Best Parent-Teacher Organization Grants in Texas

The Russell Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing the development of children and youth into confident and responsible individuals. With a focus on education, character building, health, and intervention, the foundation seeks to support programs that address the holistic needs of young people. Their mission emphasizes fostering a positive environment that promotes growth and development, ensuring that children and youth can achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Texas K-12 public school districts, charter schools, and related education entities can access funding to implement whole-school improvement plans and create higher-quality learning environments. Parent-teacher organizations partnering with eligible schools in Texas may benefit from the Texas Education Agency’s School Action Fund Planning Continuation – Year 2 awards of US $250,000 - US $1,000,000.

Texas public school districts, charter schools, and other eligible education entities can apply for the Texas Education Agency’s School Action Fund Continuation Year 1 grants, awarding US $200,000 - US $400,000 to implement previously planned whole-school actions. Funding supports creating improved K-12 learning environments, boosting student achievement, and expanding access to high-quality schools, which may benefit active parent-teacher organizations.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, health, or human services can seek project-focused funding that benefits Brazos County residents. Focused on K–12 and related community programs, the M. Bookman Peters Charitable Foundation invites nonprofits, including those partnering with parent-teacher groups, to apply online year-round for initiatives improving local health, safety, and learning.

Texas K-12 school systems seeking cybersecurity protections and program improvements can access funding through Texas Education Agency to address major cyber incidents and strengthen overall security. Support includes near-term protections, governance and process enhancements, technical capabilities, and cybersecurity training, with priority for high-need districts and assistance from regional ESCs for implementing controls.

School districts, charter schools, and other eligible Texas K–12 education entities can seek support to redesign staffing, schedules, and compensation while strengthening educator pipelines. Grants from Texas Education Agency help Texas education organizations access Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Cohort 3 technical assistance, with awards ranging from US $75,000 to US $159,999 that may benefit parent-teacher priorities.

Texas K–12 education entities establishing a single Education Service Center tutoring hub can access funding through the Texas Education Agency, with awards up to US $350,000. The hub will host an annual tutoring summit, lead an outcomes-based contracting cohort, and develop implementation supports that school systems and parent-teacher organizations may use to strengthen tutoring programs.

Texas nonprofits and other eligible organizations planning AmeriCorps programs can receive up to US $100,000 to design evidence-based service initiatives in areas like K–12 education, youth services, and community health. The Onestar Foundation provides Texas education-focused groups, including parent-teacher organizations partnering with schools, with planning support to develop future AmeriCorps member placements.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can access funding for programmatic, capital, or related operating costs benefiting Texas children. Grants from Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation help Texas K–12 education, health, and youth services programs that build children’s growth, self-esteem, and innovation, and may support school-related initiatives led by parent-teacher organizations.

Texas K–12 public school systems and related educational entities can seek funding to implement innovative services that improve functional and academic outcomes for students with autism. Grants from Texas Education Agency help Texas education-focused organizations develop scalable models that may benefit parent-teacher groups partnering with schools on special needs education and enrichment.

Parent-teacher organizations and other education-focused groups in Texas can apply for Simmons First Foundation’s environmental grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $25,000 for conservation and environmental projects. Programs tied to K-12 youth education or health, such as outdoor education or projects on water, air, forestry, or energy, may be especially competitive.

Texas K–12 schools, PTOs, and 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth in counties with a Simmons Bank facility can access funding through Simmons First Foundation for special education and substance abuse or violence prevention programs. Grants of US $2,500 - US $50,000 support program costs, not administrative or general operating expenses, with capacity expected beyond year one.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations serving K–12 youth in education or health care can access funding through Simmons First Foundation to support immediate, long-term program needs. Grants range from US $1,000 - US $2,500 and may benefit school-based groups, including parent-teacher organizations, working to improve student outcomes.

With a mission to strengthen K–12 education, Texas Education Agency provides Texas school systems and partners with US $250,000 to support statewide family and community engagement for emergent bilingual students. Eligible education entities will deliver in-person and virtual trainings, leverage TEA family-focused resources, and offer technical assistance that helps schools involve families in instructional decisions.

The Leadership & Instructional Foundations for Texas (LIFT) Grant is a three-year initiative aimed at enhancing the instructional capacity of Texas school systems. By integrating key elements of Strong Foundations, Texas Instructional Leadership, and Texas Lesson Study, LIFT provides comprehensive support to districts. The program ensures all Texas students receive high-quality, grade-level instruction daily, promoting sustainable improvement through strong leadership and high-quality instructional materials.

Texas K-12 school systems, education service centers, and other eligible education organizations can apply for the Texas Education Agency’s Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth Resource Grant, with awards of US $600,000, to implement evidence-based strategies that identify, enroll, and support students experiencing homelessness and improve academic outcomes statewide.

Texas school districts and public schools working on K-12 educational access and equity in Texas can seek support for whole-school improvement strategies through the School Action Fund. Texas Education Agency funding helps restart or redesign underperforming campuses, expand access to high-quality A/B-rated schools, and better meet community needs, which may benefit parent-teacher organization priorities.

Public and charter K–12 schools expanding PLTW Biomedical Science courses, including those near Richardson, Texas, can receive US $10,000 to cover program fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training costs. Project Lead The Way and ON Semiconductor Foundation prioritize U.S. schools within 50 miles of designated onsemi communities, especially those serving high-need students.

Public and charter K–12 schools starting a PLTW Biomedical Science program, including those near Richardson, Texas, can apply for $20,000 in funding for curriculum fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training. With a mission to empower students through real-world learning, Project Lead The Way provides support to eligible U.S. schools, prioritizing high-need student populations.

Texas K-12 schools, libraries, colleges, universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering family literacy services can receive up to US $10,000 for adult education, children’s education, and joint parent-child activities. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports programs within 15 miles of its stores, which may include parent-teacher organizations operating qualifying family literacy initiatives.

The 2025-2026 Teach for America grant aims to enhance the quality of education in Texas by funding proven models to recruit and retain effective teachers, particularly in high-need areas like the Rio Grande Valley and major metropolitan regions. The initiative targets increased employment of TFA teachers, emphasizing training in Bilingual/ESL, science, and math. By 2026, the goal is to have at least 2,100 TFA educators in classrooms serving economically disadvantaged students, ultimately improving student achievement.

Texas K–12 public schools identified for School Improvement and participating in the LIFT program can receive Texas Education Agency support to strengthen instructional systems and PLCs. This Title I-funded grant offers up to US $120,000 for expanded PLC facilitation, observation and feedback, and individualized coaching, which may benefit Texas parent-teacher organizations partnering with schools.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.

The Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation Grant supports charitable, educational, and scientific purposes primarily in Texas, with a focus on Bexar County. Established in 1992 by Elizabeth Huth Coates Maddux, the foundation emphasizes the arts, private educational institutions, and medical research. Grants are available annually to 501(c)(3) organizations, continuing her legacy of philanthropy and community enhancement in San Antonio, where her contributions are evident throughout the city.

The Faye L. and William L. Cowden Charitable Foundation, established in 1988, aims to support various charitable purposes, particularly for children. Following the founders' deaths, the foundation continues to provide grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on health care, education, and the welfare of children and animals, as well as environmental preservation. With a commitment to impactful giving, it ensures that financial assistance is directed towards qualified organizations in Texas.

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. 

Communities In Schools

Program Description

The purpose of the CIS program is to remove barriers to learning to keep students persisting through their education. CIS partners with educators, students, and parents to identify students who are at-risk of dropping out of school and determine their unique needs and reasons for disengagement. Once these needs are identified, CIS customizes supports for campuses, students, and families that are uniquely tailored to the identified needs and provides schoolwide services and individual case management to support both students and the entire school. CIS engages the community as a vital part of the process and strives to connect the campus and students to needed community resources. This comprehensive model includes effective program administration; trained professional staff on each campus, community resource coordination; holistic, case management for students and families with significant needs and schoolwide services aligned to campus goals.

The Behmann Brothers Foundation, established in October 1979, focuses on supporting agricultural research, education, youth groups, healthcare, and service organizations. Grants are available for non-profit organizations recognized as public charities by the IRS, primarily in Texas counties including Nueces and Aransas. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, governmental entities, or political activities, ensuring support is directed towards community enhancement and welfare.