Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Texas

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and eligible public or governmental organizations in Texas’ Greater Houston region can apply for Houston Endowment’s invite-only funding to support general operations or specific projects. Grants may benefit grassroots efforts in education, civic engagement, arts and culture, and greenspaces that improve quality of life in Harris and surrounding counties.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Texas can receive technical and financial assistance to implement conservation practices on working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Texas supports projects that improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and related conservation initiatives.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants, including general operating or project support. With a mission to strengthen communities, McGraw Foundation provides nonprofits, including grassroots groups beyond Texas, with US $2,000 - US $10,000, occasionally larger awards for especially promising efforts.

Texas agricultural and forest producers seeking support to enhance conservation on working lands can access funding through the Conservation Stewardship Program, with awards of US $1,500 - US $4,000. With a mission to improve natural resources, USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Texas provides technical and financial assistance that grassroots land stewards may use to boost soil, water, habitat, and climate resilience.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools preserving natural environments can apply for $2,501 - $12,000 to support conservation projects, habitat restoration, and environmental education. Grants from The Environmental Fund of Texas help grassroots organizations protect water resources, natural areas, and native wildlife, and engage communities in hands-on stewardship and nature-based learning.

Texas 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofits that have completed a Tier 2 grant can seek funding for collaborative, project-based conservation work. With a mission to preserve Texas’s natural environment, The Environmental Fund of Texas supports multi-stakeholder initiatives focused on water, natural areas, native wildlife, and classrooms taking action, offering up to US $25,000 per organization.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on preserving the natural environment can receive up to US $2,500 for grassroots conservation projects and startup costs. The Environmental Fund of Texas provides support for community-engaged work on water protection, natural areas, native wildlife, and on-campus native gardens that involve volunteers, teachers, and students in hands-on stewardship.

Grants from the Powell Foundation help Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and eligible supporting organizations fund education, arts, conservation, and human services programs. Grassroots organizations in Harris, Travis, or Walker Counties may request operating, program, project, and limited capital support, including early childhood, K-12, post-secondary pathways, arts access, environmental education, and basic needs services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Bandera, Blanco, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Real, or Uvalde County residents can seek annual funding for arts and culture, basic needs, environment, or youth development programs. Grants from the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country support either general operating expenses or specific program costs for grassroots work in Texas Hill Country communities.

Texas graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association. This Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship provides US $3,000 for projects offering actionable, timely solutions to current water industry challenges, which may benefit grassroots organizations focused on water and public health issues.

Grassroots and other nonprofit organizations in Texas seeking support for community events, operations, or arts and culture programming can apply for First National Bank of Omaha’s community sponsorships. Focus areas include affordable housing, small business development, education and workforce, environmental sustainability, arts access, community cohesion, and community health, with requests reviewed monthly.

Texas grassroots and other nonprofit organizations planning capital campaigns or major projects can seek funding for community development, housing, health, education, arts, and environmental initiatives. Focused on community impact, First National Bank of Omaha invites partners undertaking construction, renovation, or other large-scale efforts in its Texas service areas to request capital or major donations.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) public charities in Texas can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support local safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Union Pacific Foundation provides funding for programs primarily serving communities along its rail network, with an emphasis on direct services and DEI-focused capacity building.

Texas grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools running environmental programs can seek US $25,000 - US $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use projects. With a mission to support communities, American Honda Motor provides funding for initiatives like energy upgrades, solar or wind installations, recycling, and composting that benefit areas where Honda associates live and work.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital support for buildings, renovations, equipment, vehicles, or technology can apply for grants from Hoblitzelle Foundation. The funder supports arts and culture, education, environment, medical, social services, civic, and disability-related facilities, with a primary focus on organizations in the Dallas area and other Texas communities of significant impact.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities and public entities serving Texans can apply for Meadows Foundation support for programs and projects in areas like education, health, environment, arts, and human services. Grassroots organizations across Texas, including those addressing homelessness, mental health, civic engagement, or water conservation, may be eligible if their work benefits communities in the state.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions, and qualified municipalities in Texas counties where Weyerhaeuser operates can seek support for local community programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants over US $1,000 for priorities like affordable housing, youth development, environmental stewardship, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion in its designated communities.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits with annual budgets of $2 million or more can apply for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas’s Blue Impact Grants to expand access to care and improve community health. Funding supports programs in economic stability, nutrition, housing, transportation, local health solutions, and priority areas like immunizations, diabetes, cardiovascular care, behavioral health, cancer screening, and maternal and infant health.

Grassroots and other nonprofit organizations in Texas supporting women, children, and families can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000 for self-sufficiency and humanitarian programs. Funding may support adult readiness, child welfare, homelessness, education, health care, disaster relief, microfinance, and related community services.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least three years of tax-exempt status and $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects in Texas communities. Green Mountain Energy provides funding for initiatives like renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, resource conservation, and environmental education in eligible service-area ZIP codes.

The Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants for institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research experiences for undergraduates. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This initiative aims to enhance the research environment at these institutions, fostering student involvement in research activities.

The Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation supports community grants in Arkansas and West Texas, focusing on areas such as aging populations, arts and culture, children and youth, economically disadvantaged individuals, education, and nonprofit capacity building. Grants aim to enhance the quality of life, promote independence, and ensure access to essential services for vulnerable groups. Eligible applicants are local organizations that align with the foundation's mission and geographic focus.

The Emerging Global Leader Award (K43) offers essential research support and protected time for early career scientists in low- and middle-income countries. This program, aligned with NIH's clinical trials policy, aims to cultivate independent research careers by providing mentorship and funding over three to five years. Eligible candidates must hold a junior faculty position at an accredited LMIC institution, fostering the growth of research capacity in their regions.

The Best Life Community Awards, funded by Altra Foundation Inc, invites nominations for nonprofit organizations that have made a significant impact in their communities. Altra members can nominate eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits they support with their time, talents, or financial contributions. The selected nonprofit will receive a $10,000 grant, aimed at fostering initiatives in education, health, and community services across specific counties in the U.S. Nominate today to help recognize outstanding contributions!

The Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) offers General Assistance Grants to support veterans and their families in Texas. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations and local governments that provide essential services such as financial aid, housing support, and skill training. Grants are awarded to programs addressing veteran homelessness, business support, and legal assistance. Organizations must apply through the Grants Portal, and previous recipients are not eligible for renewal. This initiative aims to enhance the welfare of Texas veterans.

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.

The Coastal Bend Community Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend through community endowment. The foundation awards up to $450,000 in grants annually to nonprofits serving its seven-county area. Grants of up to $10,000 support general operations, while those between $10,001 and $25,000 fund specific programs. Priorities include support for vulnerable populations, arts, education, and health services, focusing on impactful solutions for community challenges.