Best Grants for BIPOC in Texas

The Texas History Grant Program, supported by The Summerlee Foundation, aims to fund diverse projects that preserve Texas's rich history. Since 1988, it has encouraged proposals from various disciplines, including archaeology and education, focusing on underserved areas. While National Register Status enhances proposals, it is not mandatory. The program seeks strong community support and well-qualified participants to strengthen applications, ensuring impactful contributions to Texas's historical narrative.

The NRA Foundation: Texas Grants support charitable initiatives that align with the foundation's mission to promote firearms safety, education, and research. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized entities, government bodies, and state-recognized nonprofits. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance public understanding of firearms and support shooting sports. Organizations not meeting the criteria, such as labor groups and private businesses, are ineligible. This grant fosters community engagement and safety in relation to firearms.

Jack's Community Grants, managed by the Jack in the Box Foundation, seeks to empower youth in local communities by providing funding to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. These organizations must focus on feeding, educating, and empowering youth and operate within 50 miles of a Jack in the Box restaurant. The Foundation promotes originality and opportunity while ensuring that applicants adhere to a nondiscrimination policy. Special consideration is given to applications with support from franchisees or employees.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds.

The Texas Education Agency 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.

2026-2028 SSI Community Partnerships Continuation C2 Y7

Program Description

The purpose of this program is to support significant improvements in educational and developmental outcomes for children and youth who live in distressed communities by providing access to great schools and creating strong partnerships to increase family and community support that will prepare students to receive an excellent education from early learning and progressing to college and a career.

The Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in San Antonio and Bexar County through support for arts, education, health and wellness, animal welfare, and wildlife conservation. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that empower youth, promote health, and protect animal welfare, reflecting Mrs. Kelso's commitment to community enrichment. Organizations eligible for funding are primarily 501(c)(3) nonprofits, dedicated to making a positive impact in these focus areas.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

2026-2027 MEP Systems Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of this program is to support high-quality and comprehensive educational programs and services during the school year and, as applicable, during summer or intersession periods, that address the unique educational needs of migratory children; ensure that migratory children who move among the States are not penalized in any manner by disparities among the States in curriculum, graduation requirements, and challenging State academic standards; ensure that migratory children receive full and appropriate opportunities to meet the same challenging State academic standards that all children are expected to meet; to help migratory children overcome educational disruption, cultural and language barriers, social isolation, various health-related problems, and other factors that inhibit the ability of such children to succeed in school; and help migratory children benefit from State and local systemic reforms.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The Albert and Mary Dick Charitable Trust, established in 1991, supports religious, charitable, scientific, and literary initiatives, primarily focusing on organizations in Victoria County, Texas. Grants are aimed at promoting higher education, assisting youth, and preventing cruelty to children and animals. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. The Trust emphasizes local impact, specifically aiding programs related to education, health, and the environment.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is launching the 2025-2027 Development of Accelerated Supports Grant Program to provide essential support for K-12 education. This initiative aims to enhance curricular resources in Reading Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, ensuring local educational agencies receive the necessary tools to improve student outcomes. Through this program, TEA seeks to empower school districts, charter schools, and other educational institutions to foster better learning environments.

The Region VIII Scholarship, offered by ASHRAE, is a one-year award for undergraduate pre-engineering or engineering students attending accredited institutions within Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Mexico. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 or rank in the top 30% of their class. Scholarships support students pursuing degrees related to HVAC&R, fostering future leaders in sustainable built environments.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation provides vital support to nonprofit organizations in Texas, focusing on charitable, educational, and scientific initiatives. It prioritizes research and education-related projects that promise long-term benefits. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, scholarships, or political activities and prefers not to support fundraising events or school-related sports teams. This ensures its grants are directed towards impactful and sustainable community projects.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Geoscience Scholarships: Natural Gas Society of East Texas Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, aims to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in the energy industry. Eligible candidates must be at least sophomores and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75. This scholarship embodies the foundation's commitment to empowering students in East Texas through educational opportunities in geosciences and engineering, fostering the next generation of leaders in the energy sector.

The Mervin and Annette Peters Family Foundation Grant supports health and human services primarily in Brazos County, Texas. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt to qualify. Applications are accepted year-round, with a submission deadline of July 31 for the annual grant meeting in August. The foundation focuses on protecting health and providing essential services, ensuring assistance for those in need. Program areas include arts, education, health, and religion, emphasizing community support.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees the Texas Mathematics Academies, which provide evidence-based mathematics instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 3. TEA allocates grant funding to Region 11 and Region 13 Education Service Centers to coordinate statewide program operations, content development, and professional learning. This initiative ensures high-quality implementation aligned with TEA’s instructional vision, ultimately aiming to enhance educational outcomes across Texas.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

MATHCOUNTS Grant

Program Description

The purpose of the MATHCOUNTS grant is to provide financial support to the Texas Engineering Foundation (TEF) in its efforts to sponsor and lead the Texas MATHCOUNTS program. MATHCOUNTS provides mathematics programs and state-of-the-art supplemental math instructional materials to build math skills, promote critical thinking and problem solving, and heighten interest of middle-school students in mathematics. Through the MATHCOUNTS Competition Program, students take part in individual and team competitions. Competitions begin at the local level with the opportunity for winners to move on to compete at regional and national levels.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

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.

Texas Mathematics Academies (TMA) Facilitators Pilot Grant

Program Description

The Texas Mathematics Academies (TMA) represent a key component of the state’s commitment to ensuring that all students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 receive high-quality, evidence-based mathematics instruction. The purpose of this program is to provide Education Service Centers (ESC) with funding to support the effective delivery of the Texas Mathematics Academies during the pilot school year 2026–2027. The program aims to strengthen implementation through pilot support and statewide coordination of math initiatives by each regional ESC, ensuring systematic and explicit mathematics instruction. Each ESC will be required to designate a Texas Mathematics Academies Facilitator to lead coordination and implementation efforts. The goal is to offer School Systems direct support tailored to their specific implementation needs.

The Texas Bar Foundation Grant supports programs that enhance justice in Texas, focusing on legal services for the underserved, ethics in the legal profession, and public education about the legal system. Over $1,600,000 will be awarded this year to non-profits aligned with these goals. Grants are exclusively for 501(c)3 charities, with a total of $871,270 distributed to 70 organizations in the Fall 2024 cycle, contributing to over $28 million in grants since inception.

The UTEP SOP/EPASHP Scholarship, provided by the TSHP Research and Education Foundation, offers financial assistance ranging from $500 to $1,500 to pharmacy students native to the El Paso area. Established to recognize leadership in pharmacy, this scholarship supports those enrolled in the UTEP School of Pharmacy. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and community involvement, ensuring that the scholarship benefits those committed to advancing healthcare in Texas.

The Ed and Judy Grabber Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, managed by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle who plan to major in Agriculture or Education. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and can attend any institution, with a requirement to maintain a GPA of 2.5 in college. This scholarship aims to foster educational success in vital fields.

The Sidney Phillips Memorial Scholarship, established in 2022 by the TSHP Research and Education Foundation, honors past TSHP President Sidney Phillips. This scholarship supports Texas pharmacy students, emphasizing financial need, academic merit, and a commitment to hospital practice. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,500, it encourages future pharmacists to excel in their careers while fostering community strength within the pharmacy profession.

The Sandra Evans Webb Scholarship, established in 2000 by the TSHP Research and Education Foundation, honors former Executive Vice President Sandra Evans Webb. It supports Texas pharmacy students who are members of the TSHP Student Section, enrolled in their final year of the Pharm.D. program at the University of Houston, and have a GPA of 3.00 or higher. Scholarships range from $500 to $1,500, awarded based on financial need, academic ability, and career interest.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

AIA WF Architecture High School Student Scholarship

The AIA WF Architecture High School Student Scholarship fund was opened at WFACF in 2020, by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. It is for local area graduating seniors pursuing a degree in architecture, with preference for students intending to return to our area. There are (2) one-time $1,000 scholarships available for students attending Texas A&M, Prairie View A&M, Texas Tech, University of Houston, UT Arlington, UT Austin, UT San Antonio, or Oklahoma State.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

AIA WF Architecture College Student Scholarship

The AIA WF Architecture College Student Scholarship fund was opened at WFACF in 2024, by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects. It is for graduates of the local area pursuing a degree in architecture entering their sophomore year of college, with preference for students intending to return to our area. There are (2) one-time $2,000 scholarships available for students attending Texas A&M, Prairie View A&M, Texas Tech, University of Houston, UT Arlington, UT Austin, UT San Antonio, or Oklahoma State.