Best Grants for Youth Programs in Texas

Youth- and family-serving organizations in Texas can seek funding to provide community-based youth development, family support, and violence prevention services. Focused on positive youth development, Texas Health and Human Services invites Texas youth programs to strengthen protective factors, reduce juvenile justice involvement, prevent child abuse and neglect, and promote workforce readiness, with awards ranging from US $400,000 to US $1,000,000.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Texas youth-serving organizations focused on mentoring children of incarcerated parents and youth at risk of incarceration can access funding through Texas Education Agency’s 2025-2026 Amachi Texas program. Grants of US $7,000,000 support consistent, supportive mentoring relationships that build resilience, disrupt intergenerational incarceration, and help young people reach their potential.

Tax-exempt nonprofits, schools, and community projects in Texas can receive funding to support youth services, education, and community development initiatives. Young Family Foundation provides grants for projects in the YK Communications service area that demonstrate strong potential for positive impact, promote inclusivity and engagement, and align with the applicant’s tax-exempt mission and fundraising efforts.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations serving children, youth, and young adults up to age 23 can apply for Russell Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support youth development programs. Funding can back education, tutoring, mentoring, health, intervention, character-building, and related services that help young people reach their full potential.

The Trull Foundation offers local sponsorship grants to organizations seeking funding for events under $1,500, prioritizing children in rural areas, those affected by substance abuse, and projects in the coastal Texas environment. Interested applicants should submit requests at least one month prior to their events. The foundation values cooperation with other organizations and may provide guidance on project assistance, ensuring resources are effectively utilized for community benefit.

Texas youth-serving and religious 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding to support programs benefiting young people, including health, mental health, arts, and child welfare services. Texas youth programs can access funding through Martha Sue Parr Trust, which prefers projects tied to religious organizations and hospitals serving children and youth in the state.

Texas organizations serving handicapped and homeless children or providing services for the aged can seek support for charitable programs. Focused on youth and vulnerable populations, the W. L. and Louise E. Seymour Foundation invites eligible groups to apply for funding that benefits children facing disability, homelessness, or poverty across Texas.

Texas children’s and general hospitals with pediatric departments can receive US $20,000 - US $50,000 to host prom-like experiences for teen patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own prom due to illness. Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Dunkin’ Prom Grant supports youth-focused hospital programs near Dunkin’ locations with event costs and in-kind donations.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving ill children in Texas can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 from the Joy in Childhood Foundation to build or expand pediatric gaming programs. Grants support equipment, connectivity, virtual programming, and specialist staffing to bring engaging gaming experiences to hospitalized youth, especially teens.

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications for projects that prevent violence in and around school; and to improve the juvenile justice system by providing mental health services, truancy prevention, diversion services and intervention through community-based and school programs.

Eligible Activities include: Mental Health Services, Education programs or supportive services, Community Programs and Services, Youth Diversion Services and Juvenile Case Managers. 

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.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal K–12 education law. ESSA was signed into law in 2015, replacing No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizing the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. Every school must inform parents about their standards and their results. 

ESSA requires every state to provide parents important information on test performance in reading, math, and science. The report cards must also provide data on graduation rates, suspensions, absenteeism, teacher qualifications, and many other areas. Texas provides maximum transparency for parents and publicly shares performance information on TXschools.gov and in data reports on the Performance Reporting pages.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant includes: 1) Title I, Part A Grants; 2) Title I, Part C Grants; 3) Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 Grants; 4) Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 Grants; 5) Title II, Part A Grants; 6) Title III, Part A ELA Grants; 7) Title III, Part A Immigrant Grants; and 8) Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 Grants.

Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

[ESSA, Section 1401(a)]

The purpose of Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 is to do the following:

• Improve educational services for children and youth in local and state institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth so that such children and youth have the opportunity to meet the same challenging state academic content standards and student academic achievement standards that all children are expected to meet;
• Provide such children and youth with the services needed to make a successful transition from institutionalization to further schooling or employment; and
• Prevent at-risk youth from dropping out of school and provide dropouts and children and youth returning from jails or institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth with a support system to ensure their continued education and the involvement of their families and communities.

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) and the Windham School District are the eligible state agencies in Texas.

About Us

Texas Health and Human Services, also known as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), helps more than 7.5 million Texans every month. The agency supports the needs of mothers, children and families through programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, women’s health and behavioral health services.

HHSC provides long-term services and supports for seniors and people with disabilities, and operates state supported living centers for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and state psychiatric hospitals. HHSC also regulates health care providers, professions and facilities to protect the health and safety of Texans.

Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Transition and Financial Support Services

Executive Summary

The State of Texas, by and through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on behalf of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Child Protective Services (CPS) Program seeks Applicants to provide Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Transition and Financial Support Services in an effective and efficient manner in DFPS Regions 1 to 5 and Regions 7 to 11 ( Refer Section 2.4, DFPS Regions) to DFPS Youth and Young Adults to help them successfully transition to adulthood.

Focused on youth and education, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo invites Texas 501(c)(3) charities and accredited higher education institutions to seek grants for programs benefiting youth, supporting education, expanding agricultural horizons, or preserving pioneer heritage and cultures. Faith-based nonprofits may apply for non-sectarian, community-focused youth initiatives in Texas.

501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, New Mexico, or Oklahoma serving low-income or vulnerable people can apply for the Carl C. Anderson Sr. & Marie Jo Anderson Foundation’s flexible support. Grants fund basic needs for children and youth, and services that enhance quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities, which may benefit youth programs in Texas.

Graduating high school seniors involved in 4-H in District One of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service can receive scholarship support for college studies, with preference for human science and related majors. Grants from Amarillo Area Foundation help Texas youth pursue higher education, supporting youth-focused academic advancement in the region.

Hendrick Health Community Grants and Event Sponsorships provide funding opportunities for agencies and organizations aligned with Hendrick Health’s community initiatives. The program aims to empower residents to live healthier lives, enhance youth development, educate the community, strengthen the economy, and enrich cultural experiences in West Texas. With a commitment to local service and health, Hendrick Health continues its legacy of supporting holistic well-being and community engagement.

Texas youth programs and K-12 schools focused on special education or substance abuse and violence prevention can access funding through Simmons First Foundation, with awards from US $2,500 - US $50,000. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) or qualifying governmental organizations in a Simmons Bank county that can sustain the program beyond the first year.

Texas youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations with K–12 education or health care programs can access funding through Simmons First Foundation’s Mini Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $2,500. Projects must address immediate, long-term needs for youth, and prior 2024 Mini Grant recipients must wait until 2026 to reapply.

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.

The AdvoCare Foundation, established in 1993, aims to promote health and wellness for children through its grant program. Focused on year-round initiatives, the foundation supports local communities where AdvoCare distributors operate. Grants typically last one year with an average funding of $25,000, although multi-year support may be available. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster positive health changes and encourages collaborative efforts with previous grantees.

The Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust, established in 2017, supports Texas charitable organizations in areas such as medical research for serious conditions, education for children with disabilities, and promoting fine arts. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $100,000, with an average of $35,000. The Trust prioritizes unique and necessary proposals that meet local community needs and do not duplicate existing services, particularly focusing on projects in Dallas County and surrounding areas.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, universities, and qualifying government programs in Texas can apply for the Long Foundation’s grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support youth programs. Funding focuses on Austin-area initiatives where at least 75% of participating youth are Hispanic and activities advance education, mentoring, safe spaces, healthy development, or community service.

The Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on medical research, arts promotion, and youth development in San Antonio. Eligible organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the physical, mental, and moral well-being of local youth. Notably, it does not fund individuals or organizations involved in political lobbying. This grant offers a vital opportunity for community support in various essential sectors.

Company culture at Clark Associates emphasizes responsibility, sharing our success with others, and the importance of building strong communities. To help fulfill these goals, Clark Associates Charitable Foundation (CACF) was incorporated in 2001 and provides funding to organizations serving people in need and those delivering positive experiences for youth. CACF supports non-profits operating in and around its business locations and those where our employees volunteer and actively contribute. To date, CACF has distributed over $44 million in charitable contributions.

Organizations must be registered 501c3 charities serving three basic categories: people in need, innovative youth educational programs, and youth programs in music and the arts. People in need represents the largest giving category and includes homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, and people in recovery. Examples of other grant recipients include those assisting veterans, senior citizens, at-risk youth, academic enrichment, mentorship, leadership development, and those focused on the performing and visual arts.CACF evaluates grant applications submitted by non-profit organizations every month of the year.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities serving youth, schools, healthcare, social services, or agricultural education can seek funding for programs and operations. Behmann Brothers Foundation supports agricultural research and education, youth groups, schools, healthcare, and service organizations, with a preference for nonprofits in Nueces, Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, Refugio, and San Patricio counties.

The Chamiza Foundation Grant supports the preservation and revitalization of Pueblo culture through targeted grantmaking. For over 33 years, the foundation has enabled positive change in Pueblo communities by prioritizing language preservation, sustainable agriculture, traditional arts, and youth leadership. With an emphasis on collaboration and community involvement, the foundation awards grants averaging between $3,000 and $15,000 to projects that foster cultural continuity and innovation.