Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

The Lizanell and Colbert Coldwell Foundation Grant provides funding to support institutions or associations focused on advancing medical research in Texas. The grant particularly emphasizes research aimed at curing and preventing heart disease and cancer, contributing significantly to public health initiatives. Organizations dedicated to these causes are encouraged to apply for this funding opportunity to enhance their research efforts and impact in the medical field.

The Shelby Rae Tengg Foundation for Heart and Cancer Research Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities conducting heart and cancer research in Bexar County, Texas. Founded by an active community member, the foundation honors her legacy and addresses significant health challenges. Grants are available to local organizations, and if none qualify, funds can be allocated to other Texas charities focused on these critical health issues, contributing to vital research and community health improvement.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

The Episcopal Health Foundation Grant invites existing and new partners to apply for funding opportunities from January to May 2026, focusing on three key Impact Drivers. This initiative is part of the Strategic Framework 2025-2030, aimed at improving health systems and removing barriers for Texans. The application process for Cycle 2 will commence in June 2026, with updates on funding priorities expected in Spring 2026.

Texas Nurse-Family Partnership (TNFP) Program

The purpose of this grant is to partner with community-based organizations and local agencies across the state to provide Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) home visiting services.

The purpose of TNFP program is to improve maternal and child health, child development, and family economic self-sufficiency Outcomes for participating families. 

This funding opportunity invites grant Applications requesting funding for TNFP program. The purpose of the TNFP program is to provide nurse home visiting services to expectant parents in communities across Texas to improve maternal and child health, child development, and family economic self-sufficiency Outcomes for participating families. Using the Nurse-Family Partnership model, the TNFP program works with expectant parents, beginning in early pregnancy and continuing through the child’s second birthday. Nurse home visitors provide parent education and support services to participating families through regular home visits addressing behavioral health, caregiver mental health, early care, safety, and overall well-being.

Families benefit from improved pregnancy Outcomes, improved infant and child health, and increased economic self-sufficiency, with Outcomes including reduced child maltreatment, fewer emergency room visits, healthy developmental indicators, and greater opportunity for parents to complete their education or find or maintain employment.

The TNFP program is entirely voluntary and free-of-charge to enrolled families.

The total amount of federal and State funding available for the TNFP grant program is $134,480,753.00 for the entire Project Period. It is System Agency's intention to make multiple awards to Applicants that successfully demonstrate the ability to provide NurseFamily Partnership programming in the State of Texas.

HHSC estimates the total amount of funding for the TNFP program is $17,930,767.00 per State fiscal year. Annual awards per individual Grant Agreement typically range between $500,000.00 and $2,000,000.00. HHSC estimates the value of the RFA based on the stated annual amount multiplied by five (5) years, plus an additional 50% to allow for any potential increases in funding during the Project Period.

Applicants are strongly cautioned to only apply for the amount of grant funding they can responsibly expend during the Project Period to avoid lapsed funding at the end of the Grant Term. Successful Applications may not be funded to the full extent of Applicants’ Requested Budgets in order to ensure grant funds are available for the broadest possible array of communities and programs.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

Texas Coastal Management Program Grant Application

The Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office is soliciting applications for projects that address environmental concerns and promote economic development within the Texas coastal zone. The Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant Cycle 32 involves a competitive application process for applicants applying for either NOAA-funded or Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funded projects.

CMP NOAA Projects

The CMP awards two types of NOAA CZMA funds- §306 administrative funding and §306A coastal resource improvement program funding, with conditions.

CMP GOMESA Projects

These projects are funded entirely with GOMESA money and are meant to address large-scale and construction-based coastal issues. CMP GOMESA projects focused on earth-moving construction, restoration, preservation, or land acquisition will be prioritized. CMP GOMESA can fund public access projects that provide physical conveyance and access to the beach environment or protect and preserve beach and dune habitat. Projects can include dune walkovers, parking areas, restrooms, rinse stations, trailsystems and non-commercial piers.

Access to these structures should be free and open to the public. Structures and activities not directly related to preserving habitat or physically conveying public access, such as buildings, playgrounds, or other similar enhancements, are not eligible for funding. Demolition projects (i.e. removal of existing parking lots, structures, facilities) are not permitted unless the structures are prohibiting public access, are on the public beach easement, or represent a contamination/pollution threat to coastal natural resources. Commercial pier, commercial marina, and wastewater treatment plant construction are not eligible. CMP GOMESA projects can focus on non-construction/earth-moving activities but, in these situations, the work proposed should be large-scale and regional in nature. Most non-construction work will be funded with NOAA money.

Beginning this year, construction/earth-moving CMP GOMESA projects should be submitted in phases instead of in their entirety. This change will ensure timely completion of project goals without the need for contract time extensions and to accommodate extended permitting timelines often seen with coastal construction projects. Construction/earth-moving CMP GOMESA projects should be applied for in accordance with the following phases, as applicable:

• Phase 1 – feasibility study, alternatives analysis, preliminary design
• Phase 2 – permitting and final design
• Phase 3 – construction, closeout
• Phase 4 – monitoring, as needed

The 2025-2026 Discipline and Behavior Supports Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational practices for students with disabilities. This program focuses on developing technical assistance and professional development resources, addressing behavioral interventions and alternatives to exclusionary discipline. It intends to support educators in effectively managing challenging behaviors and improving outcomes for students. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the grant seeks to ensure that all voices are heard in the educational process.

The 2025-2026 TSBVI and TSD Consolidated Application provides essential funding for special education services at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Texas School for the Deaf. This program aims to ensure that students with visual impairments receive a free appropriate public education, protect their rights, support classroom instruction, and assess educational effectiveness. Additionally, funds may address other priorities set by the State Board of Education and Texas Education Agency.

The Dan L Duncan Houston Safari Club Foundation Scholarship Program, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports full-time students pursuing degrees in Wildlife Management or Range Management at accredited Texas colleges. Applicants must be juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to wildlife management. This scholarship offers funding for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses, helping to develop future leaders in conservation and wildlife advocacy.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society offers Graduate Scholarships for students in natural resource conservation programs. Awards include $1000 for Conservation Equity Partners and Wildlife Systems, Inc, $1500 for the National Wild Turkey Federation Scholarship, $1000 for the Sam Beasom Memorial Scholarship, and $500 for the Dan Boone Memorial Scholarship. Eligible candidates must maintain enrollment in a Texas accredited program and a GPA of at least 3.0.

The 2025-2026 ESC IDEA-B Preschool program, administered by the Texas Education Agency, allocates funds to 20 regional education service centers. These funds support local educational agencies in providing free appropriate public education to children with disabilities aged 3-5. The initiative emphasizes professional development, technical assistance, and coordination with the state's Early Learning Initiative, ensuring that every child receives the necessary resources and support for their educational needs.

The Dallas Foundation's Summer 2025 Grant Cycle aims to enhance community well-being by supporting programs for vulnerable children and families in Dallas County. Focus areas include family and economic stability, healthcare access, and support for individuals with disabilities. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply, promoting essential services such as critical needs assistance, healthcare access for low-income families, and developmental support. This initiative is made possible through donor-established funds, emphasizing long-term community investment.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The Texas Education Agency is launching the 2025-2026 Leadership Academy, which includes Specialized Leadership Coaching Teams. This initiative aims to develop aspiring school system leaders through effective programming grounded in research-based practices. Utilizing the Center for Effective Districts, the agency will provide logistical and operational support to enhance educational outcomes across Texas. This grant will play a crucial role in building leadership capacity within schools, fostering improved educational environments for students.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

The Isla Carroll Turner Friendship Trust Grant provides vital support for services to the elderly in Texas, focusing on individuals aged 60 and above, as well as those over 47 with Down Syndrome. Funding is restricted to nonprofits and governmental agencies within the state, enhancing educational programming and direct services. The Trust prioritizes local organizations to ensure effective management and delivery of resources for the elderly community.

The Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) aims to enhance healthcare access in rural Texas by providing funding to small hospitals with 49 beds or fewer. This initiative supports the acquisition of essential equipment, training, and technology to comply with healthcare regulations and improve service delivery. SHIP funding priorities emphasize quality outcomes through programs like MBQIP and ICD-11 readiness, ensuring that rural hospitals can effectively participate in value-based care initiatives.

Nutrition Incentive Program (TX)

This funding opportunity invites Grant Applications requesting funding for the NIP Project. The purpose of this program is to provide NIP Project services. NIPs are designed to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by low-income households participating in the SNAP by providing an Incentive for the purchase of fruits and vegetables at the point of sale to a household buying food with SNAP benefits. NIPs improve access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables for Texas families, create more business for Texas farmers and Retailers, and boost local economies. 

HHSC will look solely to the Grantee for the performance of all Grantee obligations and requirements in a Grant Agreement resulting from this RFA. Grantee shall not be relieved of its obligations for any nonperformance by its subgrantees or subcontractors, if any.

The total amount of State funding available for the NIP Project grant is $6,000,000.00 for the entire Project Period. The NIP Project(s) must be completed no later than August 31, 2027. It is HHSC’s intention to make multiple awards to Applicants that successfully demonstrate that they currently implement a NIP that qualifies for federal funds under Section 4205, Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (7 U.S.C. Section 7517).

Applicants are strongly cautioned to only apply for the amount of grant funding they can responsibly expend during the Project Period to avoid lapsed funding at the end of the Grant Term. Successful Applications may not be funded to the full extent of Applicant’s requested Budgets in order to ensure grant funds are available for the broadest possible array of communities and programs. Reimbursement will only be made for actual, allowable, and allocable expenses that occur within the Project Period. No spending or costs incurred prior to the effective date of the award will be eligible for reimbursement.

The Andersen Corporate Foundation, established in 1941, aims to enhance lives and strengthen communities where its employees reside. It has contributed over $65 million to various causes, focusing on housing, healthcare, hunger relief, and education. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, primarily supporting nonprofit organizations that align with these areas, particularly in communities where Andersen operates, ensuring a lasting impact on local initiatives.

The James Lee Wilson Award, presented by the Society for Sedimentary Geology (SEPM), recognizes outstanding contributions to sedimentary geology by young scientists. This prestigious award encourages emerging researchers to excel in their fields and fosters the growth of sedimentary geology as a discipline. Notably, there are no age restrictions for nominees, and recognition is open to individuals beyond SEPM members, emphasizing inclusivity and the importance of diverse contributions to the science.

The Ronald L. Schmied GCFI Scholarship is a travel award supporting graduate students studying marine recreational fisheries. Established in memory of Ron Schmied, a dedicated fisheries biologist, this scholarship aims to assist students in attending the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute annual meeting. With at least one $1,500 scholarship awarded each year, it covers airfare, lodging, and research-related expenses, fostering the next generation of fishery professionals and promoting engagement in vital discussions within the field.

The Kenedy Memorial Foundation Grant supports both Sectarian and Non-Sectarian entities, primarily focusing on Catholic schools and churches in Texas. The Foundation emphasizes grants that foster significant community benefits and encourages applications from recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. Core values include breaking the cycle of poverty, advancing spirituality, and nurturing support for Catholic institutions. The Foundation also allocates a portion of funds to non-sectarian charities, promoting inclusive support within the community.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provides outdoor recreational opportunities by managing and protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat and acquiring and managing parklands and historic areas. It has inherited the functions of many state entities created to protect Texas' natural resources.

Mission: To manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grants

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program is a competitive grant initiative under the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act, aimed at enhancing parks, recreational opportunities, and conservation areas in underserved, urban areas. These investments enable urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors.

Managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the nationally competitive ORLP program provides matching grants (up to 50% of total project costs) to assist communities with little to no access to outdoor recreation opportunities in urban areas. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or substantial renovation of public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. Development should encompass essential public outdoor recreation activities and the necessary support facilities for public use. Projects could involve a combination of land acquisition and site development. These projects can cater to a diverse range of public outdoor recreation activities and facilities required to enhance the use and enjoyment for the public. These include, and are not limited to community parks, campgrounds, playgrounds, sport fields and courts, picnic facilities, trails, etc. While facilities that support the use of the recreating public, such as restroom, visitor contact infrastructure, and maintenance facilities can be eligible, most indoor recreation and other buildings such as nature centers, community centers, or education center are ineligible for funding.

Only State Lead Agencies are eligible to submit applications for ORLP grants. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is the State Lead Agency. TPWD may submit on behalf of themselves or an eligible sub-recipient.

ORLP projects must meet two eligibility criteria: The required population in census tracts is set at 25,000 people and the project must be within an underserved community.