Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

The Texas Boys Ranch Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of West Texas, is designed to support young men who have attended the Texas Boys’ Ranch or the Children's Home of Lubbock and aspire to pursue higher education. Established in 1981, this scholarship aims to empower students by providing them with essential financial assistance, fostering a brighter future for individuals in the South Plains area.

The Elesa Crump Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, managed by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and current college students with documented disabilities from the Texas Panhandle. Recipients must enroll in Amarillo College or West Texas A&M University. The fund aims to enhance educational access and opportunities for individuals facing learning challenges, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to improving the quality of life in the region.

The LIFE Association Trade Scholarship Fund, established by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers up to $5,000 to Texas high school seniors and graduates pursuing vocational degrees or certifications at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate good academic standing. This initiative aims to empower students seeking careers in trades, ensuring they have the necessary financial support for tuition, books, and essential equipment.

The Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports first-generation college students from various East Texas counties. Eligible applicants are graduating seniors or current college students attending any college in the U.S. Financial need is a consideration, and the scholarship is awarded for one year. This initiative aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals and fulfill their dreams through higher education.

The Theodore R. Phea Sr. Tuition Scholarship, established by Mr. and Mrs. Ray Diekemper, honors the legacy of Theodore R. Phea Sr., a respected civic and religious leader in Lubbock. Managed by the Community Foundation of West Texas, this scholarship aims to support students at Texas College in Tyler, emphasizing financial need, personal integrity, and scholastic potential. It reflects the foundation's commitment to empowering local youth through educational opportunities.

The Weldon and Ruth Gibbs Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, supports students from Texas Tech University's College of Arts & Sciences. It emphasizes financial need and community involvement rather than academic excellence. The scholarship honors the Gibbs family's values of service and perseverance, fostering qualities that help students overcome challenges. Each year, over 100 scholarships are awarded, creating a lasting impact on recipients and strengthening the future of the South Plains community.

The Mark W. Allen Memorial Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, is intended for graduating seniors from Texas who plan to attend a University of Texas System University and major in journalism, English, creative writing, photography, or radio-television-film. Financial need is not a consideration, and the scholarship provides support for one year, reflecting a commitment to empowering students in their educational pursuits.

The Harry E. and Eda L. Montandon Charitable Trust Grant provides financial support to Texas-based organizations serving handicapped, disabled, or disadvantaged individuals, including children. Grants range from $10,000 to $125,000, averaging $25,000. Priority is given to requests for capital needs and program support, with a duration of one year. Organizations may submit only one application per calendar year, while requests for endowment funds are not accepted.

The TJC Sisterhood Legacy Scholarship, provided by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating senior girls from Texas high schools who wish to pursue an Associate's or Bachelor’s degree at Tyler Junior College. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FAFSA documentation, and aims to empower young women to achieve their educational goals. Established in 1989, the Foundation has a strong commitment to fostering educational opportunities within the community.

The Pasha Zapolsky Memorial Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public, private, or homeschool backgrounds. Open to any college in the U.S., this scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FASFA documentation. Applicants must showcase competitive soccer skills, demonstrate Christian faith, and submit a written essay. Established to empower students in their educational pursuits, the scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting community-driven initiatives.

The Lake Fork Fishing Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from ETCF counties pursuing higher education at any accredited 2 or 4-year college in the U.S. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FAFSA documentation. Additionally, recipients must participate in their school's fishing team during their senior year. The foundation, established in 1989, aims to uplift communities through educational opportunities, reflecting a commitment to the power of education in shaping futures.

The Yamboree Empowerment Scholarship YES for Women, provided by the East Texas Communities Foundation, is designed for graduating seniors from Upshur County high schools. This scholarship supports first-generation college students pursuing any major at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. Financial need is assessed through FASFA. Established in 1989, the Foundation aims to empower students to achieve their dreams through education, reflecting a strong commitment to community development.

The Jean and Jim Gulley Texas Tech Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors or previous graduates from high schools in East Texas or Quanah, TX. Eligible students must plan to attend Texas Tech University full-time and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering students through education, ensuring they have the financial resources to pursue their academic ambitions.

The Professional Development Partnerships for Early Childhood Education program, managed by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the skills of early childhood trainers and instructional coaches. It offers extensive training and support through professional development opportunities, micro-credentials, and facilitated learning communities. This initiative seeks to ensure high-quality instruction for practicing early childhood educators, ultimately benefiting the educational outcomes of young learners across the state.

The Glenn and Vivian Prater Memorial Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and college students from Liberty County and surrounding areas. This scholarship emphasizes educational achievement and is renewable, helping students pursue any field of study. Applicants must demonstrate financial need (FAFSA required) and be Eagle Scouts. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering youth through education, fostering dreams and aspirations in the community.

The Boating Access Grant Program provides 75% matching fund grant assistance to plan and construct new, or renovate existing, public boat ramps that provide public access to public waters for recreational boating. The State Boating Access Program receives funding from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act. Funds for the federal program are derived from the federal gasoline tax generated by sales of gasoline for recreational motorboats and a federal excise tax on the sales of fishing tackle and trolling motors. Program assistance will be in the form of a Phase I – Planning grant and subsequently a Phase II – Construction Grant. The local sponsor must be willing to assume all maintenance responsibilities, including grass mowing and weed control, litter/refuse pick-up and removal, signage maintenance, security surveillance, plus necessary repairs and renovations, as needed, to insure public use and safety.Funding: 

• Phase I – Planning Grant application up to $250,000 in matching funds
• Phase II - Construction grants will be reimbursed up to a 95% of the grant amount until a final inspection and audit are completed.

The Tyler City Employee Credit Union Scholarship, provided by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports high school seniors and non-traditional students pursuing education at accredited colleges, universities, or nonprofit technical schools. Applicants must be members or dependents of the Tyler City Employee Credit Union and demonstrate good moral character. Financial need is considered, with a FAFSA requirement. This scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their educational dreams and contribute positively to their communities.

The A.D. & Mary Winston Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Smith County who plan to attend Texas A&M University. Established in 1989, the Foundation aims to empower students through education. Financial need is considered, with FAFSA required for applicants. This scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local youth, helping them to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

The Betty and Roy Erickson Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students in East Texas pursuing higher education. Established in 1989, the foundation promotes educational opportunities through various scholarships. To be eligible, applicants must be graduating seniors with a minimum SAT score of 1400 or ACT score of 31. This scholarship is not based on financial need and offers support for one year at any college in Texas.

The Louise Bowers Slentz Foundation Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from specific Texas Panhandle counties. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and enroll in an accredited college or university. This scholarship aims to enhance the quality of life for residents by facilitating access to higher education, with a requirement for a cumulative GPA of 2.5 during college to retain eligibility.

The Patsy Key Ponder Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Jefferson ISD in Texas. This renewable scholarship aims to assist students pursuing any accredited college or university degree in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA and plan to enroll as full-time students. Established to empower students in their educational journeys, it reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering academic success and community development.

The Smith County Baptist Ministers Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students from Smith County pursuing any field of study at colleges in the United States. Open to graduating seniors and current college students, this scholarship emphasizes educational empowerment. Notably, applicants must be dependents of ordained Smith County Baptist ministers. Financial need is not a criterion, and students may reapply for continued support.

The Kay Howry and Freda Harder Encouragement Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Tyler High School, Early College High School, RISE Academy, and LaPoynor High School. Students may attend any accredited college, university, or technical school in East Texas. While financial need is considered, it is not the primary factor. This renewable scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering students in their educational pursuits.

The 2025-2026 Sustainable Residency Implementation Continuation Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, supports school systems in Texas to sustain paid teacher residency programs. This funding enables previously supported systems to continue implementing effective residency models in preparation for future funding. The grant aims to enhance teacher recruitment and retention, ensuring immediate instructional needs are addressed while promoting accessible residency pathways for aspiring educators.

The Deaf Smith Electrical Scholarship, provided by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports students from specific Texas counties pursuing higher education at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must be members or dependents of the Deaf Smith Electric Cooperative. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents in the Texas Panhandle, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and support for local students.

The Sidney Rex Moughon Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors and non-traditional students from Camp, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Upshur, and Wood counties. Open to any major, applicants must demonstrate financial need with a FAFSA requirement. This renewable scholarship exemplifies the foundation's commitment to education and empowering students in Texas to pursue their academic dreams.

The Eiche Family Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, aims to support graduating seniors from various high schools in Smith County. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education and community service, requiring applicants to demonstrate excellent moral character and financial need through FAFSA. It is renewable for up to three years, encouraging students to pursue any field of study at accredited institutions within the Foundation's service area.