Best Parent-Teacher Organization Grants in Texas

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 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. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds.

The Texas Education Agency 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.

Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Cohort 2 Continuation Grant

The primary purpose of the Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Continuation Grant is to maximize the impact of highly effective teachers in reaching as many students as possible by developing strategic staffing models. Through this grant, school system leaders, including principals, recruit and select highly effective teachers to serve in leadership roles alongside campus and district instructional leaders. Through high-quality, job-embedded professional learning, these teacher leaders develop skills in key instructional leadership practices that help drive peer, beginning, and aspiring teachers’ instructional learning and growth. When highly effective teachers step into these leadership roles, school leaders distribute instructional leadership responsibilities, ensuring all teachers, across years of experience and effectiveness levels, receive differentiated and job-embedded supports to maximize their impact on student learning. 

ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

Title I, Part A, provides supplemental resources to school systems to help schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families provide high-quality education that will enable all children to meet the challenging state academic standards. Title I, Part A, supports campuses in implementing either a schoolwide program (SWP) or a targeted assistance program (TAP).

Campuses operating a SWP must conduct a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) and develop a Campus Improvement Plan (CIP) with the involvement of parents, other members of the community and individuals including teachers, principals, other school leaders, paraprofessionals, administrators, the school system, and to the extent feasible, tribes and tribal organizations present in the community, and, if appropriate, specialized instructional support personnel, technical assistance providers, school staff, and if the plan relates to a secondary school, students, and other individuals determined by the school, who will carry out such plan. The plan must ensure all students are provided opportunities to meet the challenging State academic standards and be regularly evaluated and revised as necessary based on student needs as described in Section 1114, Schoolwide Programs.

Campuses operating a TAP will determine which students will be served on the basis of multiple, educationally related, objective criteria established by the school system and serve participating students as described in Section 1115, Targeted Assistance Schools.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 2025-2026 Perkins V grant aims to enhance career and technical education (CTE) for secondary students by developing their academic and employability skills. It focuses on integrating rigorous academic and technical instruction, increasing flexibility in service provision, and building partnerships among educational institutions and industries. Additionally, the program seeks to support underrepresented populations, ensuring they gain the necessary skills for competitive employment in high-demand fields.

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.

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.

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.

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.