Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Texas

The Katherine C. Carmody Charitable Trust, established in 1957, supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Texas, focusing on education, human services, and religion-related programs. Grants are primarily awarded to organizations in Navarro County and the Dallas area. Organizations must wait two years after receiving a grant before reapplying. This trust has contributed millions to various Texas charities, reflecting Ms. Carmody's commitment to her community and charitable causes.

The Sid W. Richardson Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing educational and health initiatives for nonprofit organizations in Texas. Established in 1947, the foundation supports programs that align with its mission to serve the people of Texas. Eligibility is restricted to tax-exempt organizations, and applicants must submit a preliminary inquiry before applying. Notably, the foundation does not fund individual projects or events such as school trips and fundraisers.

The Dallas Stars Foundation Community Grant Program aims to provide financial support to local non-profits, enhancing awareness of their charitable missions through the 50/50 Raffle at Dallas Stars games. Selected organizations will benefit from proceeds during a benefit game in the 2025-2026 season, with an average donation of $10,000. Non-profits focusing on youth hockey, community engagement, and children's health are encouraged to apply, while those funded in the previous season are ineligible.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting youth baseball or softball, education and literacy, childhood cancer, military recognition, or quality-of-life programs can seek grants to advance their work. The Astros Foundation provides funding within the Astros MLB territory, which may benefit education-focused organizations serving youth and families in Texas communities.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, governmental entities, and eligible supporting organizations can seek funding for education, cultural arts, healthcare, and public service programs benefiting the Greater Houston area. With a mission to improve quality of life, Cullen Foundation provides sustained investments that may support education-focused nonprofits serving local communities.

Texas charitable organizations working in education, arts, health and human services, environment, or historic preservation can apply for Burdine Johnson Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000. The foundation is especially enthusiastic about Hays County and Central Texas groups, and education nonprofits in these areas may be strong candidates.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA), as the pass-through entity, is the grantee from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and TEA awards subgrants to non-federal entities such as local educational agencies (LEAs), including school districts, charter schools, and education service centers, and to a lesser degree institutions of higher education (IHEs), and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) who are the agency’s subgrantees.

State Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG)

The purpose of this program is to accelerate the impact of state facilities funding by providing supplemental federal facilities funding to high-performing charter schools, increasing their capacity to serve Texas communities with the greatest need for educational choice.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for education, religious, scientific, arts, or hospital-related programs can apply for funding from the Adeline & George McQueen Foundation. The foundation provides charitable grants that may benefit education-focused organizations and projects across the state of Texas.

Texas education and other charitable organizations can seek funding for programs in areas such as education, arts and culture, health, human and social services, and more. Rawley Foundation supports a wide range of nonprofit initiatives across Texas, so education-focused nonprofits may be eligible if they qualify as charitable organizations in the state.

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.

Closed Charter School Records Custodian

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to fulfill the mandate of Texas Education Code (TEC), §12.1052(d), which is that the commissioner of education shall ensure that the records of an open-enrollment charter school that ceases to operate shall be transferred in the manner specified by the commissioner to a custodian designated by the commissioner. The commissioner may designate any appropriate entity to serve as custodian, including the agency, a regional education service center, or a school district. In designating a custodian, the commissioner shall ensure that the transferred records, including student and personnel records, are transferred to a custodian capable of:

•  maintaining the records;
• making the records readily accessible to students, parents, former school employees, and other persons entitled to access; and
• complying with applicable state or federal law restricting access to the records.

The Robert D. and Alma Moreton Foundation Grant supports initiatives in religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational fields. For detailed information about this grant program, please use the foundation finder available online. This foundation is dedicated to funding projects that align with its mission and values, making it a valuable resource for organizations seeking financial support.

The Moor Foundation Grant supports organizations that promote public welfare in Texas, emphasizing aid for vulnerable individuals in the El Paso area. This grant focuses on providing resources for food, shelter, and social services, ensuring that those in need receive the necessary support. Applicants are encouraged to align their initiatives with the foundation's mission of enhancing community welfare through religious, charitable, and educational programs.

The Dora Roberts Foundation Grant supports organizations focused on arts, social service, health, and education, particularly in the Big Spring, Texas area. This funding opportunity is aimed at enhancing community development and well-being through various initiatives. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, ensuring their projects align with the foundation's mission to uplift and empower local communities.

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.

Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant

Program Description

The Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant is to provide services, resources, and professional development to CTE programs across the state to address the promotion and understanding of non-traditional fields and employment activities for students (as defined by Perkins V) as written into the Perkins V State Plan.

The TeachTX Pilot Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the educator pipeline through innovative Grow Your Own (GYO) initiatives. By implementing high-quality, campus-based recruitment and leadership development strategies, the program seeks to engage students in education careers. Through targeted support and stakeholder collaboration, the grant fosters early leadership experiences and increases participation in teaching-related programs, ultimately contributing to a robust future workforce in education.

The Pangburn Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, educational, or scientific organizations in Texas. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. For more information about the application process, please visit the foundation's finder link provided by JPMorgan.

The William & Catherine Bryce Memorial Fund Grant supports charitable, benevolent, religious, or educational institutions, preferably located in Fort Worth, Texas. This grant aims to enhance the community through various initiatives that align with its mission. Interested applicants should refer to the foundation finder for detailed information about the application process and eligibility requirements. This funding opportunity encourages local organizations to apply and contribute positively to their community.

The Teacher Time Analysis and Supports Pilot Year 1 Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, focuses on alleviating teacher workload constraints. This initiative aims to provide technical assistance to school systems, helping them analyze teacher time use and develop actionable plans. By fostering an understanding of operational policies and practices, the grant seeks to enhance student learning and improve working conditions for teachers, ultimately sustaining effective teaching in Texas schools.

Texas education organizations planning large-scale professional conferences can seek funding to manage a statewide Teacher Incentive Allotment conference in Texas, supporting school system leaders and ESC TIA leads. Texas Education Agency grants up to US $496,000 for live sessions that strengthen local designation systems, teacher retention, and strategic compensation efforts.

The Kenedy Memorial Foundation Grant supports both Sectarian and Non-Sectarian entities, primarily focusing on Catholic schools and churches in Texas. The Foundation emphasizes grants that foster significant community benefits and encourages applications from recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. Core values include breaking the cycle of poverty, advancing spirituality, and nurturing support for Catholic institutions. The Foundation also allocates a portion of funds to non-sectarian charities, promoting inclusive support within the community.

The 2025-2026 Career and Technical Education (CTE) ESC Leadership Application aims to enhance professional development for school systems, enabling the creation of high-quality CTE programs and work-based learning opportunities. Key goals include providing comprehensive support for CTE programs in grades 5 and above, ensuring compliance with Texas Education Code, and facilitating communication between the Texas Education Agency and school districts to promote statewide initiatives.

Education and human services 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, especially those serving Brazos County residents, can apply for the Mervin and Annette Peters Family Foundation’s year-round grants to support health, education, and essential human services programs. Education nonprofits addressing community needs in Brazos County may be particularly competitive for this funding.

The Mabee Foundation provides challenge grants for projects in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, primarily focusing on construction, renovation, and major medical equipment purchases. Organizations must raise 40% of project costs from other donors before applying. Grants can reach up to 20% of total costs, with a maximum of $2 million. Applications are considered quarterly, requiring submissions by specific deadlines for review at upcoming board meetings.

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.

ESC Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Mentorship Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to provide for ESC-to-ESC mentorship with regards to ESCs’ efforts to implement Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) training in their regions for the benefit of campuses and districts participating in school improvement activities. Participating ESC will provide year-long guidance, training, and coaching to other ESCs to support building, developing, and deploying their TIL teams.

The Texas Preservation Trust Fund Grant, administered by the Texas Historical Commission, provides matching grants to support the preservation of Texas' historic and archaeological resources. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000, requiring a 1:1 cash match. The program prioritizes endangered properties and significant archaeological sites, focusing on activities like restoration, preservation planning, and heritage education. This initiative aims to protect Texas' cultural heritage while enhancing community identity and economic development through historic preservation.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

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.

2026-2028 State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant

The purpose of the State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant is to provide high-quality facilities support to Texas charter schools and support State Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG) grantees. The grant activities include providing technical assistance for charter school leaders on smart decision-making related to facilities and growth. This support aims to increase expertise in facilities planning, financing and operations. Grant activities also include supporting SFIG grantees through monitoring and evaluation to ensure awarded SFIG funds are appropriately stewarded. 

Facilities Training Program

Support under this section of the grant will provide tools and share best practices for smart facility growth. Topics may include state school funding policy, facility budgeting, financing options, compliance, and navigating legal requirements for construction. This support will include a training plan, curriculum, materials, and online modules.

Differentiated Technical Assistance

Support under this section of the grant will provide targeted and support or advice related to facilities funding decisions and planning. Support will be individualized to each subgrantee based on a needs assessment and may include individualized advice and plan development related to topics like facility budgeting, financing options, compliance, and navigating legal requirements for construction.

Subgrantee Monitoring

Support under this section of the grant will provide effective monitoring and evaluation of SFIG grantees. This support will include evaluation against SFIG grant requirements and ensure awarded SFIG funds are appropriately stewarded. 

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

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.

2026-2028 Local Accountability Plan Grant

The Local Accountability Systems is a district-wide initiative through which districts and open-enrollment charter schools develop a plan to evaluate the performance of their campuses locally. Local Accountability Systems seek to engage the community and district in establishing locally relevant accountability measures, provide parents, families, and communities with detail information about local school performance and progress over time, and continuously improve student performance and preparedness for post-secondary success.