Best Grants for BIPOC in Texas

The Alvin A. and Hattie Mae Bush Accounting Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and current college students from the Texas Panhandle. Applicants must be majoring in Accounting and plan to attend Amarillo College, Texas Tech University, or West Texas A&M University. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for local students, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Panhandle Restaurant Association Scholarship Fund, administered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the Texas Panhandle's top 26 counties who are employed in restaurants. With a minimum GPA of 2.5 required, eligible recipients can pursue their education at any accredited college or university, fostering a brighter future for the region's youth and enhancing local workforce development.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

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.

Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Cohort 3 Grant

Program Description

Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) is technical assistance (TA) for school systems that address short- and long-term instructional needs by reimagining school staff roles and redesigning school schedules and compensation within their existing budget. Simultaneously, this service supports school systems as they strengthen educator pipelines and maximize the impact of the most effective teachers. 

The Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) offers an annual research grant of up to $1,200 aimed at enhancing music education. With nearly 20,000 members, TMEA focuses on diverse topics, including music teacher retention and social emotional learning. This grant supports research that promotes excellence in music education, welcoming proposals from active TMEA members in Texas. Through this initiative, TMEA aims to foster innovation and improve representation within music classes.

The Jake Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating seniors from the Texas Panhandle's northern counties who exhibit integrity, ambition, and strong moral character. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate their ability to overcome challenges posed by learning disabilities, while also valuing loyalty to family and friends. This scholarship empowers students to pursue higher education, fostering their personal and academic growth.

Texas Tutoring Support Grant

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) will grant funds to establish a single Education Service Center (ESC) tutoring hub. The ESC hub will hold an annual summit focusing on supports for tutoring best practices and implementation as outlined in TEC §28.0211, facilitate a cohort lead by a contracted organization in the fundamental components of outcomes-based contracting (OBC) implementation, and assist in the development of supports that can be used as examples for other school systems in implementation of OBC.

Direct Administrative Costs

TEA limits the amount of direct administrative costs for this grant program to no more than 5% of the total grant award.

Indirect Costs

For this grant program, the grantee may claim a maximum for allowable indirect costs equal to its current approved unrestricted indirect cost rate. 

The Section 6 Competitive (Nontraditional) Grants program, administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, supports habitat conservation through three grant types: Planning Assistance, Land Acquisition under Habitat Conservation Plans, and Recovery Land Acquisition. Since 2004, over $110 million has been allocated to more than 225 projects, benefiting 450 species. The program also funds 6 to 9 Traditional grants annually and 0 to 4 Nontraditional grants, with varying request for proposals each year.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

The Globe Life Texas Rangers Baseball and Softball Grant Program supports nonprofit baseball and softball initiatives across five states, including Texas and Arkansas. This program aims to enhance youth sports by providing funding for essential needs such as field renovations, equipment, and uniforms. Since 2012, it has awarded over $1.1 million to more than 150 organizations, ensuring children have access to the joy and community of sports. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth aged 18 and under.

The Scanlan Foundation Grant for Higher Education aims to enhance Catholic education and promote a culture of vocations in Texas. By supporting Catholic 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation focuses on fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life, encouraging sacramental marriages, and improving educational access. This grant is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Catholic community and ensure that future generations grow in faith and service, making a significant impact on society.

The Jack B. Weinberger Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating seniors from the top 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to major in health care at any accredited college or university. This scholarship aims to foster future leaders in the health care sector while addressing the educational needs of the community in the Texas Panhandle.

The Florence Foundation Grants support educational, scientific, and charitable initiatives, focusing on Texas-based 501(c)(3) organizations, especially in Dallas County. Established in 1956, the foundation has awarded over $3 million to assist in various areas including public education, scientific research, and community welfare. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a preference for projects that address significant social issues and enhance community well-being.

The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Arlington Youth Foundation is committed to enhancing the lives of Arlington youth through significant financial contributions. They provide grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that focus on youth programs in areas like athletics, health, education, and the arts. Recently, a $1 million donation supported the North Texas Youth Education Town, which offers educational and recreational services. This initiative aims to create a sustainable impact on the community and support local youth for years to come.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Sidney Moughon Texas A&M Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from several counties, including Camp, Gregg, and Harrison. This renewable scholarship is aimed at students pursuing any major at Texas A&M University and considers financial need, requiring FAFSA documentation. Established to empower young individuals through education, it reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic success and community development in East Texas.

The Tyler Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association Scholarship, funded by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students from various East Texas counties. Open to graduating seniors and current college students pursuing any major, this scholarship emphasizes community engagement. Applicants must be children of Tyler PD employees. Financial need is not a consideration, and recipients may reapply for continued support. This initiative reflects a commitment to education and community service, empowering the next generation of leaders.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Texas provides essential funding for the development of community facilities in rural areas. This program aims to support public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in enhancing local services, such as healthcare, education, and public safety. Eligible areas include rural communities with populations under 20,000. Grants cover significant project costs, making it easier for smaller communities to access vital resources for their development.

The Wayne & Margie Morrison Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Smith High School pursuing any field of study. Established to empower students with financial need, this renewable scholarship reflects the foundation's commitment to education and community development. Eligible colleges include Texas A&M - Texarkana, LeTourneau University, and more. Applicants are required to submit a FAFSA to demonstrate financial need.

The Winifred K. George Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Smith County planning to attend Abilene Christian University. This scholarship, reflecting a commitment to educational empowerment, is open to students pursuing any major, particularly those in Christian ministry. While financial need is not a consideration, the scholarship is renewable, ensuring ongoing support for recipients as they achieve their academic goals.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

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.

Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Cohort 2 Continuation Grant

Program Description

The primary purpose of the Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Continuation Grant is to maximize the impact of highly effective teachers in reaching as many students as possible by developing strategic staffing models. Through this grant, school system leaders, including principals, recruit and select highly effective teachers to serve in leadership roles alongside campus and district instructional leaders. Through high-quality, job-embedded professional learning, these teacher leaders develop skills in key instructional leadership practices that help drive peer, beginning, and aspiring teachers’ instructional learning and growth. When highly effective teachers step into these leadership roles, school leaders distribute instructional leadership responsibilities, ensuring all teachers, across years of experience and effectiveness levels, receive differentiated and job-embedded supports to maximize their impact on student learning.

The M.G. & Lillie A. Johnson Foundation Grant, established in 1958, aims to support charitable activities in the Texas Gulf Coast area, particularly in health and education. The Foundation, which has dispensed over $106 million to date, prioritizes nonprofits and institutions that serve Texas communities. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, and eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations. The Foundation's significant contributions have notably aided the establishment of the Lutheran Hospital Pavilion at M.D. Anderson Hospital.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Texas provide crucial assistance to small rural businesses, aimed at fostering economic growth in underdeveloped areas. This program targets entities with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue, prioritizing smaller funding requests. Eligible projects include training, technical assistance, and economic development initiatives, ensuring that funds are effectively utilized to enhance community and business development in rural locations.

2026-2027 Jira-Incident Management System (TIMS)

Program Description

The Texas Student Data System (TSDS), a statewide initiative by TEA, modernizes education data collection, management, and reporting to improve student outcomes through enhanced TPEIR reporting. To support TSDS users — including school system administrators and educators — the grantee will host, develop, maintain, and upgrade an automated incident management system/help desk for all user-facing TSDS applications, delivered via the Jira platform.