Best Grants for Science Teachers in Texas

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering STEM or environmental education, safety, workforce development, or community vitality programs can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. With a mission to strengthen local communities, the foundation supports projects serving Union Pacific–served Texas communities, including initiatives benefiting science teachers and students.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

Texas 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofits that have completed a Tier 2 grant and run collaborative projects can seek up to US $25,000 for on-the-ground environmental initiatives. With a mission to preserve Texas’s natural environment, The Environmental Fund of Texas supports water, natural areas, native wildlife, and classroom-based conservation action that may involve science teachers.

The Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund offers mini-grants up to $4,000 to grassroots groups addressing environmental issues, particularly in response to the February Deep Freeze. Applications are open to both formal and informal organizations, with a focus on community involvement and strategic action. Grants will prioritize applicants with annual budgets under $50,000. Evaluation criteria include project need, community participation, and the capacity to implement proposed activities.

Nonprofit organizations in Texas running environmental education, land conservation, or water resource programs can access funding that promotes healthy watersheds and sustainable land management. Grants from Dixon Water Foundation help support research, grazing management, and education initiatives, often using Dixon Ranches as living laboratories for land stewardship and water conservation learning experiences.

Science and environmental education organizations in Texas and other Gulf Coast states can apply for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Environmental Literacy for Community Resilience grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $750,000 for 12–36 month projects. Funding supports place-based programs that build environmental literacy and engage communities in local resilience solutions.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW Biomedical Science courses, including Texas STEM programs, can receive funding to cover PLTW fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training. Project Lead The Way and the ON Semiconductor Foundation support U.S. schools within 50 miles of select onsemi communities, prioritizing high-need student populations for the 2026–2027 school year.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital support for facilities, equipment, technology, or other infrastructure can apply for Hoblitzelle Foundation grants. The foundation funds building and equipment projects across arts, education, environment, medical, and social services, which may benefit organizations supporting science and STEM education and related programs in Texas.

Texas schools teaching science and STEM can access funding to launch new PLTW Biomedical Science programs through Project Lead the Way. Public, private, and charter schools in any Texas community may receive up to US $14,000 over three years to cover PLTW participation fees and core training registration for teachers.

Grants help Texas 501(c)(3) organizations provide education, arts, conservation, and human services programming, including teacher development, environmental education, and K–12 support. The Powell Foundation funds operating costs, programs, and projects in Harris, Travis, and Walker Counties; science teachers and STEM-focused nonprofits may be eligible through school-based or educational initiatives.

With a mission to help build stronger communities, Vulcan Materials Company Foundation provides Texas public charities and government units, including public schools, with funding for education, STEM initiatives, and environmental stewardship. Science teachers and STEM-focused programs in Vulcan operating communities may be eligible, especially where projects engage students in math, science, or environmental learning.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is launching the 2025-2027 Development of Accelerated Supports Grant Program to provide essential support for K-12 education. This initiative aims to enhance curricular resources in Reading Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, ensuring local educational agencies receive the necessary tools to improve student outcomes. Through this program, TEA seeks to empower school districts, charter schools, and other educational institutions to foster better learning environments.

Nonprofits and education-focused organizations working on water, environmental education, or STEM programs, including in Texas, can seek support for youth and young adult initiatives and water-related projects. Pentair Foundation funds efforts that improve water access and quality, promote swim safety, and build STEM career pathways, with priority geographies including Texas and other selected U.S. and international locations.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public, tax-exempt schools with projects in environmental education, water, natural areas, or native wildlife conservation can seek support for priority projects. Grants from The Environmental Fund of Texas help science teachers and partners create hands-on learning sites, field trips, and community engagement that connect students with local ecosystems.

Texas school districts, charter schools, education service centers, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations can access funding through the Texas Education Agency to redesign educator pay systems around effectiveness. This US $800,000 grant supports large districts’ strategic compensation efforts, which may benefit science and STEM teachers in Texas through improved career pathways and incentives.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities can seek support for STEM and environmental education, workforce development, sustainability, and thriving community programs. Grants from Marathon Petroleum Corporation / Marathon Petroleum Foundation may benefit science teachers and related school or community initiatives, especially in Texas communities where the company has significant operations and can measure positive local impact.

Public and charter schools adding PLTW Biomedical Science courses, including those in Texas near onsemi communities, can receive US $20,000 to launch new biomedical STEM programs. With a mission to empower students through real-world learning, Project Lead The Way provides funding for PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training costs.

Simmons First Foundation: Environmental Grant

Amount:

• $2,500 up to $25,000

These funds are to be used for conservation and/or environmental purposes. We prefer the projects support the overall theme of youth (K-12) in the fields of education or health care, however, we do have flexibility on projects that will have an indirect impact on youth. Categories for this grant include, but not limited to: water, air, hunting/fishing, forestry, outdoor education, energy, etc.

Texas school districts, charter schools, and other eligible school systems in Texas can seek funding to provide K–8 students with Mobile STEM Laboratory experiences that integrate science, engineering design, and technology. Focused on STEM and science education, the Texas Education Agency invites Texas educators to expand hands-on STEM learning through this statewide mobile lab program, with awards up to US $225,000.

Texas public school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and regional education service centers serving Title I, Part A students can use these ESSA Title IV, Part A funds to support well-rounded education, safe learning conditions, and technology for academic enrichment in Texas. Texas Education Agency supports STEM and digital literacy initiatives that enhance student achievement and equity.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on preserving the natural environment can receive up to US $2,500 for grassroots conservation projects or school-based native gardens. The Environmental Fund of Texas provides Texas environmental education and conservation groups with support for community-engaged work on water, natural areas, and native wildlife, including classroom projects led by science teachers.

Texas public school districts developing or expanding computer science pathways for high school students in Texas can apply for Texas Education Agency’s Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles grant, with awards up to US $100,000 to implement the AP Computer Science Principles course and strengthen STEM and career preparation offerings.

Tax-exempt organizations in Texas can receive US $5,000 - US $100,000 to run outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education programs for under-served groups. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Community Outdoor Outreach Program reimburses costs like personnel, travel, equipment, and supplies, supporting activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, and other nature-based learning that science teachers may integrate into their programming.

The OVPR Special Research Grants at the University of Texas at Austin offer up to $2,000 for tenured and tenure-track faculty to support specific research projects. Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2025, until August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. These competitive grants are designed for unanticipated costs and are limited to two awards per faculty member in a five-year span. Early submissions enhance funding chances.

Nonprofit organizations in Texas providing environmental education, nature and conservation learning, or related science programming may be eligible for funding to support their work. Potts and Sibley Foundation also considers projects connected to healthcare, food banks, mental health, shelters, and senior programs, which could benefit science teachers partnering with community-based initiatives.

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.

The Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, established in 2025 by the Turtle Trackers Board, honors Linda Zambelli's legacy through scholarships for students pursuing higher education in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences. This initiative supports high school seniors from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, ensuring they have opportunities to excel academically while fostering a commitment to marine conservation. The fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, which has invested over $125 million in local communities.