Best Grants for Community Centers 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. 

Governance Interventions Field Service Support

Program Description

This project supports Commissioner-initiated interventions and the delivery of intensive educational assistance aimed at ensuring students perform at grade level by reimbursing school systems for costs associated with an appointed external field agent. 

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

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

State Homeland Security Program – Competitive National Priority Area Projects

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. Funding under this announcement will be awarded on a competitive basis for projects supporting FEMA designated SHSP National Priority Areas.

This funding supports state, tribal and local preparedness activities that address national and state-priority preparedness gaps across selected 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.

PSO expects to set-aside at least 3% of available SHSP funding for projects under this funding announcement.

Match Requirement: None

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

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 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.

Closed Charter School Records Custodian

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to fulfill the mandate of Texas Education Code (TEC), §12.1052(d), which is that the commissioner of education shall ensure that the records of an open-enrollment charter school that ceases to operate shall be transferred in the manner specified by the commissioner to a custodian designated by the commissioner. The commissioner may designate any appropriate entity to serve as custodian, including the agency, a regional education service center, or a school district. In designating a custodian, the commissioner shall ensure that the transferred records, including student and personnel records, are transferred to a custodian capable of:

•  maintaining the records;
• making the records readily accessible to students, parents, former school employees, and other persons entitled to access; and
• complying with applicable state or federal law restricting access to the records.

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.

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 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 TeachTX Pilot Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the educator pipeline through innovative Grow Your Own (GYO) initiatives. By implementing high-quality, campus-based recruitment and leadership development strategies, the program seeks to engage students in education careers. Through targeted support and stakeholder collaboration, the grant fosters early leadership experiences and increases participation in teaching-related programs, ultimately contributing to a robust future workforce in education.

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.

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.

The 2025-2026 Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Regional Support Grant aims to enhance the capacity of Education Service Centers (ESCs) in Texas to assist school systems with TIA implementation. This grant will fund dedicated staff to provide tailored technical support, fostering collaboration with various educational initiatives. Administered by the Texas Education Agency, the program benefits local educational agencies, including school districts and charter schools, ensuring effective resource allocation for improved educational outcomes.

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.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund offers crucial financial support and counseling for individuals in the theatrical exhibition and distribution sectors facing health-related challenges. This fund assists with medical expenses, housing emergencies, and essential services like vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of three years in exhibition or five years in distribution. The fund aims to provide a safety net for those impacted by illness, injury, or significant life changes.

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.

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. 

Texas Instructional Leadership Discretionary Grant

Program Description

The Instructional Leadership Discretionary Grant seeks to provide ongoing support and skill building opportunities to regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) and school systems. This grant will allow ESC Region 13 to capture where school systems and ESCs are in their implementation of instructional leadership practices, determine what resources and supports are still needed, and respond to those needs through technical assistance and the creation of supplemental materials, as needed.

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.

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.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.

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 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.

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.

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.  

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.