Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

Nonprofit organizations in Texas that are 501(c)(3)s and run programs for children, education, or health and human services may be eligible for operating support. Grants from Costco Foundation help fund evidence-based, community-driven programs with measurable outcomes and broad financial backing in communities where Costco does business, including Texas.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can access funding through State Farm Companies Foundation for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants may support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K–16 education and career pathways.

Texas cultural nonprofits in the arts and sciences can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support, with awards typically more than US $100,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) institutions have audited expenses over $2 million and strong, sustainable programs engaging large audiences, especially youth and artist development or arts and STEAM education initiatives.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Texas nonprofit organizations with established 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) status and at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resource conservation. Focused on environmental initiatives, Green Mountain Energy invites seed-stage or expanding programs that deliver measurable environmental, social, and financial impact.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for sponsorship funding to advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports efforts in basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts and culture, environment, and diversity and inclusion, which may help launch or grow new initiatives in Texas communities.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public, tax-exempt schools focused on preserving the natural environment can access funding through The Environmental Fund of Texas for seed projects in water, natural areas, native wildlife, and public engagement. Grants of US $2,501 - US $12,000 support time-limited, project-based conservation and environmental education efforts across the state.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose primary mission is preserving the natural environment and that have completed a Tier 2 grant can seek up to US $25,000 for collaborative conservation projects. With a mission to protect Texas lands, waters, and wildlife, The Environmental Fund of Texas supports habitat, water, native species, and classroom-based conservation initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Texas can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs, capital needs, or services. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with funding for museums, cultural and performing arts, education and skills training, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife protection, health facilities, and life skills or job readiness initiatives.

Brain Research & Innovation Network: Grant Initiative of Texas

The Rainwater Charitable Foundation is launching the Brain Research & Innovation Network: Grant Initiative of Texas (BRING IT), a new funding opportunity designed to support innovative ideas in brain health and dementia research across Texas.

BRING IT will provide one-year seed grants of up to $100,000 to Texas-based academic institutions and nonprofit organizations to accelerate promising research, foster collaboration, and generate the preliminary data and proof-of-concept evidence that can help seed a strong pipeline of innovative brain health and dementia research across Texas.

With the launch of DPRIT, Texas has a unique opportunity to expand its leadership in brain health and dementia research. BRING IT is designed to help seed and strengthen this growing research ecosystem by supporting innovative ideas, building collaborations, and generating early evidence that can help promising research move forward.

What We’re Looking For

RCF is seeking focused, innovative pilot projects that can advance brain health and dementia research while positioning promising ideas for future development and larger-scale funding.

Projects should be designed for completion within 12 months and generate a clear foundation for next-stage research, implementation, validation, or funding. Competitive proposals should address an important unmet need or research opportunity, demonstrate a strong and feasible approach, and show how the work could position the team for future DPRIT or other external funding.

BRING IT is particularly interested in projects that leverage Texas-based expertise, populations, institutions, healthcare systems, community organizations, datasets, infrastructure, or collaborations.

Areas of Interest

BRING IT will support projects aligned with five strategic topic areas reflecting anticipated DPRIT priorities and emerging opportunities in dementia research.

Support the translation of evidence-based innovations into real-world clinical and community settings. Areas of interest include brain and vascular health and dementia risk-reduction programs, blood-based biomarkers, AI-enabled clinical decision support, digital health technologies, community screening programs, care coordination models, and approaches that improve adoption in primary care, rural healthcare systems, and other medically underserved settings.

Projects should emphasize scalability and the potential to improve implementation of evidence-based brain health interventions, delay cognitive decline, promote timely diagnosis, reduce dementia risk, or enhance care.

Develop, validate, or apply New Approach Methodologies that improve the efficiency, predictive power, and translational relevance of dementia research.

Areas of interest include human iPSC-derived models, organoids, organ-on-chip systems, computational and AI-driven disease models, digital twins, neurovascular models, and other innovative platforms that can accelerate therapeutic discovery, biomarker development, or target validation.

Explore how digital health technologies and computational tools can help identify cognitive changes or risk factors within existing healthcare settings.

Projects may incorporate natural language processing, computer vision, clinical decision support systems, wearable sensors, speech analysis, retinal imaging, or other approaches that can be integrated into primary care and community health settings, particularly those serving rural and medically underserved populations.

Use machine learning and computational approaches to identify promising opportunities to repurpose existing regulatory-approved drugs for dementia and related neurodegenerative diseases.

Projects may explore disease-modifying or symptomatic treatment strategies and should establish a computational workflow that can provide a translational bridge to future validation studies.

Develop innovative approaches to identify and reduce dementia risk by addressing modifiable factors associated with cognitive decline.

Areas of interest include physical activity, nutrition, sleep, cardiovascular health, diabetes, obesity, hearing loss, and other modifiable risk factors. Projects may incorporate digital health technologies, wearable devices, AI, or community-based implementation approaches to improve brain health, reduce dementia risk, and support healthy aging across Texas populations.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities launching or expanding community programs can access funding through Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation’s Seeds of Strength Giving Circle, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants support projects serving Georgetown residents in areas like education, health, human services, and economic development, with a preference for smaller nonprofits and underserved populations.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas seeking seed funding for program work can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 supporting education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, and environmental projects. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help U.S. nonprofits launch or expand impactful, one-year initiatives across these fields.

Texas public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning or expanding historic preservation initiatives can apply for $2,500 - $5,000 in seed funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Focused on planning, education, and outreach, these grants support activities like feasibility studies, design guidelines, community forums, and innovative programs that introduce new audiences to preservation.

Focused on health, education, human services, and civic programs, this grant invites Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible public entities to apply for project support. The M.G. & Lillie A. Johnson Foundation funds organizations serving residents in specified Texas Gulf Coast counties, which may help nonprofits seeking seed money to launch or expand local initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations focused on preservation, education, or wellness, including those in Texas, can apply for the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share their community impact through compelling narratives. Wildlife conservation nonprofits are the only unsolicited applicants considered, with awards of more than US $50,000 to support storytelling about their work.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily benefit Texas communities served by Union Pacific and demonstrate strong need, impact, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations active for over three years and serving communities in the Southern region can access funding for programmatic work in areas like children and families, education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, and more. The Robinson Foundation supports single-year, non-capital projects where grants can create tangible, meaningful impact with visible results.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services in Texas and worldwide can seek seed or growth funding to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. With a mission to empower the disadvantaged, Gupta Family Foundation provides US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants, typically to smaller, non-sectarian 501(c)(3) organizations.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety can seek seed funding for community programs, if located within 15 miles of a TJX site. The TJX Foundation invites eligible organizations that meet its mission and nondiscrimination requirements to begin with an online eligibility questionnaire and Letter of Inquiry.