Best Grants for BIPOC in Texas

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. 

Center for Strategic Compensation

Program Description

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.

Texas Military-Connected Student Support and Capacity Grant

The purpose of this grant is to expand and enhance statewide capacity, infrastructure, and coordinated support systems to meet the unique academic, social-emotional, and transitional needs of military-connected students and their families in Texas. 

Program Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to expand and enhance statewide capacity, infrastructure, and coordinated support systems to meet the unique academic, social-emotional, and transitional needs of militaryconnected students and their families in Texas. This initiative will empower the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and School Systems (e.g., districts and open enrollment charter schools) by providing high-quality professional development, evidence-based training, and comprehensive resources and tools designed to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for nearly 230,000 military-connected students enrolled in Texas public schools.

Goals

The overarching goal of this grant is to strengthen Texas’ statewide framework for supporting military connected students by building sustainable systems and resources that enable School Systems to deliver responsive, high-quality services. Specifically, the grant aims to:

• Expand TEA’s capacity and infrastructure to lead and coordinate statewide efforts addressing the needs of military-connected students.
• Equip School Systems with specialized training, tools, and resources to effectively identify, support, and engage military-connected students and families.
• Foster collaboration and alignment across Education Service Centers (ESCs), TEA, and military community partners to ensure consistent, high-impact practices statewide.
• Advance Purple Star Campus program enhancements to recognize and scale exemplary practices that support military-connected students.

The John S. Stiff Governmental Services Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports City of Amarillo employees pursuing a college degree in municipal government. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and complete the Foundation's General Scholarship Application. This scholarship aims to enhance career advancement opportunities within local government, thereby contributing to the overall quality of life in the Texas Panhandle.

The Waco Foundation offers Program/Operating Support Grants aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving McLennan County, Texas. These grants support initiatives that address root causes of community challenges, focusing on equitable outcomes and enhancing local nonprofits' impact. Established in 1958, the foundation manages over $100 million in charitable assets and prioritizes projects that foster collaboration, improve quality of life, and support vulnerable populations. Interested organizations must submit a Letter of Inquiry to initiate the application 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

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 Anna W. & Alexander P. Thornton Charitable Trust Grant prioritizes support for charities in Tarrant County, Texas, focusing on children's and women's services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, as recognized by the IRS. Direct applications from individuals are not permitted. This grant offers a valuable opportunity for local organizations to secure funding for impactful community initiatives, ensuring essential services are available to those in need.

The TIA Conference Management, sponsored by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance teacher designation systems and strategic compensation practices across Texas school systems. Open to 1,000 leaders and ESC TIA Leads, the conference will provide essential resources and best practices to improve teacher retention and increase TIA designations. This initiative supports educational equity and excellence by fostering collaboration among local educational agencies.

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.

2026-2027 SSI Community Partnerships C4 TA Continuation

Program Description

The awarded Education Service Centers (ESCs) will provide coordinated technical assistance to bolster the school systems’ ability to continue educationally sound strategies tailored to the individual needs of each community yielding improved academic achievement of participating campuses and their students. The awarded ESCs will create and build upon existing resources, systems, and materials aligned with the Community Partnerships framework, ensuring the school systems’ successful implementation of the SSI/Community Partnerships grant. The ESC will continue project management practices that monitor the plan to ensure it is on track, and the targeted population of students is impacted.

The L. Ray Vahue Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports City of Amarillo employees and their families. This scholarship allows recipients to apply annually, ensuring continued educational support. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of the Texas Panhandle by addressing educational needs. Eligible applicants must complete the foundation's General Scholarship Application and maintain enrollment requirements, fostering academic success within the community.

Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Program Tracker

The grant provides a consistent online program for all ESCs to use for recording action steps and coaching of LEAs and seeks to gain program management and Drupal development assistance to provide continued support.  

The Heather Hinkle Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports college students from the Texas Panhandle who have faced significant health challenges. Eligible applicants must have completed a quarter of their degree, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have received a cancer diagnosis before turning 18. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing further education in the medical field, fostering resilience and academic success in the community.

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. 

Intervention Best Practices (TIER)

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to provide a comprehensive and coherent plan for evidence-based intervention practices across the state. The goal is to increase school system capacity to develop and implement an effective, integrated, comprehensive framework for intervention that both is grounded in differentiated instruction and aligns the systems that are fundamental for all students’ academic, behavioral, and social achievement.

The RFA- SHSP and UASI grant program by the State of Texas Office of the Governor aims to bolster state and local initiatives for preventing terrorism and enhancing public safety. It focuses on funding projects that address critical preparedness gaps, improve response capabilities, and ensure community resilience against threats. With a minimum funding level of $10,000, the program supports comprehensive efforts to protect citizens and infrastructure, ultimately fostering a secure environment for all Texans.

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. 

SP Supports 2: Effective Program Model Implementation

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to provide school systems with supplemental supports that include professional development and technical assistance on TEA-developed program implementation resources and researched based guidance.

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.

Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant

Program Description

The Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant is to provide services, resources, and professional development to CTE programs across the state to address the promotion and understanding of non-traditional fields and employment activities for students (as defined by Perkins V) as written into the Perkins V State Plan.

The Association of Information Technology Professionals Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports residents of the Texas Panhandle who intend to pursue studies in Computer Information Systems or Computer Science at West Texas A&M University or Amarillo College. Applicants must complete a general scholarship application and meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring they are enrolled full-time and maintain a minimum GPA. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and improve community outcomes.

The Katherine C. Carmody Charitable Trust, established in 1957, supports 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Texas, focusing on education, human services, and religion-related programs. Grants are primarily awarded to organizations in Navarro County and the Dallas area. Organizations must wait two years after receiving a grant before reapplying. This trust has contributed millions to various Texas charities, reflecting Ms. Carmody's commitment to her community and charitable causes.

The ESC Perkins Statewide Initiative Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the capacity of Education Service Centers (ESCs) through approved training on federal grant compliance. This initiative will support ESC staff in conducting comprehensive local needs assessments and implementing technical assistance for local educational agencies (LEAs) in various regulatory areas. The program is set to play a key role in the planning of a joint program conference in Fall 2026, with potential for continued funding in subsequent years.

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. 

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. 

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has been serving the people of Texas for more than a century. Since 1909, when the state founded the agency, we have been supporting the reading, learning, and historical preservation needs of Texas and its people. 

Going back to the days of the Republic, there has always been an official library and archives of Texas. While fulfilling our unique and longstanding place serving Texas government, the State Library and Archives Commission mission is also to ensure that citizens have information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives.

Texas Reads Grant

Goals and Purposes

This grant program funds public library programs to promote reading and literacy within local communities. Programs may be targeted to the entire community or to a segment of the community.

Programs focusing on community engagement or involving collaboration with other community organizations are strongly encouraged. The agency may designate specific funding priorities for each grant cycle in response to identified needs. If this occurs, staff will provide details of funding priorities and scoring implications to applicants and to the peer review panel.

These programs must meet the following LSTA goal as identified in the 2023-2027 LSTA 5-Year Plan

Focuses

Programs can be focused on the following reader groups, (examples provided are from past TSLAC Texas Reads subrecipients):

• Youth – Día (El Día de los niños/El día de los libros); Born-to-Read or Every Child Ready to Read
• Teen – Fall in Love with Reading, Teen Book Club
• Adult – ESL Expansion Program, Memory Care Storytimes
• Community – StoryWalk®, Growing with our Community, Literacy 4 All

The purpose is not for collection development, or other activities primarily focused on the acquisition of library materials or resources.

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 State Gifted and Talented Grant

Program Description

The ESC State Gifted and Talented Grant program is designed to provide ESC support for basic services to school systems in developing and implementing local gifted and talented (G/T) education programs.

The AAF Discretionary Grant, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, aims to enrich lives by supporting nonprofit organizations since 1957. Grants are awarded 3-4 times a year, focusing on strategic areas such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving the northernmost 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. The Foundation encourages potential applicants to consult with their Grants Program Officer before submitting proposals.

The T-TESS Pilot Districts Support Grant, initiated by the Texas Education Agency, aims to assist school districts in implementing the updated Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). By providing essential training and resources, this grant seeks to enhance teacher effectiveness, align with educational priorities, and foster sustainable growth within school systems. The program focuses on delivering fair and credible recognition of teaching excellence, ultimately benefiting the educational landscape across Texas.

2026-2027 Center for Effective Schools

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to support the implementation of the Effective Schools Framework (ESF) and Effective District Framework (EDF) by campuses and school systems throughout the state.

RFA: Program Guidelines

2026-2027 Center for Effective Schools

The purpose of this project is to support the implementation of the Effective Schools Framework (ESF) and Effective District Framework (EDF) by campuses and school systems throughout the state. Support will include the development and implementation of training, tools, resources, and platforms to support the implementation of the ESF and EDF. This project will also provide support to lowperforming schools by providing resources and support for continuous improvement efforts to reduce the number of low-performing campuses in the state. This project will include logistics and operations for training, events, and School Improvement and District Strategic leadership touchpoints.

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 Academic Decathlon Grant

Program Description

The purpose of the Academic Decathlon grant is to provide financial support to the Texas Academic Decathlon Association in its efforts to sponsor and lead the Texas Academic Decathlon program. Through the Academic Decathlon program, students who are mentored by Academic Decathlon coaches take part in individual and team competitions designed to promote problem-solving strategies, research skills, critical and analytical thinking skills, communication skills, and teamwork skills. State and regional coordinators organize competitions that begin at the local level with the opportunity for winners to move on to compete at regional and national levels.

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 Title IV, Part A, ESC Capacity Building State Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of the Title IV, Part A, ESC Capacity Building State Initiative (CBSI) grant is to create and provide training, resources, guidance, and build capacity under the Title IV, Part A, program’s three content areas: well-rounded education, safe and healthy students, and the effective use of technology for 20 Education Service Centers (ESCs) and school systems statewide.

State Homeland Security Program – Regular Projects (SHSP-R)

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. The Office of the Governor (OOG), Public Safety Office (PSO) provides funding to implement investments that build, sustain, and deliver the 32 core capabilities essential to achieving a secure and resilient state.

This funding supports state, tribal and local preparedness activities that address high-priority preparedness gaps across all core capabilities where a nexus to terrorism exists. All investments must be consistent with capability targets set during the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) process, and gaps identified in the Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR).

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

• Prevent a threatened or actual act of terrorism;
• Protect its citizens, residents, visitors, and assets against the greatest threats and hazards;
• Mitigate the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of future catastrophic events;
• Respond quickly to save lives, protect property and the environment, and meet basic human needs in the aftermath of a catastrophic incident; and/or
• Recover through a focus on the timely restoration, strengthening, accessibility and revitalization of infrastructure, housing, and a sustainable economy, as well as the health, social, cultural, historic, and environmental fabric of communities affected by a catastrophic incident.

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 projects must assist grantees in achieving target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism.

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-LETPA solicitation.

Match Requirement: None