. Every year, QuikTrip donates 5% of our annual net profit to qualified 501c3 non-profit agencies, which includes our United Way campaign match, support for National Safe Place agencies, Folds of Honor scholarships and many other agencies that support at-risk youth and early childhood education.Mission: To wisely invest dollars in community efforts that will help impact (in measurable terms) individuals in our society who are dependent on the charitable support of others. We believe the most effective way to do that is to invest our contribution dollars and volunteers in strategic efforts that help those at risk reach their functional capacity as successful, independent citizens.About QuikTrip Charitable GrantsQuikTrip funds 501c3 agencies located in the cities in which we have stores and our employees live and work. Funding can include: “in-kind” products (coupons, gift cards or product donation), formal grants, fundraiser/event sponsorships and employee volunteer time.Focus Areas:

• Creating Safe Communities
  • First Responders: QuikTrip is proud to partner with law enforcement and first responders in every market we serve, making sure that they have the tools, training and support they need to keep our communities safe and to return home safely to their families after each shift.
  • Homeless Outreach & Alternatives to Police Response: To significantly reduce non-emergency calls and help people in crisis get back on their feet, QuikTrip funds dedicated homeless outreach teams across our communities. These teams engage individuals experiencing homelessness and living in encampments – connecting people to services, shelter, detox and long-term care.

• Creating Strong Communities
  • Ending Homelessness: We support emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, diversion and prevention programs, and more.
  • Mental Health & Substance Abuse : We know that healthy communities are safe communities, which is why we invest in detox and substance abuse treatment centers, and behavioral health centers and services to end the perpetuation of cycles of trauma and addiction.
  • At-Risk Youth: We especially prioritize services for at-risk youth – those aging out of foster care, justice-involved or without stable support systems.
• Additional Community Commitments
  • United Way: Employee donation matching in all markets.
  • Folds of Honor: Scholarships for families of fallen or wounded service members and first responders.
  • National Safe Place: QT stores serve as Safe Place locations for youth in crisis, with trained staff ready to assist.

Texas nonprofits and public agencies planning AmeriCorps programs that engage youth in community service and evidence-based interventions can apply for planning support, with awards up to US $100,000. The Onestar Foundation provides Texas youth services organizations with funding to design AmeriCorps projects addressing education, economic opportunity, health, environmental stewardship, disaster services, and support for veterans and military families.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Texas organizations serving handicapped and homeless children or providing services for the aged can seek support for charitable programs. Focused on youth and vulnerable populations, the W. L. and Louise E. Seymour Foundation invites eligible groups to apply for funding that benefits children facing disability, homelessness, or poverty across Texas.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Texas youth-serving and religious 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding to support programs benefiting young people, including health, mental health, arts, and child welfare services. Texas youth programs can access funding through Martha Sue Parr Trust, which prefers projects tied to religious organizations and hospitals serving children and youth in the state.

Texas youth-serving organizations focused on mentoring children of incarcerated parents and youth at risk of incarceration can access funding through Texas Education Agency’s 2025-2026 Amachi Texas program. Grants of US $7,000,000 support consistent, supportive mentoring relationships that build resilience, disrupt intergenerational incarceration, and help young people reach their potential.

The Trull Foundation offers local sponsorship grants to organizations seeking funding for events under $1,500, prioritizing children in rural areas, those affected by substance abuse, and projects in the coastal Texas environment. Interested applicants should submit requests at least one month prior to their events. The foundation values cooperation with other organizations and may provide guidance on project assistance, ensuring resources are effectively utilized for community benefit.

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications for projects that prevent violence in and around school; and to improve the juvenile justice system by providing mental health services, truancy prevention, diversion services and intervention through community-based and school programs.

Eligible Activities include: Mental Health Services, Education programs or supportive services, Community Programs and Services, Youth Diversion Services and Juvenile Case Managers. 

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.

About Us

Texas Health and Human Services, also known as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), helps more than 7.5 million Texans every month. The agency supports the needs of mothers, children and families through programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, women’s health and behavioral health services.

HHSC provides long-term services and supports for seniors and people with disabilities, and operates state supported living centers for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and state psychiatric hospitals. HHSC also regulates health care providers, professions and facilities to protect the health and safety of Texans.

Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Transition and Financial Support Services

Executive Summary

The State of Texas, by and through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on behalf of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Child Protective Services (CPS) Program seeks Applicants to provide Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Transition and Financial Support Services in an effective and efficient manner in DFPS Regions 1 to 5 and Regions 7 to 11 ( Refer Section 2.4, DFPS Regions) to DFPS Youth and Young Adults to help them successfully transition to adulthood.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, especially those serving youth in Fort Worth and Tarrant County, can seek grants for health, human and social services, education, children’s services, and arts programs. Thomas M Helen Mckee and John P Ryan Foundation provides support to eligible nonprofits through a quarterly application process, beginning with a brief letter of inquiry for first-time applicants.

Texas youth programs and K-12 schools focused on special education or substance abuse and violence prevention can access funding through Simmons First Foundation, with awards from US $2,500 - US $50,000. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) or qualifying governmental organizations in a Simmons Bank county that can sustain the program beyond the first year.

Texas youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations with K–12 education or health care programs can access funding through Simmons First Foundation’s Mini Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $2,500. Projects must address immediate, long-term needs for youth, and prior 2024 Mini Grant recipients must wait until 2026 to reapply.

Organizations providing youth life skills training in Texas can apply for funding from Texas Health and Human Services to deliver Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) services. Grants support assessment and life skills training for DFPS youth and young adults in Regions 7–11 to help them successfully transition to adulthood, with awards up to US $696,190.

Tax-exempt nonprofits, schools, and community projects in Texas can receive funding to support youth services, education, and community development initiatives. Young Family Foundation provides grants for projects in the YK Communications service area that demonstrate strong potential for positive impact, promote inclusivity and engagement, and align with the applicant’s tax-exempt mission and fundraising efforts.

Youth- and family-serving organizations in Texas can seek funding to provide community-based youth development, family support, and violence prevention services. Focused on positive youth development, Texas Health and Human Services invites Texas youth programs to strengthen protective factors, reduce juvenile justice involvement, prevent child abuse and neglect, and promote workforce readiness, with awards ranging from US $400,000 to US $1,000,000.

Focused on youth and education, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo invites Texas 501(c)(3) charities and accredited higher education institutions to seek grants for programs benefiting youth, supporting education, expanding agricultural horizons, or preserving pioneer heritage and cultures. Faith-based nonprofits may apply for non-sectarian, community-focused youth initiatives in Texas.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, and qualifying government programs in Texas can apply for the Long Foundation’s grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support youth programs. Funding focuses on Austin-area initiatives where at least 75% of participating youth are Hispanic and activities advance education, mentoring, safe spaces, healthy development, or community service.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, youth, and young adults up to age 23 can apply for Russell Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support youth development programs. Funding can back education, tutoring, mentoring, health, intervention, character-building, and related services that help young people reach their full potential.

Hendrick Health Community Grants and Event Sponsorships provide funding opportunities for agencies and organizations aligned with Hendrick Health’s community initiatives. The program aims to empower residents to live healthier lives, enhance youth development, educate the community, strengthen the economy, and enrich cultural experiences in West Texas. With a commitment to local service and health, Hendrick Health continues its legacy of supporting holistic well-being and community engagement.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can access funding for programmatic, capital, or related operating needs through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, with awards up to US $50,000. Grants support youth services, education, health, and child welfare programs that foster growth, self-esteem, and innovation for children across Texas.

Texas youth-serving education nonprofits can access funding through the Minnie M. Jones Trust for one-year programs that provide quality education to underserved children. Special consideration is given to charitable organizations working with youth in Denison and Grayson County, making this a strong option for local youth program support.

The Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on medical research, arts promotion, and youth development in San Antonio. Eligible organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the physical, mental, and moral well-being of local youth. Notably, it does not fund individuals or organizations involved in political lobbying. This grant offers a vital opportunity for community support in various essential sectors.

The AdvoCare Foundation, established in 1993, aims to promote health and wellness for children through its grant program. Focused on year-round initiatives, the foundation supports local communities where AdvoCare distributors operate. Grants typically last one year with an average funding of $25,000, although multi-year support may be available. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster positive health changes and encourages collaborative efforts with previous grantees.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities serving youth, schools, healthcare, social services, or agricultural education can seek funding for programs and operations. Behmann Brothers Foundation supports agricultural research and education, youth groups, schools, healthcare, and service organizations, with a preference for nonprofits in Nueces, Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, Refugio, and San Patricio counties.

The Chamiza Foundation Grant supports the preservation and revitalization of Pueblo culture through targeted grantmaking. For over 33 years, the foundation has enabled positive change in Pueblo communities by prioritizing language preservation, sustainable agriculture, traditional arts, and youth leadership. With an emphasis on collaboration and community involvement, the foundation awards grants averaging between $3,000 and $15,000 to projects that foster cultural continuity and innovation.