Best Grants for BIPOC in Texas

The Nancy A. Berkhouse Classical Art Scholarship, established by Nancy A. Berkhouse's family, supports college students pursuing degrees in art, particularly in Classicism, Realism, or Classical Realism. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of realistic representation in art, including various genres such as still life and portraiture. Renewable for up to four years, it requires recipients to maintain full-time status and a minimum GPA of 2.5, reflecting the belief in education's power to transform lives.

2026-2027 ESC ESSA Basic Services Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of the ESC ESSA Basic Services Initiative is primarily to provide support for and to work cooperatively with campuses and provide technical assistance to other ESSA programs that increase opportunities for all students to meet challenging State academic assessment standards. 

This initiative is designed to provide programs, resources, and an overall strategy for fostering authentic collaboration among schools, families, and communities in Texas around topics in special education. By establishing strong internal processes with strategic and timely cross-communications, we will increase knowledge and understanding of special education services while improving buy-in and support from all stakeholders.

The Christopher Lyon Memorial Scholarship, established in 2007 by friends and family, honors the artistic legacy of Christopher Lyon. A graduate of Western Carolina University and the University of Pennsylvania, Chris was a talented artist whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident. This scholarship aims to support full-time art students at the University of Texas at Tyler, fostering their creative pursuits and helping them achieve their academic dreams.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

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.

Special Education Family Engagement and Outreach

This initiative is designed to provide programs, resources, and an overall strategy for fostering authentic collaboration among schools, families, and communities in Texas around topics in special education. By establishing strong internal processes with strategic and timely cross-communications, we will increase knowledge and understanding of special education services while improving buy-in and support from all stakeholders. 

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 Civics Training Program aims to enhance civic education for K-12 teachers and administrators in Texas. This initiative, funded by the Texas Education Agency, supports 20 regional Education Service Centers to implement training that promotes civic knowledge, media literacy, and democratic participation. The program focuses on fostering informed citizenship, understanding foundational documents, and developing critical thinking skills necessary for functioning in a democratic society. By enhancing educators' capabilities, the program ultimately seeks to improve student engagement and understanding of civic responsibilities.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

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 Houston Texans Foundation Donations Program supports over 400 charitable organizations annually by providing in-kind donations like team memorabilia. While game tickets are unavailable, these contributions help raise funds for various causes. Organizations eligible for donations must be Texas-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status and can submit one request per year. The foundation encourages events to view donations as enhancements rather than the focal point of their planning.

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. 

ESC Behavior Position Pilot

Program Description

This program is being created to provide technical assistance to school systems, campuses, and teachers that have special education students experiencing behavioral difficulties that result in dangerous or unsafe learning environments for that student or others. The goal of this program is to ensure that infrastructure is in place to support the students before, during, and after they experience behavioral difficulties as well as provide support for the school system, teachers, and students who may be impacted by the behavior. The program is being established in response to TEC §29.010 (a-1) that states “…the agency may require a school district to obtain specialized technical assistance for a documented noncompliance issue or if data indicates that technical assistance is needed, such as an incident involving injury to staff or students by a student receiving special education services or data indicating an excessive number of restraints are used on students receiving special education services.”

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 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 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 Nickolas-Trusczkowska Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students aged 17-30 recovering from addiction. This renewable scholarship is available for high school graduates, current college students, and non-traditional students pursuing any field of study at any college in the United States. While financial need is not a requirement, this scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering individuals through education and assisting them in achieving their academic goals.

The W.P. & Bulah Luse Foundation, established in 1947, focuses on enhancing education, health, and human services for underserved populations, particularly in Dallas, Texas. The foundation provides one-year grants, encouraging organizations to apply after a two-year hiatus if previously funded. Special consideration is given to local charitable organizations that aim to improve the quality of life for residents in the Dallas area. This commitment to community support reflects the foundation's enduring legacy.

The Hillcrest Foundation Grant, established in 1958, supports Texas charitable organizations focused on education, health, and poverty relief. It prioritizes unique and essential projects that do not duplicate existing services, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $300,000. Most funding is directed to Dallas County and the surrounding areas, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to community support. Organizations receiving grants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria, ensuring effective use of resources for the greater good.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

The St. Paul Presbyterian Legacy Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from various counties in Texas. This renewable scholarship is open to students attending any college in the U.S., regardless of their major. While financial need is considered, it is not a primary criterion. The foundation aims to empower students through education, reflecting its commitment to fostering academic success and community engagement.

The 2026-2028 Center for Strategic Compensation (CSC) Grant will support School Systems in developing and implementing strategic compensation systems, talent systems support, and other related strategic planning while utilizing funds obtained through participation in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) as well as local district dollars. The Center for Strategic Compensation aims to support School Systems in obtaining an Enhanced TIA district designation and provide support to Education Service Centers (ESCs) to develop capacity in supporting School Systems to develop and implement strategic compensation systems.

The Faulconer Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports minority students from Smith County's Tyler Independent School District who are graduating seniors. This scholarship emphasizes educational empowerment and is available for those pursuing any major at Texas colleges. Financial need is considered, with FAFSA required. The scholarship is renewable, reflecting the foundation's commitment to helping students achieve their academic dreams and contributing to the community's future.

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 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 Sammy Joe Calhoun & Martha Jean Calhoun Family Scholarship for Disability Studies, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in fields such as special education and therapy. Established to promote educational opportunities, this scholarship is aimed at graduating seniors and requires financial need documentation through FAFSA. With renewable support, it reflects a commitment to empowering individuals dedicated to improving the lives of those with disabilities.

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.