Best Grants for BIPOC in Texas

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The Joe & Jessie Crump Foundation offers a grant focused on medical research in the field of cancer. This funding is exclusively available to charitable organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) entities under IRS regulations. Applications from individuals are not accepted. The foundation aims to support innovative research that can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and care, thereby contributing to the broader health and medical research landscape.

Southern SARE offers Graduate Student Grants to support Master’s and PhD students engaged in sustainable agriculture research. This initiative encourages impactful research across various topics, including production, marketing, and social sciences. By providing funding opportunities, Southern SARE aims to foster the next generation of researchers committed to advancing sustainable agricultural practices throughout the Southern region.

The Joe & Jess Crump Foundation provides support to charitable organizations that assist children with disabilities. This private foundation prioritizes funding for nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Program areas include Human and Social Services as well as Health and Medical Research. However, individuals are not eligible to apply for grants, ensuring that funds are directed solely towards established nonprofit entities.

The Andrews Family Foundation offers Board Grants to public, non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Focused on enhancing communities through education, humanitarian work, and the arts, the foundation aims to foster individual growth. Established in 1993 in Chicago, it continues a legacy of community commitment. Grant proposals are reviewed quarterly, with final awards decided by the Board. Eligible organizations must have a budget between $1M and $4M and provide opportunities for board member involvement.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

Mission and Vision

The Mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life in the Coastal Bend by building community endowment and addressing social, educational, environmental, and cultural needs through the awarding of grants and scholarships.

The Foundation’s Vision is to provide the Coastal Bend with:

• Efficient gift options to meet donors’ charitable wishes
• Effective grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to students
• Ethical leadership to promote and enhance area philanthropy

Scholarships

The CBCF scholarship is open each year. Scholarships awarded will be for the following academic year. Scholarships are available only to students who graduated from a high school in one of the counties in the CBCF Service Area: Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio. Thanks to our generous donors, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) offers scholarships to students from over 100 funds. 

Leming-Brower Endowment Scholarship

This scholarship is exclusively available to high school graduates from our Coastal Bend seven-county service area (Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio) who plan to enroll or are enrolled in a Texas public university or college pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education, with a concentration or certification in special education, leading to a career as a Special Education Teacher. Applicants must have a 3.5 high school GPA (unweighted).

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust supports charitable organizations in the arts and social services, with a focus on those operating in Tarrant County. Established by Crystelle Waggoner, the trust provides grants ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. Eligible organizations must have been in existence since before January 24, 1982, and must wait one grant cycle before reapplying for funding. The trust aims to continue Waggoner's legacy of supporting the community.

The Perry Dean and Alice Graham Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, with a special focus on Navarro County. Established in 1987, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through grants in Arts, Culture, Education, and Human Services. Organizations must have operating budgets under $20 million to qualify for funding, ensuring that support reaches smaller, impactful entities dedicated to charitable purposes.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The Facts on Fire Pilot Grant, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance mathematics fact fluency for students in Farmersville ISD and Castleberry ISD. This initiative focuses on providing stipends and materials to implement evidence-based programs designed to improve numeracy and computational skills. By supplementing core mathematics instruction with targeted, short duration tasks, the grant seeks to elevate student performance and engagement in mathematics.

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 Effective Advising Framework Implementation Year 1

Program Description

The Effective Advising Framework (EAF) supports the development and implementation of an individual student planning system within the context of a comprehensive school counseling program. The EAF also aims to foster innovation and promotion of promising and proven career and technical education (CTE) programs, which may include nontraditional fields. This includes the development, implementation, and adoption of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers and industries.

This grant project supports school districts who successfully completed all the requirements of the EAF planning process through the 2025-2026 Effective Advising Planning Grant. Districts will be supported by an Effective Advising Framework Coach (EAF Coach) at the ESC who will monitor, support, and coach the district through effective advising implementation aligned to the essential actions and key practices of the Effective Advising Framework. The intended outcome of this program is to improve the district’s individual student planning system and to measure the impact of individual student planning when implemented with fidelity.  

The 2025-2026 Teach for America grant aims to enhance the quality of education in Texas by funding proven models to recruit and retain effective teachers, particularly in high-need areas like the Rio Grande Valley and major metropolitan regions. The initiative targets increased employment of TFA teachers, emphasizing training in Bilingual/ESL, science, and math. By 2026, the goal is to have at least 2,100 TFA educators in classrooms serving economically disadvantaged students, ultimately improving student achievement.

LiveOak Scholars Fund

Attending a 4-year University in Texas to pursue a degree in business, engineering or computer sciences

Awards

• (7) New: $7,000
• Up to 5 returning
• Returning: Varies

The 2025-2026 Texas Strategic Compensation for ESCs Grant aims to enhance teacher and principal retention by promoting strategic compensation systems. This initiative will support Educational Service Centers in implementing effective compensation strategies aligned with the Teacher Incentive Allotment. The grant focuses on hiring Regional Assistant Superintendents of Talent to work directly with school systems, ensuring a shift from traditional pay structures to performance-based compensation models. The goal is to increase the talent pool and improve educational outcomes.

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.

Immediate HQIM and Instructional Systems Grant

Program Description

Immediate HQIM and Instructional Systems Grant is up to a three-year program designed to support Texas school systems in building the instructional and systems-level capacity needed to deliver high-quality learning experiences for all students. Recipients will use the grant to participate in the LIFT program. LIFT brings together the highest leverage components of Strong Foundations, Texas Instructional Leadership, and Texas Lesson Study, providing comprehensive support for districts to adopt HQIM and implement Bluebonnet Learning over multiple years.  

Criminal Justice Grant Program, FY2027

Purpose:

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications for projects that promote public safety, reduce crime, and improve the criminal justice system.

Available Funding:

Federal Funds are authorized under 34 U.S.C. §10152 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). JAG funds are made available through a Congressional appropriation to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated federal funds and any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.

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. 

Title I Parent and Family Engagement Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of this program is to provide support to School Systems and ESCs by providing access to best practice resources and strategies to improve student achievement.

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.

ESC Perkins Statewide Initiative Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of district wide classroom reviews to support district strategic planning and performance systems alignment in a variety of Agency initiatives, including the Effective District Frameworks Diagnostics, Effective Schools Frameworks Diagnostics, and HB-1605 Local Classroom Reviews.

The District Wide Classroom Reviews Grant will provide school systems with a review to determine the degree to which the materials submitted (1) corresponds with the instructional materials adopted by the school district or district campus; and (2) meets the level of rigor of the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002 for the grade level in which it is being used. The purpose of this project will be to provide logistics and operations support for all district wide classroom reviews and district wide diagnostics, including training and events, budget tracking and invoicing for completed district wide classroom reviews and working with designated vendors for additional supports and resources, including diagnostic platforms, as identified by TEA.

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 Statewide ESSA Title I, Part A, Capacity Building Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of the Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative is to work cooperatively with the Federal Program Compliance Division and Department of Grant Compliance and Administration to develop and provide resources to ESCs and LEAs statewide to assist in implementing Title I, Part A; Title I, Part D; and Title I Private Nonprofit School (PNP) Equitable Services programs to increase the opportunity for all students in meeting the State’s content, student performance standards, and grant fiscal rules, regulations, and requirements.

The 2025-2026 Charter School Program Technical Assistance Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the performance of Texas charter schools. This grant provides essential support and technical assistance to charter operators, ensuring they can successfully launch and sustain quality charter schools. By focusing on academic, financial, and organizational success, the program seeks to improve educational outcomes for students across Texas.

The 2026-2027 ESC Fellows - Texas Mentorship Training Grant, provided by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance mentorship programs for pre- and early-service teachers. This grant allows Education Service Centers to fund mentorship fellow positions which will undergo comprehensive training to effectively deliver the Texas Mentorship Training. This initiative supports sustainable educational practices and ensures quality mentorship, ultimately improving outcomes for school systems in Texas.

State Homeland Security Program – LETPA Projects (SHSP-L)

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications for projects that support state and local efforts to prevent terrorism and targeted violence and prepare for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to the security of Texas citizens. PSO provides funding to implement investments that build, sustain, and deliver the 32 core capabilities essential to achieving a secure and resilient state.

Per Congressional mandate (911 Act), at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the combined Homeland Security Grant Program funding must be used for Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA). FEMA has increased this requirement to 35%. This solicitation supports state, tribal and local preparedness activities that continue to build law enforcement capabilities to prevent terrorist attacks and provide law enforcement and public safety communities with funds to support critical prevention and protection activities. All LETPA investments must be consistent with capability targets set during the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) process, and gaps identified in the State Preparedness Report (SPR).

The State Homeland Security Program-LEPTA (SHSP-L) is intended to support investments that improve the ability of jurisdictions to:

• Prevent a threatened or actual act of terrorism; and/or
• Protect its citizens, residents, visitors, and assets against the greatest threats and hazards;

Prevention is defined as the capabilities necessary to avoid, prevent, or stop a threatened or actual act of terrorism.

Many activities which support the achievement of target capabilities related to terrorism preparedness may simultaneously support enhanced preparedness for other hazards unrelated to acts of terrorism. However, all SHSP-LEPTA projects must assist grantees in achieving target capabilities related to preventing or thwarting an initial or follow-on terrorist attack.

Funding Levels

Minimum: $10,000

Maximum: None. However, PSO uses a risk-based formula to determine regional allocations. Local agencies should contact their regional COG for amounts historically available to the region and any maximum established by their COG. Additionally, PSO expects to make available approximately $1.5 – $2 million to state agencies in support of 10 - 15 projects under this solicitation and the SHSP-Regular solicitation.

Match Requirement: None

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.