Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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.

Who We Are

OneStar strengthens Texas communities by creating pathways for individuals and organizations to engage, connect, and accelerate their impact.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places skilled individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds at nonprofits and agencies throughout the state of Texas. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve full-time for one year on capacity-building projects to advance your organization’s anti-poverty mission.

OneStar AmeriCorps VISTA Project places community-driven individuals with nonprofits & agencies throughout Texas on transformative projects focused specifically on building organizational capacity and infrastructure to alleviate poverty. Get the support you need to accelerate your efforts in volunteer management, marketing, community outreach, fundraising, program development, and more!

Capacity building activities include:

• Volunteer Engagement
• Fundraising & Development
• Communication & Marketing
• Community Engagement & Outreach
• Program Development

The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Special Project Funding to support innovative initiatives in the arts, particularly in under-resourced areas. This grant encourages collaborative projects that enhance community engagement and education, focusing on art exhibitions and scholarships in the greater Texas Panhandle. By fostering leadership and creativity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact in the fields of art and art history.

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.

Immediate HQIM and Instructional Systems Grant

Program Description

Immediate HQIM and Instructional Systems Grant is up to a three-year program designed to support Texas school systems in building the instructional and systems-level capacity needed to deliver high-quality learning experiences for all students. Recipients will use the grant to participate in the LIFT program. LIFT brings together the highest leverage components of Strong Foundations, Texas Instructional Leadership, and Texas Lesson Study, providing comprehensive support for districts to adopt HQIM and implement Bluebonnet Learning over multiple years.  

The Priddy Foundation, a private funder, is committed to enhancing individual and community development through grants in human services, education, arts, and health. They offer program, operating, capital, and organizational development support grants, prioritizing applications that demonstrate sustainability and effective evaluation. Eligibility requires a 501(c)(3) status and preference for impactful programs in specific Texas and Oklahoma counties. However, they do not fund individuals or certain types of projects, including basic research and endowments.

The Community Foundation of Abilene offers community grants to enhance the quality of life in the Abilene area. Established in 1985, it supports local nonprofit organizations through a flexible funding model, addressing various sectors such as health, education, and community development. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, with occasional larger requests considered. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve populations within Taylor County, ensuring impactful community development through strategic funding.

The Perry's Foundation Grant, launched in 2017, aims to enhance community strength by supporting nonprofit organizations and religious groups focused on philanthropy and promoting equity in Olney, TX, and its surrounding areas. Eligible applicants include diverse groups across all ages and ethnicities, with interests in community, education, and healthcare. The foundation provides various support types, including program development and matching funds, to foster impactful initiatives and leadership growth.

The Black Fund of Central Texas aims to empower Black-led organizations and strengthen the Black community through targeted investments in various impact areas, including arts, education, health, and advocacy. With over $850,000 granted since 2022, this fund prioritizes fairness and opportunity while fostering collaboration and community growth. In the current cycle, $250,000 will be awarded across 20 grants to eligible nonprofit organizations operating within the Central Texas region, enhancing individual and community prosperity.

The Anna+Anton Olson Legacy Foundation is dedicated to empowering communities in Central Texas, specifically Taylor, Hutto, and Georgetown. Through the Anna+Anton Grant, we support nonprofits addressing immediate operational needs and fostering long-term capacity building. Our focus includes critical repairs, resource development, and leadership training. Grants range from $1,500 to $20,000, promoting sustainability and the growth of impactful organizations. Together, we bridge generational gaps and enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Southwest Intervention Fund, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports preservation efforts of traditional cultures across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, and Utah. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are available for local partners, nonprofits, and government agencies to address emergency threats and promote preservation planning. Eligible projects include archaeological site surveys, public awareness workshops, and legal assistance for cultural resource management, ensuring the protection of vital historic sites.

The Waco Foundation's Capital Expenses Support Grants aim to assist 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits in McLennan County, Texas, with essential funding for small capital projects. These grants prioritize organizations focused on human services, youth programs, and arts/culture that require support for office equipment, renovations, and construction. By fostering community engagement and addressing critical needs, the Foundation enhances the quality of life for local residents.

The Waco Foundation offers Immediate Impact Grants to support nonprofit organizations in McLennan County, Texas. These grants aim to strengthen community engagement and address local challenges, particularly for marginalized populations. Funding focuses on improving quality of life through initiatives that enhance neighborhood vitality, foster inclusivity, and provide assistance to vulnerable residents. Established in 1958, the Foundation manages over $100 million in charitable assets to ensure lasting community benefits.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, invites applications from eligible nonprofits starting October 7, 2025. This grant aims to enhance capacity building and sustainability for organizations focused on food insecurity, workforce development, and youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving low to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney's service areas, fostering impactful changes with AmeriCorps support.

The Salad and Go Charities Grant supports local 501(c)(3) nonprofit meal programs that provide nutritious food to those facing food insecurity. Aimed at enhancing community wellness, the program offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for initiatives like expanding kitchen facilities and sourcing healthy ingredients. Organizations in Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and Arizona are encouraged to apply, fostering access to affordable food for vulnerable populations in need.

The Powell Foundation Grant Program aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, focusing on education, arts, conservation, and human services. They emphasize high-quality early childhood programs, K-12 education, post-secondary success, and community welfare. Eligible applicants must submit an online pre-application, with funding decisions announced in January and July. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster developmental support and educational access for children and families, enhancing community well-being through strategic investments.

The ESC Perkins Statewide Initiative Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the capacity of Education Service Centers (ESCs) through approved training on federal grant compliance. This initiative will support ESC staff in conducting comprehensive local needs assessments and implementing technical assistance for local educational agencies (LEAs) in various regulatory areas. The program is set to play a key role in the planning of a joint program conference in Fall 2026, with potential for continued funding in subsequent years.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation supports community grants in Arkansas and West Texas, focusing on areas such as aging populations, arts and culture, children and youth, economically disadvantaged individuals, education, and nonprofit capacity building. Grants aim to enhance the quality of life, promote independence, and ensure access to essential services for vulnerable groups. Eligible applicants are local organizations that align with the foundation's mission and geographic focus.

The NTCF Toolbox Grants support Tarrant County-based nonprofits by providing capacity building resources focused on fundraising and strategic planning. These transformative grants aim to enhance organizational stability and effectiveness in serving vulnerable communities facing poverty, poor health, and educational challenges. Eligible nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) organizations with a minimum operating budget of $50,000 and demonstrate impact in areas like education and housing. Note: An LOI is required before full proposal submission.

Texas Capacity Building and Resiliency Initiative

Advancing resiliency and capacity building in community-driven organizations.

The goal of this pilot grant initiative is to advance resiliency and capacity building among community-driven organizations by investing in their priorities. These priorities must align with the foundation’s mission to advance mental health in everyday life and at least one of the four strategic focus areas: Community; Partnerships; Policy; and Research, Innovation, and Education (RIE).

About the Initiative

This pilot grant initiative, Texas Capacity Building and Resiliency Initiative, will fund organizations with a total operating budget of $250,000 or less. Each grantee partner will receive a two-year grant, with award amounts ranging from $15,000 to $75,000 per year (up to 30% of the total operating budget) divided equally across the grant term. The goal of this initiative is to advance resiliency and capacity building among community-driven organizations by investing in their priorities. Each selected organization will have access to additional capacity building support and tools. The foundation is awarding these grants based on their alignment with at least one of these four strategic focus areas: 

Community: Strengthening local leadership and organizations by centering community voices to identify gaps, co-create solutions, and implement and sustain projects that reflect community priorities. 

Partnerships: Fostering strategic partnerships that can amplify mental health impact among various communities across Texas. 

Research, Innovation, and Education (RIE): Expanding knowledge, tools, and practices that study, improve, and provide education on mental health systems and services in Texas. 

Policy: Engaging in activities that empower individuals and community organizations to have a voice in developing policies and systems that impact mental health, resilience, and well-being.  

The State Fair of Texas Grant supports local initiatives in South Dallas/Fair Park, focusing on education, nonprofit capacity building, and economic development. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations serving the community. Eligible areas include 75210, 75215, 75223, and 75228, with limited support for the Southern Sector. This funding aims to enhance social and racial justice while fostering economic growth and educational programming in the region.

The State Fair of Texas offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 to support nonprofit organizations in the South Dallas/Fair Park community. This initiative aims to foster economic development, capacity building, educational programming, and social justice. Organizations within a ten-mile radius of the Fair are encouraged to apply, and collaboration with local entities is essential for favorable consideration. Interested applicants should choose between applying for a grant or a sponsorship within the same year.

The Rural West-Central Texas- Paula Windham Fund Grants support non-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life in rural communities. Applicants must interview with Foundation staff and apply via the Foundant GLM system. Eligible organizations include those in specific Texas counties and those within a 150-mile radius of Oplin. The fund focuses on areas such as arts, community development, education, and health services, honoring the legacy of Dr. Paula Andree Windham.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

Hogg Foundation for Mental Health

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health was established in 1940 at The University of Texas at Austin by the children of Texas Governor James Hogg. For over a quarter of a century, the Hogg Foundation was guided by the passion and insight of the Governor’s daughter, Miss Ima Hogg, who actively promoted the foundation and encouraged its staff to pursue a bold, new vision. Today the Hogg Foundation is based at The University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work and is funded through an endowment created by gifts from the Hogg family and managed by The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company.

The Hogg Foundation is inspired by Ima Hogg’s vision for a Texas that supports and promotes mental health, resilience, and well-being. Miss Ima was ahead of her time in believing that mental health was just as important as physical health. She believed all people should have access to community-based resources to support mental well-being and live fulfilling lives, and she championed supports in everyday environments like schools, workplaces, places of worship, and homes.

Rio Grande Valley Policy Initiative

The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health invites eligible organizations in South Texas, especially those in the Rio Grande Valley (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, or Willacy Counties), to submit a proposal to support organizations engaged in local policy work, and to build local organizational capacity to enable sustained, strategic engagement in policy processes that advance mental wellness and address non-medical drivers of health. Each grantee partner will receive a three-year grant, with an award amount of up to $70,000 per year divided equally across the grant term. Each selected organization will have access to additional capacity building support through the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Nonprofit Resource Center.

Initiative Goals

The VPI aims to achieve the following:

• To support forward-looking strategies that empower local leaders
• To expand participation in policymaking
• To advance sustainable, community-driven solutions for the RGV and surrounding South Texas counties