Best Environmental Education Grants in Texas

The H-E-B Community Investment Program supports nonprofit organizations within its service area by providing monetary funding, volunteers, or in-kind donations. It prioritizes projects in arts, education, health, and social services. Eligible organizations must have valid 501c3 status and reapply annually for funding. Requests over $200 must be submitted online, while those under can be made at local stores. For further guidelines, visit their FAQs page.

The H-E-B Tournament of Champions Grant, established in 1986, supports organizations benefiting Special Olympics Texas and educational initiatives. Over 37 years, it has raised over $145 million, promoting health, arts, and social services in Texas. Eligible applicants must be valid 501(c)3 non-profits, focusing on specific areas like disaster relief and education, and located near H-E-B regions. This grant fosters community engagement and enhances the quality of life for many Texans.

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation supports impactful projects in Texas, focusing on environmental protection, social equity, and economic vitality. Their strategic grantmaking emphasizes clean energy, land conservation, subsurface energy, sustainability education, and water resources. The foundation seeks proposals that align with their mission and demonstrate a clear benefit to Texas. Projects funded must have a robust communication strategy to share outcomes effectively, ensuring lasting impacts on the communities served.

The Ocean Drilling Grant, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), facilitates research in marine geosciences through the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). Proposals for pre- and post-expedition studies are accepted, particularly during the expedition moratorium period. This grant aims to enhance scientific understanding of climate and geological processes through innovative drilling techniques and collaborative international efforts, ensuring the scientific community has access to valuable data and research outcomes.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

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.

The Environmental Fund of Texas offers Tier 2 grants aimed at projects that protect natural environments, focusing on water, natural areas, and native wildlife. The fund supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving habitats and engaging the public in conservation efforts. By fostering partnerships and providing funding, the initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable practices across Texas. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in good standing, with a commitment to environmental protection and community involvement.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The T.J. and LaVerne Plunkett Foundation Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations that embody conservative Christian values and serve communities in East Texas, particularly Rusk County. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in arts, education, health, and more, ensuring services are accessible to all community members without discrimination. Applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and provide a detailed budget for their proposed projects.

The First Horizon Foundation, a private funder, actively supports organizations in Texas by investing in critical areas such as arts, education, environment, financial literacy, and health. Their grants aim to enhance community well-being, promote future financial stability, and nurture the next generation of leaders. The Foundation focuses on projects that bring sustainable benefits, particularly in Houston and Dallas, ensuring they do not support certain ineligible groups or initiatives.

The Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) Grant, offered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, provides funding ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to tax-exempt organizations. This initiative promotes outdoor recreation and environmental education for under-served populations, including low-income and minority groups. By fostering partnerships with local organizations, CO-OP aims to enhance accessibility to outdoor activities, ensuring that all Texans can enjoy and engage with nature responsibly.

The Earl C. Sams Foundation, established in 1946, provides grants to public charities, primarily in South Texas, across various fields including education, health, and social services. With over $48 million granted since its inception, the Foundation seeks to support impactful community projects. Notably, the application deadlines are set thirty days prior to the Board's meetings in March, June, and November. Organizations should note that individual applicants are not eligible for funding.

The T.L.L. Temple Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in East Texas by addressing poverty through targeted grants in education, health, economic development, and community revitalization. With a focus on marginalized communities, the foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty by improving access to essential resources and opportunities. By investing in health care, educational programs, and economic initiatives, they strive to foster thriving communities and promote sustainable growth in the region.

The Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation offers the WFACF Grant Cycle to support 501(c)(3) organizations and charitable projects in North Texas. Grants aim to promote philanthropy and enhance community well-being across various sectors including arts, education, and health. Eligible applicants must be located in specific counties and adhere to grant policies. The foundation is dedicated to responsible funding to meet the needs of the community while ensuring compliance with regulations.

The Environment Pillar Award by Honda supports nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S. focused on sustainability. Grants aim to reduce environmental impact through programs in decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient resource use. Eligible projects must align with Honda's mission and primarily benefit communities where Honda associates live and work. Organizations can apply for up to two grants, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria, including tax-exempt status under the IRS.

The Powell Foundation Grant Program aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, focusing on education, arts, conservation, and human services. They emphasize high-quality early childhood programs, K-12 education, post-secondary success, and community welfare. Eligible applicants must submit an online pre-application, with funding decisions announced in January and July. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster developmental support and educational access for children and families, enhancing community well-being through strategic investments.

The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation provides grants focused on environmental justice, reproductive rights, and community parks in Texas and southwestern Colorado. They accept letters of inquiry year-round, with cycles in Spring and Fall. Their funding supports diverse initiatives including project grants, operating grants, and capital grants, emphasizing investments that enhance the well-being of both people and nature, particularly in underserved communities.

The Forever Austin Fund Grant offers support for urgent and systemic needs in Central Texas, focusing on economic mobility, health, and environmental sustainability. Through collaborative efforts, grants will be awarded to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, with amounts ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. This fund aims to empower communities by addressing barriers and fostering long-term growth, with a commitment to improving health outcomes and preserving natural resources. Applications are welcome from diverse organizations serving the Central Texas region.

The TX Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants, administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, provides funding to enhance outdoor recreational experiences across Texas. Since 1965, this program has supported communities in building parks, conserving resources, and developing trails. Grants cover up to 80% of project costs, with maximum awards of $300,000 for non-motorized and $500,000 for motorized projects. This initiative promotes environmental stewardship and fosters a connection to nature for all Texans.

The Galveston Community Impact Grant, funded by the Mary Moody Northen Endowment, supports essential purchases and renovations for non-profit organizations in Virginia and Texas. Grants up to $20,000 aim to improve service delivery and energy efficiency. Organizations can submit multiple applications, focusing on cooperative efforts and leveraging additional funding. Detailed program budgets are required for specific funding requests, ensuring that the board can make informed decisions on grant proposals.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

The River Oaks Garden Club, founded in 1927, is dedicated to enhancing the Houston community through conservation, horticulture, and civic beautification. The ROGC Civic Contribution Grant supports local projects, including the maintenance of public gardens and the establishment of the Bayou Bend Gardens Endowment. Educational initiatives like the annual environmental seminar and the publication of gardening resources further its mission. Priority is given to eligible requests from the Houston area, emphasizing a commitment to community engagement.

The Emma Barnsley Foundation Grant supports the prevention of cruelty to animals and promotes their care and protection. Established in memory of Emma Barnsley, the foundation provides funding for educational purposes related to veterinary medicine and wildlife studies. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, particularly those in Texas and New York. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its mission of protecting animals and their environments.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in collaboration with NOAA, is offering funding to enhance environmental literacy and community resilience across the U.S. Gulf Coast. This initiative supports projects focused on local environmental challenges and solutions through place-based education. With $4M available, applicants can request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects lasting 12 to 36 months, aimed at engaging community members and fostering future leaders in addressing regional environmental issues.

About Us

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is the environmental agency for the state. We have approximately 2,800 employees, located in our central office in Austin and 16 regional offices around Texas.

Nonpoint Source Water Quality Grants

TCEQ and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) nonpoint source (NPS) programs administer federal grants for activities that prevent or reduce nonpoint source pollution. The grants are made available through a federal program authorized under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. Funds are appropriated by Congress.

The grant will reimburse 60% of the cost of selected projects; applicants provide the other 40% of the cost as match, which may include in-kind services by volunteers or partner organizations.

Types of Projects Prioritized

You can find descriptions of past projects funded through the TCEQ’s Nonpoint Source Program on our Projects webpage. Agricultural and silvicultural projects addressing nonpoint source pollution are funded through the TSSWCB Section 319(h) Grant Program. The types of projects that are prioritized include those that:

• lead to water quality improvements
• develop and implement EPA-accepted watershed protection plans (WPPs).

Requirements Related to Stormwater Activities

Projects that implement Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements are not eligible for funding. However, projects within areas covered by MS4 permits might be eligible for assistance if the proposed management measures are not required or used for permit compliance. For example, low impact development practices and retrofits of storm water control structures on developed properties are outside the scope of most MS4 permits in Texas and thus are usually eligible for 319(h) funding.

Quality Assurance Requirements

All project-related water quality data must be acquired, collected, and analyzed in accordance with an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). This includes all "environmental data operations" such as water quality sampling and analysis, flow measurement, acquisition or collection of rainfall data or geospatial data, and hydrologic or water quality modeling. QAPPs may take 3-6 months for final approval which must be obtained before any work specified in the QAPP can begin.

Funding for Septic Systems/On-Site Sewage Facilities

The TCEQ NPS grant program does not provide direct assistance to individual homeowners for septic systems. However, this grant program does fund projects managed by local entities, that provide septic system assistance and training on maintenance to homeowners. The Texas U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development offices , certain projects funded under TCEQ’s Supplemental Environmental Projects program, and other state and federal sources may offer technical and financial assistance with septic system repair and/or replacement in Texas. 

The Rachael and Ben Vaughan Foundation offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for projects focused on animal rights, education, environmental preservation, poverty reduction, and religious initiatives. The foundation prioritizes local Texas projects but accepts applications from outside the state. Grants are awarded only to tax-exempt organizations, and projects should be completed within twelve months. The foundation aims to support initiatives that benefit local communities without duplicating existing efforts.

The Montgomery County Community Foundation offers various grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of local communities. With a focus on nonprofits in Montgomery County, Texas, the foundation supports initiatives in arts, education, health, and social services. It encourages collaborative projects that address significant community needs while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Grants are available for organizations that are tax-exempt and provide substantial services to the area, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.