Best Grants for BIPOC in Texas

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

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 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 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Texas support eligible rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that jeopardize safe drinking water. Events qualifying as emergencies include droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. The grants can fund water transmission lines and new water sources, with funding up to $1,000,000. These efforts aim to restore access to clean water and enhance local environments, ultimately benefiting rural households and businesses.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

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

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 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.

2026-2028 Bluebonnet Learning Beacon Grant

The Bluebonnet Learning Beacons Grant Program identifies and elevates Texas school systems that demonstrate strong, sustained implementation of grades K–5 math or reading language arts (RLA) Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials, supported by effective instructional systems and structures within their school system.

Through this program, Bluebonnet Learning Beacons are supported to:

• Serve as learning hubs by establishing Bluebonnet Learning Labs that allow other Texas school systems to observe rigorous, grade-level instruction and the systems, routines, and practices that enable successful Bluebonnet Learning implementation.
• Engage in a statewide community of practice, convening monthly with fellow Bluebonnet Learning Beacon school systems to strengthen implementation, share best practices, and collaboratively address challenges using a solutions-oriented approach.
• Amplify effective practice through the development of collateral - such as site visits, case studies, and classroom videos or teacher interviews—that highlight implementation bright spots, build momentum for Bluebonnet Learning use, and showcase student engagement in Bluebonnet Learning classrooms.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

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 Texas Methodist Foundation Grant supports innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the quality of life for communities in Texas and New Mexico. Emphasizing faith-based social impact, the grant prioritizes organizations that empower those in poverty through strategic partnerships and measurable outcomes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that align with the foundation's mission. This grant cycle offers both competitive and invitation-based funding opportunities aimed at fostering hope, health, and belonging.

Houston Methodist

Our Mission: To provide high quality, cost-effective health care that delivers the best value to the people we serve in a spiritual environment of caring in association with internationally recognized teaching and research.

Nonmedical Drivers of Health Grant 

Through the Nonmedical Drivers of Health Grant, nonprofit organizations can apply for support focused on one of two grant priority pillars: Healthy Neighborhoods or Education & Economic Empowerment. This funding is programmatic support for services provided to the Greater Houston area. Applicants must clearly describe how the funding will impact the community and must be able to track unique individuals served and program outcomes. 

Healthy Neighborhoods Grants

Houston Methodist defines healthy neighborhoods grants as initiatives designed to address the most urgent nonmedical drivers of health within our communities. These drivers of health are identified through the Houston Methodist Community Health Needs Assessment as the areas that are creating barriers to positive health outcomes, but also have significant resource gaps within the greater Houston community. They include food insecurity and access to healthy food, utilities, housing, social connectivity, and transportation.

Qualifying Program Activities

• Program addressing food insecurity
• Programs providing access to healthy foods
• Transportation services
• Utility assistance
• Housing programs including long term/short term housing and shelter
• Rental assistance
• Home repair programs
• Programs addressing social connectivity and social isolation
• Case management to support any of the above nonmedical drivers

The AFS Short Films Grant, established by the Austin Film Society, supports Texas filmmakers with up to $10,000 for production or post-production of short films under 40 minutes. Since 1996, over $2.8 million has been awarded to more than 550 artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. This grant fosters creativity and accessibility in filmmaking, ensuring talented Texas artists have the necessary resources to thrive in their home state.

The Henry Jackson Crook Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by Communities Foundation of Texas, provides financial support up to $5,000 annually for students attending the Episcopal School of Dallas. This scholarship aims to assist incoming freshmen through seniors who maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA and are citizens or legal residents. Established in 1953, the foundation is committed to fostering educational access and community growth.

The Harris-Lee Ranch Scholarship, provided by Communities Foundation of Texas, offers a one-year $5,000 award to a graduating senior from Throckmorton High School in Texas. This scholarship supports students pursuing a degree at an accredited college, university, or trade school. Selection is based on academic achievement, community involvement, leadership potential, and financial need, aiming to empower students to achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to their communities.

The Dallas Athletic Club Scholarship Fund, established by the Communities Foundation of Texas, offers one-year scholarships up to $15,000 for DAC employees and their immediate family members. These funds can be utilized for tuition, books, and housing at accredited colleges, universities, or vocational schools across the U.S. Selection is based on academic achievement and community involvement, ensuring that deserving students have access to quality education and opportunities to thrive.

The 2025-2026 SP Supports 3 program by the Texas Education Agency aims to empower families of emergent bilingual (EB) students through effective engagement activities. The initiative focuses on providing educators and families with training and resources to enhance collaboration in instructional decisions. By leveraging statewide in-person and virtual training, the program seeks to strengthen school systems' internal practices for engaging families, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for EB students.

The C.C. "Bus" and Freda Dugger Endowed Scholarship Fund, managed by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports Texas Panhandle students attending West Texas A&M University. Eligible applicants must be sophomore college students from the top 26 counties in the region with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship promotes educational success and community development, ensuring that deserving students can pursue their academic goals while contributing to the quality of life in the Texas Panhandle.

The TCA Texas Arts Respond Performance Support grant aims to enhance Texas's creative economy by investing in arts activities. It provides funding for Texas-based artists and organizations to present performances and workshops in local communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and government units. The grant supports artistic fees for approved companies from the Texas Touring Roster, ensuring that all Texans can enjoy diverse artistic experiences. Applications must be submitted quarterly before the performance date.

The Ed and Judy Grabber Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the Texas Panhandle's top 26 counties who are pursuing degrees in Agriculture or Education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and maintain a 2.5 GPA during college. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities in the region and foster future leaders in crucial fields.

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.

2026-2027 Special Education Specialized Support (SESS)

Program Description

The purpose of this program is to support the dissemination and implementation of state-level technical assistance, professional development, and project support (e.g., pass-through funds) in the following areas of special education: services to students, ages birth through 21 years of age, who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), deafblind (DB), blind and visually impaired (BVI), as well as students receiving compensatory services and related services resulting from the closure of a charter school. A robust ecosystem of resources and trainings in these areas was developed from 2019-2024; this grant will support the targeted implementation of these resources and trainings to scale their usage across the state. The audience for the technical assistance and professional development provided through this grant primarily includes school system administrators, educators, and support staff with the ultimate goal of improving special educator practice and outcomes for students with disabilities. TEA and the grantee will be supported in their endeavors with the help of ESC staff from all 20 regions in Texas.

The Lloyd P. and Kathryn M. Hayes Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating seniors from select Amarillo high schools who rank in the top 15% of their class. Recipients can pursue any field of study at their chosen institution, provided they maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for deserving students in the Texas Panhandle, contributing to their academic and personal growth.

The West Texas Paralegal Association Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to support students pursuing an associate's degree in Paralegal Studies at South Plains College. This scholarship is available to legal residents from specific counties who are enrolled in at least 6 credit hours in the program. The foundation awards over 100 scholarships annually, fostering educational opportunities and community development.

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.

Rural Nursing Recruitment & Retention Program (RNRR) (TX)

The Rural Nursing Recruitment & Retention Program (RNRR) supports qualified rural health care facilities. The RNRR Program aims to provide eligible rural Texas healthcare facilities with funds to incentivize nurses to work, or continue to work, in their facility by providing a stipend assistance program.

An awarded facility shall provide stipend assistance to a selected nurse who is currently employed, or will be employed, by the facility and who agrees to work full-time for a minimum of 36 consecutive months.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.