Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

The Marilyn Potts Memorial Fund, established by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports Communications majors or related fields at South Texas universities. Open to current high school seniors and college students, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This fund aims to empower students by providing essential financial support for educational expenses, contributing to their academic and professional growth in the communications field.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

Texas Workforce Commission

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the state agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers of Texas. TWC strengthens the Texas economy by providing the workforce development component of the Governor's economic development strategy. Texas boasts an incredibly skilled workforce ready to attract enterprise to the Lone Star State. By focusing on the needs of employers, TWC gives Texas the competitive edge necessary to draw business here.

Self Sufficiency Fund Program

The Self Sufficiency Fund is a training grant to help individuals obtain industry recognized credentials and be placed in an occupation that provides a path toward Self Sufficiency. The program focuses on training for the following groups:

• Adult receiving government assistance such as Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• Individuals at risk of becoming dependent on public assistance.
• Individuals earning less than $37,000 annually with a dependent child, custodial or non-custodial.
• Youth between the ages of 18-24 that are a part of a low-income household.

The Self Sufficiency program is administered by the Texas Workforce Commission, in partnership with public community and technical colleges, a higher education extension service, and community-based organizations, and is governed by the following rules and regulations:

• Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 20, Chapter 835
• Texas Labor Code, Chapter 309

Program Requirements:

• Grantees must provide training that leads to an industry-recognized certificate or credential.
• Training can be for any target occupation or an occupation that is subject to approval by the local Workforce Development Board.
• Training must focus on core or support occupations that provide a path toward higher-level occupations.
• Various training methods are accepted, including classroom, simulations, and online instruction.
• Applicants may receive up to $500,000 for projects.
• Target cost is $2500 per trainee.
• Funding may include tuition, training materials, books and supplies.
• Job placement for participants is required and may be with any employer.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the System Agency, is accepting applications for the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) program. PATH services provide outreach and engage people not currently connected to mainstream mental health services, primary health care, and substance abuse service systems. Awarded Grantees shall meet the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) goal for PATH programs, which is to reduce or eliminate homelessness for individuals with serious mental illnesses or co-occurring substance use disorders who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

This funding opportunity invites grant applications requesting funding for the PATH Program. PATH providers provide outreach and engage people not currently connected to mainstream mental health services, primary health care, and substance abuse service systems. Awarded Grantees shall meet the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) goal for PATH programs, which is to reduce or eliminate homelessness for individuals with serious mental illnesses or co-occurring substance use disorders who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. 

PATH was created as part of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1990. Since 1991, PATH has funded the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and four U.S. Territories (the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). PATH funds are used to provide services that may include street outreach, case management services, and housing services that may not be supported by mainstream mental health programs.

The eligible population to be served under this RFA consists of individuals who are:

Age 18 or older;

Have a serious mental illness or co-occurring serious mental illness and substance usedisorder; and

Literally homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless

The Amy Young Barrier Removal Program provides one-time grants to Persons with Disabilities in a Household qualified as Low-Income. Grants are for home modifications that increase accessibility and eliminate life-threatening hazards, and correct substandard conditions. 

Program Description

The purpose of this grant program is to provide targeted capacity support to increase the number of School Psychologists across the state of Texas. By investing in the academic infrastructure of School Psychologist programs, this initiative aims to expand program capacity, maintain instructional quality, and accelerate the pipeline of qualified School Psychologists entering the workforce in Texas. This effort directly addresses the statewide shortage of licensed School Psychologists and supports the long-term goal of improving access to essential evaluations and services for students with disabilities.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Texas Regional Pathways Network Cohort 6 Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance career and education pathways tailored to meet regional labor market demands. By assembling a dedicated team led by a pathways facilitator, the grant seeks to implement effective activities and interventions that align with employer needs in targeted industries, thereby supporting students in navigating their career pathways successfully. This initiative is crucial for fostering workforce readiness in Texas.

The Scott Riola Memorial Scholarship Fund, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports current flight nurses from the Texas Panhandle's top 26 counties who seek to further their education. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and possess a flight certification (CEN, CCRN, or CFRN). This initiative exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to enhancing healthcare education and ensuring skilled professionals serve the community's needs.

The Special Populations Diagnostic - Content Support Grant, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance diagnostic tools for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to evaluate and improve their special education systems. By developing resources like rubrics and interview templates, the project seeks to empower LEA leaders to identify areas needing support, ultimately leading to better outcomes for students with disabilities.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal1 and state grant awards to its subgrantees2 to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations. The following Program Guidelines apply to all eligible subgrantees for the designated grant program.

Program Purpose

The 2026-2027 Empowering Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Educators to Improve Student Outcomes grant will enable Region 10 ESC to administer a program providing funding support for school systems and ESCs seeking training and certification for ECSE professionals during the 2026-2027 school year. The grantee will create a plan for prioritization of funds and determine the funding process for program participants. Trainings will focus on behavior management and inclusive opportunities and will increase ECSE educators to improve student outcomes for children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5 and receiving ECSE services. School systems also can apply for funding through the program to support prekindergarten teachers with dual certification in special education and general education.

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program, funded by the Texas Education Agency, offers grants of at least $1,500 to families of eligible students. This initiative aims to support families in acquiring essential educational goods and services for students with special needs. Families can apply for these benefits through the Region 10 Education Service Center, ensuring they receive the assistance needed for their children's educational success.

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Texas Transportation Alternatives Set-aside (TA) Program

TxDOT administers TA funds for locally sponsored bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects in communities across the state. In large urbanized areas with populations over 200,000, TA funds are also distributed directly to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to administer according to their needs. MPOs and TxDOT are responsible for selecting projects independently of one another.

Family Support Services (TX)

The purpose of the CYD program is to assist communities in alleviating conditions in the family and community that lead to juvenile crime. The CYD program is a community based program that provides services to youth and their families by promoting positive experiences, relationships, and environments. Through the promotion and implementation of PYD, youth are engaged in productive and constructive environments that address youth development, build positive and healthy relationships with peers and adults, and provide opportunities for engagement in school and community. The CYD program aims to improve the development and well-being of youth, promote healthy and safe families and communities, increase protective factors for youth, reduce involvement with the criminal justice system, reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect, and promote workforce readiness.

The CYD program is entirely voluntary and free-of-charge to enrolled Participants. 

HHSC estimates the total amount of funding for the CYD grant program is $9,957,043.00 per State fiscal year. Annual awards per individual Grant Agreement typically range between $400,000.00 and $1,000,000.00. HHSC estimates the value of the RFA based on the stated annual amount multiplied by five (5) years, plus an additional 25% to allow for 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 2025-2026 ESC Statewide Services for Students with Visual Impairments (SSVI) program, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to provide essential services and support to school systems for students with visual impairments. This initiative focuses on enhancing the skills of teachers of visually impaired students, ensuring better educational outcomes. With a total funding of $5,539,891, the program is crucial for retaining qualified teachers in the field and improving the educational experiences of affected students.

The SSI Community Partnerships Grant Cohort 5, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational and developmental outcomes for children in distressed communities. By providing access to essential wrap-around services and fostering strong partnerships with families and the community, the program seeks to improve academic support and engagement. This initiative not only addresses immediate educational needs but also builds a sustainable framework for ongoing community collaboration and student success.

The OST CARES program, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance mental health support in out-of-school time (OST) settings across Texas. This initiative will implement vital mental health programs through the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) while also establishing a robust statewide infrastructure to support OST programs and professionals. The focus is on improving educational outcomes and ensuring the well-being of students in community settings.

The Dick Laursen Memorial Scholarship, honoring a dedicated irrigation specialist, supports students pursuing agriculture degrees at Texas universities. Open to undergraduates and graduate students, it requires full-time enrollment and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Each recipient can receive up to $500 per semester, totaling a maximum of $4000 over four years. This scholarship aims to foster the next generation of agricultural professionals, reflecting Laursen's legacy in the irrigation industry.

The Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) Resource Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes for homeless students in Texas. This grant supports innovative practices that identify, enroll, and assist these students, ensuring they access essential services. By fostering regional collaboration and implementing best practices, the TEHCY program strengthens support systems for education service centers and school districts, ultimately striving for improved academic success for all affected students.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations. 

Special Education Capacity: Educator Reimbursement Certification Program (ERCP) 

This grant focuses on students receiving special education services in small and rural school systems as defined by the grantee and approved by the agency.

Activities to support small and rural school systems may include:

• Programs and services to support recruitment and retention of special education evaluation certifications (e.g. school psychologists, diagnosticians, and speech and language pathologists) in small and rural schools.
• Other technical assistance and collaboration on agency priorities

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CAPaBLE Programmes

CAPaBLE, our scientific capacity development programme, aims to enhance the capacity of scientists, policymakers and practitioners to assess global change issues, and explore options to resolve issues towards achieving sustainability. Through CAPaBLE, we support activities that enhance capacity at individual, organizational and systemic levels.

Activities of interest under the CAPaBLE Programme

APN supports CAPaBLE activities that enhance existing capacities of developing countries at three levels of individual-based capacity development; group, organisation, network-based capacity development; and societies, governance, and system level capacity development. APN accepts CAPaBLE proposals that engage 1 or more member/approved countries. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES that promote the following approaches related to one or more of the six thematic areas of APN:

• Utilising and strengthening existing capacity, 
• Creating opportunities to use/instil capacity, 
• Developing new capacity through innovative approaches.

AWARENESS-RAISING AND DISSEMINATION activities through policy- and decision-making communities, civil society, and/or the general public.

SCIENCE-POLICY interfacing in the context of the priority topics.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES that contribute to the capacity development components of the evolving global change arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities geared towards using SCIENCE COMMUNICATION to disseminate knowledge generated from projects, particularly to non-science audiences.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations. 

Special Education Capacity: TWU-SLP Grant

The purpose of this project is to decrease the shortage of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) in school systems across the state and increase the quality of early and effective communication interventions that lessen the impact of delayed or disordered language on literacy development.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.