Best Grants for BIPOC in Texas

The Chris Marshall Endowed Presidential Scholarship, established by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, supports outstanding third-year law students committed to public service in Texas. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 3.44 or higher and demonstrate a strong intent to work in nonprofit, government, or legislative positions post-graduation. This scholarship not only aids students financially but also fosters a commitment to increasing access to justice through public interest lawyering.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Equal Justice Scholarship, offered by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, fully funds tuition and fees for three years and provides summer stipends for public interest work. Awarded to students with strong academic records and a commitment to public service, recipients engage with the Justice Center and serve as ambassadors for public interest law. This scholarship supports legal professionals dedicated to assisting low-income individuals and communities, fostering a vibrant community at Texas Law.

The G. Rollie White Public Service Scholarship, established by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, offers full tuition coverage for three years alongside summer stipends for public interest work. It aims to support students with strong academic backgrounds and a commitment to public service, preparing them for careers in legal aid for underserved communities. Scholars are expected to engage actively in the Justice Center's initiatives and serve as ambassadors for public interest law.

The Julius Glickman Fellowship in Public Interest Law, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, aims to enhance access to justice by funding an exceptional Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a public interest organization. This one-year, full-time fellowship is designed to empower new attorneys to provide vital legal services to underrepresented individuals or groups, focusing on civil legal services, and fostering a commitment to public interest lawyering.

The Mike A. Myers Fellowship in Public Interest Law, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, aims to enhance access to justice for underserved communities. This one-year fellowship funds a Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a nonprofit focusing on legal services for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Preference is given to candidates proposing to work with Texas Advocacy Project. The fellowship emphasizes collaboration with host organizations to ensure effective project supervision.

The Pangburn Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, educational, or scientific organizations in Texas. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. For more information about the application process, please visit the foundation's finder link provided by JPMorgan.

The Texas Law Postgraduate Public Interest Fellowships, established by the William Wayne Justice Center in 2023, support graduating students to engage in public interest legal work for 12 months post-graduation. This program aims to empower students committed to serving underrepresented communities through legal services. Up to two fellowships will be awarded for full-time positions with public interest organizations starting in Spring 2026, fostering hands-on legal experience and enhancing access to justice.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Charlye Farris Scholarship Endowment

The Charlye Farris Scholarship was established as an endowment fund by the Wichita County Bar Association in 2001 to honor the life and accomplishments of Wichita Falls native, Charlye O. Farris. Charlye was valedictorian of the Booker T. Washington class of 1945 at age 15. She graduated from Prairie View A&M College at 18, and graduated from Howard University with a law degree in 1953. That same year, Charlye returned to Texas to pass the bar exam and become the first Black, female lawyer in Texas. She prevailed during the time of segregation, with odds against her, and achieved professional excellence as a practicing attorney in Wichita Falls for over 50 years, with peers citing her work ethic, courage, and principles as a model for all. The one-time $1,000 scholarship hosted by WFACF is for current college students who graduated from Wichita County high schools, attending or applying to any law school in Texas. 

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Clyde Fillmore Scholarship Endowment

The Clyde Fillmore Scholarship was setup by the Wichita County Bar Association in 1998 at the Texas Bar Foundation, and moved to WFACF in 2012. It was established as tribute to an exceptional attorney and man, Clyde Fillmore. A World War II veteran and former POW in Burma and Thailand, Clyde had a deep appreciation for freedom and justice. After surviving torturous work during the war, Clyde was able to return home to Wichita Falls, his family, and his profession. He was elected as District Attorney, and later went into private practice to become an outstanding civil trial lawyer. Clyde practiced law for more than 70 years. The one-time $1,000 scholarship in his honor is open to current college students who graduated from a Wichita County high school, attending or applying to any law school in Texas. 

The Southern Equality Research Grant, offered by the Campaign for Southern Equality, aims to empower students and early career researchers to conduct crucial studies on LGBTQ+ issues in the South. With over a third of LGBTQ+ Americans residing in this region, there is a significant need for research to address legal protections and social inequities. This initiative seeks to elevate the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ Southerners, fostering a deeper understanding of the policies affecting their lives.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

The Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance STEM education for students in kindergarten through grade 8. This initiative provides mobile laboratories that can be reserved by school districts for a week, delivering engaging, pre-approved STEM activities across Texas. By facilitating hands-on learning experiences, the program supports the integration of engineering design processes and technology, ultimately improving educational outcomes for students statewide.

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.

Humanities Texas

Program Description

The 89th Texas Legislature funds the Humanities Texas Teacher Institute Program to provide training and support to teachers in their first or second year of service in geographic areas with low student achievement on state assessments.

The William & Catherine Bryce Memorial Fund Grant supports charitable, benevolent, religious, or educational institutions, preferably located in Fort Worth, Texas. This grant aims to enhance the community through various initiatives that align with its mission. Interested applicants should refer to the foundation finder for detailed information about the application process and eligibility requirements. This funding opportunity encourages local organizations to apply and contribute positively to their community.

The TWDB Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program supports projects that enhance irrigation efficiency and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Texas. Eligible projects include irrigation monitoring, rainwater harvesting, and innovative technologies. Funding aims to improve water conservation strategies, engage agricultural producers through outreach, and demonstrate measurable water savings. This initiative aligns with Texas' water management goals, fostering resilience to climate variability and encouraging the adoption of advanced water-saving practices.

The ASHRAE Houston Chapter RO Hunton Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate mechanical engineering students at post-secondary institutions in Houston. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class. The scholarship prioritizes those from institutions with recognized ASHRAE student branches or accredited programs. Re-applications are welcome from former applicants who meet current criteria, ensuring continued support for future engineers in the HVAC&R profession.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Texas provide essential funding to qualified organizations for local self-help housing projects. This initiative supports very-low- and low-income families in constructing their own homes, fostering community collaboration. Eligible organizations include government non-profits and federally recognized tribes, while funds cannot be used for direct construction labor or purchasing property. This program plays a vital role in enhancing housing options in rural areas.

The Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award supports ecological research in the Great Plains and Canada Prairie Provinces, focusing on native mammals, especially rodents and shrews. Offered by the American Society of Mammalogists, this annual $2,500 award is available to graduate students (master's or Ph.D.) from any nationality. Applications are open to those enrolled in relevant programs, promoting vital research in these unique ecosystems.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, initiated by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges to foster green environments by recognizing their commitment to tree care and community forestry. By adhering to five standards, campuses can enhance energy efficiency, combat climate change, and promote mental health among students. Participation not only beautifies campuses but also instills pride in students and staff, making the college experience more enriching and sustainable.

The T-TESS Appraisal Hub Support project, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) from 2025 to 2027. This initiative will align the evaluation framework with current educational priorities and address the evolving needs of educators throughout Texas, ensuring that the appraisal process is relevant and effective in improving teaching outcomes.

The Sid W. Richardson Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing educational and health initiatives for nonprofit organizations in Texas. Established in 1947, the foundation supports programs that align with its mission to serve the people of Texas. Eligibility is restricted to tax-exempt organizations, and applicants must submit a preliminary inquiry before applying. Notably, the foundation does not fund individual projects or events such as school trips and fundraisers.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The Center for Effective Districts, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance public education by providing technical assistance to district leaders and education service centers. This initiative supports the implementation of the Texas Strategic Leadership program, embedding the Effective District Framework in district planning and performance management. The goal is to improve educational outcomes for all students in Texas by fostering effective district-level strategies and collaboration.

The EDA Austin FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to bolster regional economic development by providing grants that assist eligible organizations in creating and implementing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). This initiative seeks to enhance the economic prosperity and resiliency of distressed areas, ultimately fostering job creation for the unemployed and underemployed. It emphasizes partnership planning and supports organizations, including Indian Tribes, in driving effective economic development.

The Tocker Foundation, established in 1964, focuses on supporting small, rural Texas libraries with populations under 12,000. Their Newspaper Digitization Grant aims to preserve local historical documents, ensuring that communities retain their heritage. A notable success was the partnership with the Ed and Hazel Richmond Public Library, which digitized old newspapers at risk of being lost due to flooding. Applications for the grant are accepted year-round, reflecting the foundation's commitment to accessible historical preservation.