Best Grants for BIPOC in Texas

The Welch Foundation Research Grant supports fundamental chemical research at Texas educational institutions. With a minimum funding of $117,000 per year for three years, it encourages innovative research proposals from full-time faculty members. Eligible applicants include universities and colleges listed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. However, Welch endowed chair holders and projects with scientific overlap with current funding are ineligible. This grant fosters advancements in chemistry, enhancing the state's academic landscape.

The Steven Weinberg Research Award, presented by the Texas Section of the American Physical Society, recognizes outstanding research in physics by graduate students. Nominees must have presented their research at a Texas APS meeting within the last two years. The award includes a plaque and $1000, emphasizing excellence and potential impact in the scientific community. Nominations can be made by advisors or qualified nominators, and the recipient is typically required to attend the award presentation at the Fall meeting.

The Tocker Foundation supports rural public libraries in Texas through its Library Automation Grant. Established in the 1960s, the Foundation addresses the resource scarcity in communities with populations of 12,000 or less. Grants cover the costs of software subscriptions, data migration, and training for automated library systems, helping libraries modernize their operations and integrate these expenses into their budgets over five years.

2026-2028 System of Great Schools: Advisor Pool Management

Program Description

TEA’s Division of System Support builds the capacity of districts to plan and execute school actions to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality fit school. One way the division builds the capacity of districts and leaders is through the System of Great Schools (SGS) network. The SGS strategy is a district-wide innovation and problem-solving approach that seeks to:

1) empower educators to design and lead high-quality schools;

2) empower families with high-quality options and informed choices; and

3) focus central office on high-leverage oversight, innovation, and support activities. 

About the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium

Empowering Arkansas in Aerospace: ASGC's Vision and Mission

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is a pivotal part of a nationwide network funded by NASA to enhance America's aerospace science and technology capabilities. ASGC partners with 17 four-year universities and colleges across Arkansas, dedicated to advancing space science education, research, and public outreach. Through scholarships, research grants, and educational programs, ASGC supports students and faculty in STEM fields, aligning with NASA's mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. This commitment underscores ASGC's role in fostering a culture of innovation and discovery within Arkansas and beyond.

Current Student Opportunities

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is excited to offer scholarships and awards to students attending affiliated colleges and universities across the state. These opportunities aim to support students’ academic and research endeavors in STEM fields, while recognizing their achievements.

Workforce Development Award

May 15, 2026 – August 14, 2027

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC), a participant in the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (NSGCFP), invites applications for the NASA Space Grant Workforce Development Award. This award offers internships at NASA Centers or aerospace-related industries, aimed at encouraging students to prepare for careers in professional aerospace fields.

The TCA Texas Arts Create 1 Grant, offered by the Texas Commission on the Arts, supports established arts organizations and college arts institutions with budgets between $50,000 and $1 million. This multi-year grant aims to enhance the creative economy of Texas by providing operational support up to 25% of the last completed year's cash operating budget. Organizations must meet specific eligibility criteria, including nonprofit status and compliance with federal regulations.

 Virtual and Hybrid Program Accelerator ESC Grant

The Virtual and Hybrid Program Accelerator (VHPA) enables school districts and open-enrollment school systems to design and launch high-quality virtual and hybrid programs or campuses, as defined under Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 30B.

The Virtual and Hybrid Program Accelerator (VHPA) enables school districts and open-enrollment school systems to design and launch high-quality virtual and hybrid programs or campuses, as defined under Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 30B. The goal of the program is to establish schools that are intentionally structured to achieve A or B accountability ratings and deliver rigorous, engaging instruction tailored to meet the diverse needs of students across Texas. Through VHPA, school systems will receive funding and technical assistance (TA) to develop flexible, personalized learning models that support students requiring adaptable education pathways. The program also enables school systems to implement innovative staffing strategies, expand course offerings, and increase access to high-quality instruction statewide. VHPA is a two-year program. By the end of the first year, participating school districts and open-enrollment school systems must either launch a full-time virtual or hybrid program or apply for authorization to operate a full-time virtual or hybrid campus that will operate in the 2027– 2028 school year. School systems that meet all engagement and activity requirements in Year 1, may use this participation to satisfy the planning year requirement for virtual and hybrid campuses outlined in Senate Bill 569. 

Grant activities include providing technical assistance to refine high-quality virtual or hybrid learning experiences that equip students for college, career, or the military. Support includes establishing highly effective virtual and hybrid classes, aligning staffing models with professional development for virtual teaching/learning, and enabling strong decision-making on technology and operations systems (e.g., learning management system, attendance). School systems in the program will also use iterative practices to analyze data to ensure that all students can access high-quality, grade-level instruction and engage in cohort-style workshops to learn about best practices from school systems across Texas.

The Texas Academy of Science offers the Annual Student Research Award Competition, providing financial support to students in three categories: PhD, M.S., and B.S./B.A. Awards are $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third. Eligibility includes membership in the Texas Academy and conducting independent research projects in math, science, or science education. Out-of-state students conducting research in Texas are also eligible. Literature reviews are not accepted.

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.

State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant

Program Description

The purpose of the State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant is to provide high-quality facilities support to Texas charter schools and support State Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG) grantees. The grant activities include providing technical assistance for charter school leaders on smart decision-making related to facilities and growth. This support aims to increase expertise in facilities planning, financing and operations. Grant activities also include supporting SFIG grantees through monitoring and evaluation to ensure awarded SFIG funds are appropriately stewarded. 

The Texas Arts Create 3 Grant, offered by the Texas Commission on the Arts, aims to bolster Texas's creative economy by supporting established arts organizations with budgets between $1 million and $5 million. This program provides multi-year operational support, allowing organizations to request funding of up to 25% of their last completed year's cash operating budget. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofits or government entities incorporated in Texas.

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) offers the TCA Texas Arts Creates 5 Grant to advance Texas's creative economy. This grant supports Government Local Arts Agencies and Local Arts Agencies with operational funding up to 25% of the previous year's cash operating budget. New organizations can apply only in odd-numbered years. The grant aims to foster a vibrant arts community in Texas, contributing to economic development and cultural tourism.

The TCA Texas Arts Create 4 Grant aims to strengthen Texas' creative economy by providing multi-year operational support to established arts organizations with budgets exceeding $5 million. Organizations can request up to 25% of their last completed year's cash operating budget. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofits or government entities, incorporated in Texas, and must have confirmed eligibility status with the TCA. The grant promotes sustainability and diversity within Texas' arts community.

The Milton Hicks Wood & Helen Gibbs Wood Charitable Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Texas, focusing on human services. Established by Milton and Helen Wood, it reflects their values of hard work and family. The trust typically awards 2-3 grants each year, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. This grant aims to foster community improvement and support various charitable initiatives.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

The 2025-2026 MATHCOUNTS grant supports the Texas Engineering Foundation in enhancing middle school students' math skills through competitions and training programs. This initiative aims to promote mathematics education, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. By providing state-of-the-art instructional materials, the grant facilitates local, regional, and national competitions, ensuring students have opportunities to excel in mathematics. The program's objectives include publicizing MATHCOUNTS, training staff, and organizing events, all contributing to increased student engagement in mathematics.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Humanities Texas offers major grants to support community and media projects that enhance education, culture, and history in Texas. Grants fund various initiatives including lectures, seminars, exhibitions, and media productions, with a focus on engaging the public and involving humanities scholars. Since 1974, over 5,000 grants have been awarded, fostering community development and promoting public humanities programs. The program aims to empower local organizations to create impactful educational experiences, contributing to the cultural richness of Texas.

Humanities Texas offers Mini Grants to support public humanities programs, enhancing educational quality in Texas. These grants, available on a rolling basis, fund projects that engage communities through lectures, exhibitions, and workshops. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations or governmental entities and need a DUNS number. The program emphasizes collaboration with humanities scholars to ensure projects are rooted in inquiry and accessible to diverse audiences. This initiative not only fosters lifelong learning but also strengthens the cultural and civic fabric of Texas.

The McCombs Foundation, established in 1998, serves as the primary philanthropic arm of the McCombs family. With a legacy rooted in generosity, the Foundation has contributed over $125 million to civic causes in San Antonio and Texas since 1981. Their approach emphasizes creating value from donations without strings attached, reflecting the family's commitment to impactful giving. The Foundation aims to foster sustainable community development, inspired by the family's history of philanthropy during challenging times.

The Career Development Bridge Funding Award: K Supplement, offered by the Rheumatology Research Foundation, supports junior investigators transitioning to independent research. Awarded up to $50,000 annually for a maximum of two years, it supplements NIH K series or VA CDA awards. Eligible applicants must hold a doctoral degree and be in the second, third, or fourth year of their existing award. This funding is crucial for developing new projects that contribute to the field of rheumatology.

The Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention program aims to reduce suicide rates among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. By enhancing care coordination and culturally relevant behavioral health services, it targets at-risk youth with early intervention strategies. This initiative emphasizes community engagement and collaboration among families, youth, and partners, fostering a comprehensive approach to prevention and support for those affected by suicide.

The John A. Hartford Foundation offers scholarships for the Age-Friendly Health Systems Cohort as part of the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. This initiative targets healthcare leaders aiming to implement the 4Ms Framework, enhancing care for older adults. Selected fellows will receive a program fee scholarship of $13,995, enabling them to focus on transformation efforts in health systems. This fellowship seeks diverse leaders to address critical healthcare challenges and improve quality, safety, and affordability.

The Chatlos Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and globally, focusing on Bible colleges, religious causes, liberal arts colleges, medical concerns, and social issues. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $20,000, depending on the category. The Foundation prioritizes program support and typically funds requests under $10,000. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based, tax-exempt for at least two years, and aligned with the Foundation's mission, ensuring that funded projects achieve independence.

The Youth Initiative Grant, provided by the Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation, aims to support innovative programs that enhance resilience and psycho-social health for youth aged 14-21 affected by trauma from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Grants are available for new programs or therapeutic components within their first year. The foundation prioritizes organizations that actively engage with beneficiaries and implement holistic approaches to service delivery, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective evaluation of program impacts.

Community Action Fund

A grant for Indigenous frontline organizations, groups, and individuals for direct action initiatives.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) grants support non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts that are often urgent and time sensitive. CAF prioritizes frontline, grassroots and community-based efforts that defend Indigenous peoples rights, communities and Nations.

Community Action Fund Intent

This grant supports Indigenous frontline, grassroots, community-based groups and organizations, Tribes, communities and villages, and individuals leading non-violent direct action or movement-building work in their effort to DEFEND Indigenous People’s rights, and protect their land, air, water, and natural resources.

The Bernie Bahr Forestry and Natural Resources Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 grant to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related fields. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to graduates from specific high schools in Missouri. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to environmental and natural resource management.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.