Best Grants for BIPOC in Texas

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 Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, established by the Texas Legislature in 2001, offers essential funding to volunteer fire departments for acquiring firefighting vehicles, equipment, and training. Eligible departments must be recognized and in good standing with Texas authorities. This program addresses the critical needs of fire services, although demand often exceeds available funding, necessitating a prioritization of requests to support all departments effectively.

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

This project supports Commissioner-initiated interventions and the delivery of intensive educational assistance aimed at ensuring students perform at grade level by reimbursing school systems for costs associated with an appointed external field agent.

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.

This grant project will enable ESC 10 to develop the online account system, website, approval criteria, and other procedures that will support the providing of funding to parents of eligible first‑ through third‑grade students to purchase approved tutoring services in reading (the Parent Access to Supplemental Supports [PASS] program). The implementation of this project will ultimately support students who are required by law to receive reading intervention or accelerated instruction due to below‑grade‑level reading performance.

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 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 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.

With support from Toyota Motor North America, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $250,000 in grant funding to make public lands more accessible and enjoyable for people of all abilities. The 2026 grant program will focus on communities near Toyota Motor North America facilities and is restricted to 16 communities, as detailed below. 

Overview

Through the 2026 Driving Mobility and Accessibility on Public Lands grant, NEEF aims to:

• Increase the capacity of local organizations and government agencies to address mobility and accessibility considerations on public lands; and
• Improve the level of access, comfort, and enjoyment experienced by public lands visitors of all abilities, together with their families and friends.

The grant will provide up to $20,000 per grantee to increase physical or digital access, provide adaptive recreation equipment or programming, or perform accessibility assessments on public lands in communities near 16 Toyota Motor North America facilities.

The purpose for the support adoption grant program is to provide critical resources for pregnant women who are considering adoption and support for children awaiting placement with adoptive parents in accordance with Government Code 402. 

The Adam Carroll Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Grand Saline High School who are residents of Van Zandt, Wood, or Smith County. Applicants must have participated in high school athletics or cheerleading. This scholarship aims to assist students in pursuing higher education at any college in the United States, emphasizing the importance of educational opportunities to achieve their dreams.

The Gulf Research Program's Science Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for scientists to bridge the gap between science and policy, enhancing their skills while benefiting Gulf Coast communities. Over a year, fellows work with various agencies, gaining practical experience at the science-policy interface. This program provides a stipend, health allowance, and professional development support, fostering leadership and capacity building in environmental protection and public health. Eligible candidates include those with advanced degrees in relevant fields, ensuring a diverse, skilled cohort dedicated to impactful research.

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.

About Us

Texans voted in 2007 to create the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and to invest $3 billion in the state’s unprecedented fight against cancer. On November 5, 2019, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to continue CPRIT’s work and invest an additional $3 billion for finding and funding the best cancer research and prevention opportunities in the state. CPRIT is now a $6 billion, 20-year initiative – the largest state cancer research investment in the history of the United States and the second largest cancer research and prevention program in the world. 

We accept applications and award grants for a wide variety of innovative cancer-related research and product development and for the delivery of evidence-based cancer prevention programs and services by public and private entities located in Texas.

Dissemination of CPRIT-Funded Cancer Control Interventions

The Dissemination of CPRIT-Funded Cancer Control Interventions (DI) award mechanism seeks to fund programs that facilitate the sharing and uptake of successful CPRIT Prevention Program-supported projects, results, and products through their dissemination and implementation across Texas. CPRIT supports applications surrounding the dissemination of successful projects, as well as the dissemination of products, specific tangible deliverables, or outputs created within a successful project. This award mechanism is open only to completed CPRIT Prevention Program-funded projects that have ended within the last 3 years or to ongoing expansion projects. A DI application may not be submitted while the original preventive service project is ongoing. Applicants may request any amount of funding up to a maximum of $450,000 in total funding over a maximum of 36 months. Up to 2 DI awards are allowed for each previously funded CPRIT Prevention Program project. Only 1 DI application per previously funded CPRIT Prevention Program project is permitted per cycle

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

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 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 Texas Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing, research, and development efforts. The program supports projects addressing food safety, nutrition, plant health, and expanding access to these crops. By funding proposals that demonstrate measurable impacts on the specialty crop industry and the public, this initiative seeks to foster growth and adaptability in a challenging agricultural landscape.

The Rural Health Facility Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in Texas supports rural public and non-profit hospitals in enhancing their facilities. Funded by a $50 million endowment from the tobacco settlement, the program facilitates capital improvements, new constructions, and equipment purchases. Award amounts can reach up to $100,000, with applicants needing to contribute a minimum of 25% in matching funds. This initiative aims to improve healthcare services in underserved rural areas.

This grant aims to recruits outstanding mid-stage investigators to Texas, who have demonstrated the promise for continued and enhanced contributions to the field of cancer research.

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 Texas Rose Festival Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students from Smith County who are graduating seniors or current college students attending any Texas college. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring a completed FAFSA. Established to empower students in their educational pursuits, it reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic success and community development in East Texas.

The ALERRT Travel Assistance Grant (TX) aims to provide financial support to law enforcement agencies for covering travel expenses incurred while sending officers to Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training. Eligible costs include overtime for backfilling shifts, travel expenditures like mileage and registration fees, and training stipends for agencies hosting the training. Availability of funds is contingent upon appropriations, with an expected total of $2.9 million for this year.

The TX Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants, administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, provides funding to enhance outdoor recreational experiences across Texas. Since 1965, this program has supported communities in building parks, conserving resources, and developing trails. Grants cover up to 80% of project costs, with maximum awards of $300,000 for non-motorized and $500,000 for motorized projects. This initiative promotes environmental stewardship and fosters a connection to nature for all Texans.

The Lady Denise Sanders Robertson Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating African-American seniors and non-traditional students from Smith County, Texas. Eligible candidates can pursue majors in Theology, Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Health Sciences at any accredited college. The scholarship considers financial need, requiring FASFA documentation. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering students through education, helping them achieve their academic and career aspirations.

The Mary E. Massingill Honey Bear Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, honors a dedicated educator and supports graduating high school seniors from Honey Elementary with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship aims to foster a love of learning and prepare students for higher education, emphasizing the importance of skilled educators in the classroom. Annually, one deserving student will receive this award, ensuring a lasting impact on their educational journey.

The HRMC Scholarship Grant Program grants funds on a yearly basis to local institutions (Amarillo College, Clarendon College, Frank Phillips Community College, Texas Tech University – Amarillo campus, and West Texas A&M University). The funds are allocated to scholarships for area students and professionals pursuing health care related education.

The mission of the Harrington Regional Medical Campus (HRMC) is to promote quality of life in the Texas Panhandle through exceptional healthcare, education, and research. One way HRMC works to fulfill this mission is to award annual grants to entities located in the HRMC campus as well as to nonprofits throughout the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle with healthcare related programs and services that fit the HRMC mission. HRMC launched the HRMC Resident Grant Program, HRMC Scholarship Grant Program, and HRMC Community Health Grant Program in 2016. The intent of the grant programs is to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for residents of the top 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle.  

HRMC Resident Grant Program

The HRMC Resident Grant Program is for Medical Center campus resident nonprofit institutions and other facilities located at the Medical Center. Funds are allocated on a competitive grant basis for capital improvements and projects. Preference for funding will be given to Ronald McDonald House, Turn Center, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, Don Harrington Discovery Center, and Coffee Memorial Blood Center.