Best Grants for Museums in Texas

Texas museums and other local charities can seek funding for general operations, new or ongoing programs, capital needs, or equipment through CBE Companies’ Community Outreach Program. Focused on arts and culture, education, health, and human services, organizations near CBE offices may benefit from these corporate-supported community grants.

Museums, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, and university departments planning art exhibitions or scholarship projects can access funding through Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation for work in Texas and beyond. Support covers exhibitions, convenings, academic research, and exhibition catalog development tied to the foundation’s collection areas or American Southwest arts and culture.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Texas museums and other nonprofit or governmental organizations can apply for Humanities Texas mini-grants to support public humanities programs, including lectures, exhibitions, and discussion series. Focused on humanities education and lifelong learning, Humanities Texas invites Texas cultural institutions to propose scholar-led projects for general or special audiences, with awards up to Up to US $2,500.

Like-minded 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministries in Texas that serve disabled or terminally ill children, single-parent families, disabled veterans, or similar groups can apply for hosted hunting and fishing retreats near Abilene. The 1687 Foundation provides all accommodations and outdoor activities at no charge, which may benefit museums with aligned Christian outreach programs.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities and public entities can seek Meadows Foundation support for arts and culture programs, along with other community-focused projects. Grants fund programmatic work statewide, with priorities including arts access, education, environment, health, human services, and related initiatives that improve quality of life for Texans, including museum programming.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Texas museums and other arts-focused nonprofits can seek funding for exhibitions, convenings, and academic projects tied to the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation’s collection areas, including visual and media arts and art history. Focus is on significant art exhibitions, artist programs, and innovative education projects, with particular interest in rural and nonmetro communities.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for arts, education, health, animal welfare, or wildlife conservation projects can apply for funding that benefits San Antonio and surrounding communities. With a mission to address diverse local needs, the Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation provides grants that may help museums and cultural institutions enhance programs and facilities.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and qualified public entities offering educational or health programs can seek funding for projects serving residents statewide. Sid W. Richardson Foundation supports organizations advancing education and health, and museum-based or cultural programs with educational or health components in Texas may be eligible under these guidelines.

Texas public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes can use this program to build, expand, or equip essential community facilities in rural areas, including museums and libraries. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites eligible applicants from communities under 20,000 residents to improve critical local services and infrastructure.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units can seek funding for Texas history projects, including museums, archives, archaeology, preservation, and education. With a mission to support Texas history, the Summerlee Foundation provides grants that may benefit museums and related organizations documenting, preserving, or interpreting the state’s diverse historical and cultural heritage.

Texas 501(c)(3) museums and cultural institutions seeking capital support for buildings, renovations, equipment, vehicles, or technology may be eligible for this grant. With a mission to advance charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, Hoblitzelle Foundation primarily funds Dallas-area organizations, with occasional support elsewhere in Texas across arts and culture, civic projects, education, environment, medical, and social services.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for arts, education, or medical research projects, with emphasis on work in Bexar County. Grants from Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation help cultural institutions, including museums and private educational entities, support charitable, educational, and scientific programs primarily within the state.

Museums, arts organizations, and cultural groups in Lubbock and Hale counties can receive support for community events, performing and visual arts, and other cultural programs in Texas. Grants from Community Foundation of West Texas may fund start-up costs, general operations, program support, or demonstration projects, with typical awards ranging from $500 – $2,500.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) museums and cultural, human service, or K-12 education organizations in the Fort Worth area of Texas can seek funding for their programs and operations. Sid W. Richardson Foundation supports qualifying public charities and entities, with one application allowed per organization each calendar year.

Texas museums and other preservation-focused organizations in Texas can seek matching reimbursement grants to acquire, restore, or plan for historic architectural and archaeological resources. Texas Historical Commission provides Texas cultural and heritage groups with US $10,000 - US $50,000 for activities like restoration, preservation planning, design, surveys, curatorial work, and heritage education, prioritizing endangered and significant sites.

Nonprofit organizations and state or local government entities in Texas can receive up to US $20,000 to develop public humanities projects such as lectures, exhibitions, media, and community programs. With a mission to strengthen humanities education, Humanities Texas provides funding for community, media, and planning projects that engage scholars and broad public audiences, including museums.

Texas 501(c)(3) charitable organizations can seek funding for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, artistic, educational, or animal welfare work, including museum and cultural programs. Texas museums and related nonprofits can access funding through A M Pate Jr Charitable Trust, with average awards of US $10,000 - US $15,000 and a preference for Tarrant County projects.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations planning local landscape, beautification, horticulture, or conservation education projects can apply for support that must be used within one year. Focused on environmental conservation and civic improvement, River Oaks Garden Club gives priority to projects in the Houston area, including Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties, and may consider private educational institutions.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Texas museums and arts-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for capital projects, programs, or operating needs that create new or enhanced opportunities, particularly for young people. The Kerr Foundation supports visual arts organizations, museums, libraries, and related cultural institutions, with a regional focus that includes Texas alongside priority support for Oklahoma-based applicants.

Museums and other 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Texas can apply for matching gifts that double tax-deductible donations to their work. Eligible organizations must fall under priorities such as arts and culture, economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, or financial wellness and be supported by full-time Regions associates or recent retirees.

Texas museums and arts or cultural organizations that are 501(c) or 170(c) entities can receive matching donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees, with awards up to US $1,000. Eligible organizations must fit categories like arts and culture and be located within the Regions footprint or be accredited educational institutions.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations in College Station seeking support for arts, education, environment, health, human services, or public benefit projects can access funding through the Clifton C. and Henryetta C. Doak Charitable Trust. Museums and cultural institutions in College Station may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $10,000 to advance their charitable, educational, or cultural work.

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) was established to streamline the city's cultural efforts into one hub, combining all resources for cultural arts, public arts, heritage centers, heritage tourism, music, and special events. ACME strives to enhance coordination, improve services, and create synergistic opportunities to sustain and develop Austin’s rich creative ecosystem and places, ensuring Austin remains a global destination for creative experiences while honoring the city’s rich heritage.

Heritage Preservation Grant 

The Heritage Preservation Grant promotes tourism through historic preservation projects and activities rooted in local history and heritage at historic sites.

Grant funds support capital projects or heritage events that expand access to historic places and heritage resources and market the site's history to engage new audiences and tourists. All capital projects require a historic designation.  

Program goals include to increase Austin's heritage tourism; preserve and open access to historic spaces; bring local history to life through interpretation, activations, and storytelling; and support jobs in the creative economy. 

Heritage Events 

Support proposals that expand access to historic places and heritage experiences by highlighting local history and storytelling, connecting communities, and drawing both residents and tourists at historic sites. While bids are not required for Heritage Events, a proposed budget breakdown is required as part of the application process.  

Sites must be historically designated (or eligible for historic designation), occur within and approved by the City Council as a heritage district or corridor, or historically significant.

• Events must include historic research and highlight the history of the site
• Applicants must identify a specific location, with or without a historic designation, and explain why it’s historically important and how it connects to the project or activities
• Proposals must describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight and how the project promotes the tourism and hotel industries. (See Historical Associations Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application)
• Applicants must explain how the proposal will uncover untold stories associated with the location
• Proposals must include the development of a printed and digital itinerary, a site map, and a listing of nearby historic museums or heritage sites

Heritage Events - Eligible Properties WITHOUT Historic Designation but Pursuing Designation or a Historic Location

• Project may occur at a site eligible and pursuing a local, state, or national historic designation
• If pursuing, the historic designation must be completed within the grant agreement term
• Explain why the selected site is historically important and how it connects to the project or activities.
• Proposals must describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight and how the project promotes the tourism and hotel industries. (See Historical Associations Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application)

Heritage Event Project Types

• Events, festivals, or programs at a historic designated location or within a historic district and marketed regionally, nationally, or internationally
• Heritage, historic, or interpretive history-focused exhibits
• Projects or activities in heritage districts with historic assets previously approved by the City Council (includes the Red River Cultural District, African American Cultural Heritage District, and the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor)
• Production of special events and programs that highlight the history of the site
• Tour development: historic, heritage, legacy business, and natural resources 

Heritage Event Requirements

• Activities must occur in a Council District or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
• For projects on City owned park land please upload your approved Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Project Feasibility Form. This form is due to APR by July 28 for Heritage Events on City owned Parkland. This is to ensure that you receive the approved form in time to submit with your application.
• For projects planned for Austin History Center (AHC) please use this form. This form is due to AHC by August 4 for Heritage Events at AHC.
• In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
• Obtain and maintain project insurance throughout the agreement term
• Preservation projects and programs that highlight storytelling and invite tourists and convention visitors to explore historic sites and museums
• Projects must be open to the public, serve the public interest, and be actively promoted to Austin residents, visitors, and tourists, including hours of operation or visitation on the website
• Proposals at City-owned site must gain approval through the managing department
• Proposals must complete the budget table in the application
• Review and acquire necessary permits through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C)
• Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) was established to streamline the city's cultural efforts into one hub, combining all resources for cultural arts, public arts, heritage centers, heritage tourism, music, and special events. ACME strives to enhance coordination, improve services, and create synergistic opportunities to sustain and develop Austin’s rich creative ecosystem and places, ensuring Austin remains a global destination for creative experiences while honoring the city’s rich heritage.

Heritage Preservation Grant 

The Heritage Preservation Grant promotes tourism through historic preservation projects and activities rooted in local history and heritage at historic sites.

Grant funds support capital projects or heritage events that expand access to historic places and heritage resources and market the site's history to engage new audiences and tourists. All capital projects require a historic designation.  

Program goals include to increase Austin's heritage tourism; preserve and open access to historic spaces; bring local history to life through interpretation, activations, and storytelling; and support jobs in the creative economy. 

Heritage Events 

Support proposals that expand access to historic places and heritage experiences by highlighting local history and storytelling, connecting communities, and drawing both residents and tourists at historic sites. While bids are not required for Heritage Events, a proposed budget breakdown is required as part of the application process.  

Sites must be historically designated (or eligible for historic designation), occur within and approved by the City Council as a heritage district or corridor, or historically significant.

• Events must include historic research and highlight the history of the site
• Applicants must identify a specific location, with or without a historic designation, and explain why it’s historically important and how it connects to the project or activities
• Proposals must describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight and how the project promotes the tourism and hotel industries. (See Historical Associations Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application)
• Applicants must explain how the proposal will uncover untold stories associated with the location
• Proposals must include the development of a printed and digital itinerary, a site map, and a listing of nearby historic museums or heritage sites

Heritage Events WITH Local, State, or National Designated Historic Location

• Project must occur at a designated historic site, historic district, or within official City of Austin heritage districts

Heritage Event Project Types

• Events, festivals, or programs at a historic designated location or within a historic district and marketed regionally, nationally, or internationally
• Heritage, historic, or interpretive history-focused exhibits
• Projects or activities in heritage districts with historic assets previously approved by the City Council (includes the Red River Cultural District, African American Cultural Heritage District, and the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor)
• Production of special events and programs that highlight the history of the site
• Tour development: historic, heritage, legacy business, and natural resources 

Heritage Event Requirements

• Activities must occur in a Council District or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
• For projects on City owned park land please upload your approved Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Project Feasibility Form. This form is due to APR by July 28 for Heritage Events on City owned Parkland. This is to ensure that you receive the approved form in time to submit with your application.
• For projects planned for Austin History Center (AHC) please use this form. This form is due to AHC by August 4 for Heritage Events at AHC.
• In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
• Obtain and maintain project insurance throughout the agreement term
• Preservation projects and programs that highlight storytelling and invite tourists and convention visitors to explore historic sites and museums
• Projects must be open to the public, serve the public interest, and be actively promoted to Austin residents, visitors, and tourists, including hours of operation or visitation on the website
• Proposals at City-owned site must gain approval through the managing department
• Proposals must complete the budget table in the application
• Review and acquire necessary permits through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C)
• Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists