Best Grants for Community Centers in Texas

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

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.

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 Forrest Shreve Student Research Fund, awarded by the Ecological Society of America, supports research in North America's hot deserts, including the Sonoran and Mojave. This fund aims to enhance our understanding of desert ecology through innovative projects. Eligible applicants include graduate and undergraduate students who are ESA members. Proposals are evaluated based on their significance, feasibility, and design, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, granted annually.

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

The ECLAT Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, provides $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors and college students in Texas. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 for high school or 3.0 for college, and meet certain residency criteria. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing a baccalaureate degree at accredited institutions in Texas, fostering educational opportunities and community growth.

The Greater Texas Foundation's Aggie Scholars Program aims to support graduates of early college high schools in achieving their degrees from Texas A&M University. This initiative focuses on underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, offering a three-year scholarship awarded in six stipends. To qualify, applicants must complete the FAFSA or TASFA by April 15 and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 while living on campus during their first year. The program encourages academic persistence and community involvement.

The Christopher C. Mathewson Texas Section Scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing geology at accredited Texas institutions. Funded by the AEG Foundation, awards recognize students for their academic excellence, potential contributions to the profession, and active participation in professional societies. Eligible candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and hold AEG student membership. This scholarship fosters the growth of future geologists committed to advancing the field through education and engagement.

The Tocker Foundation offers General Library Grants aimed at enhancing library services and programs in rural Texas communities with populations of 12,000 or less. Grants support various initiatives including technology upgrades, collection development, and community outreach. Applications are reviewed biannually by a committee from the Texas Library Association, ensuring that funds are allocated to projects that significantly benefit local patrons. Libraries are encouraged to discuss their proposals in advance to align with funding priorities.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

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.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

The M D Anderson Foundation is a Houston-based philanthropic organization that supports medical care, scientific research, and community initiatives. Established to honor Monroe Dunaway Anderson, it provides significant funding to enhance healthcare, biomedical research, and education. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong leadership and long-term impact, focusing on improving health outcomes and community infrastructure in Texas. Its legacy includes the ongoing support of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a leader in cancer treatment and research.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

Community Grants Program

Investing In Our Local Communities

This strategic community outreach initiative focuses on investing resources into meaningful projects and programs that enhance our local communities and strengthen our region’s prosperity.

Port Houston’s Community Grants Program serves as part of our strategic community outreach initiatives focused on investing resources into meaningful projects and programs that enhance our local communities and region. Since the program’s inception in 2020, Port Houston has proudly invested more than $2.65 million dollars into local community programs and projects.

Grant Specifics & Focus Initiatives

Port Houston’s Community Grants Program offers the opportunity for qualifying organizations to apply for funding through an open, competitive application process.

Port Houston is particularly interested in supporting programs or services that align with our current outreach priorities.

These priorities include:

• Revitalizing Communities, Parks, and Greenspaces with a focus on communities that are within three miles of the Ship Channel

• Programs focused on maritime and logistics-related fields, with key focus areas related to the trucking industry and maritime operations.
• Programs focused on STEAM education and/or environmental sciences
• Programs that support career and professional development services

• Educational programs and projects aimed at improving our waterways (bayous & bays).
• Pollution reduction and related education
• Health equity and health disparities

Within these areas, we are particularly interested in funding programs that:

• Scale best practices and proven ideas or pilot promising, evidence-based programs
• Utilize sound evaluation techniques to measure both outcomes and impact
• Demonstrate a commitment to innovation, learning, and adaptation
• Are completed in partnership, cooperation, and consultation with other agencies
• Offer an innovative and promising approach to meeting a community need

Propose a project or program that falls within Port Houston’s priority zone – proximity to the Houston Ship Channel – permitting Grants Program support to positively impact areas within Port Houston’s stakeholder footprint.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers the Intervention Best Practices (TIER) grant to support school systems, education service centers, and nonprofit organizations in developing evidence-based intervention strategies. This program aims to enhance the capacity of educational institutions to implement a comprehensive framework that integrates differentiated instruction, promoting academic, behavioral, and social success for all students throughout Texas.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is the environmental agency for the state. We have approximately 2,800 employees, located in our central office in Austin and 16 regional offices around Texas. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality strives to protect our state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Our goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.

All-Electric Program

Grants for repowering or replacing eligible vehicles and equipment with all-electric models, along with supporting infrastructure. A program of the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP).

Priority Areas: Dallas-Fort Worth Area; Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Area; San Antonio Area; Austin Area; El Paso County; Bell County; Beaumont-Port Arthur Area

Eligible Project Categories

To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must be replacing or repowering a vehicle or a piece of equipment from one of the categories listed below, and may request additional funding for refueling infrastructure.

• Class 8 Local Freight and Port Drayage Trucks
• Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, & Transit Buses
• Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks
• Airport Ground Support Equipment
• Forklift and Port Cargo Handling Equipment
• Refueling Infrastructure
• Freight Switchers

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 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.

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.

Family Place Libraries™ Grant 

The Family Place Libraries Training Institute (Family Place) provides theoretical grounding and practical training for library staff in family-centered library services. By expanding the traditional role of children's services, Family Place participants build on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parent or guardian involvement, and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development.

Family Place participants will be able to create the network that families need to nurture their children's development during the critical first years of life. Family Place provides training and resources to help participants redesign their library environment to:

• Create a welcoming and developmentally appropriate environment for children beginning at birth.
• Connect parents with the resources, programs, and services offered at the library and other family service agencies.
• Connect with non-traditional library users.
• Ensure children have access to resources that will allow them to enter school ready and able to learn.

The Family Place Libraries model was developed by the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach, New York. Currently, there are 126 Family Place library locations in Texas. 

Applicants may submit an application to become a new Family Place Library or expand their current program to an additional location. 

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.

TexTreasures Grant

TexTreasures Grants are designed to help libraries make their special collections more accessible for the people of Texas and beyond. Activities considered for possible funding include: 

• digitization
• microfilming
• cataloging

There are two options for funding under the TexTreasures program:

• TexTreasures Basic which will award grants of up to $10,000 to small libraries (serving a population of up to 25,000) with little or no experience with digitization. Funding will support vendor contract services to increase access to collections with local or regional significance. 
• TexTreasures Original which will continue to support libraries seeking to provide access to special or unique collections of statewide interest and greater complexity. The maximum award is $40,000 for applications from single institutions and $50,000 for collaborative grant projects.

Introduction

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal1 and state grant awards to its subgrantees2 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.

Program Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to enable an Institute of Higher Education (IHE) to conduct an academic review and comparability of solicited instruments for kindergarten through grade three that assess students’ foundational literacy skills and foundational numeracy skills. The IHE will provide neutral, research-based recommendations on instruments and create a resource to help school systems understand approved options and select those that best meet their needs. As a result of this grant, school systems will use this resource to compare approved instruments, understand what skills are assessed and how they are measured, and examine key similarities and differences across instruments. The resource is intended to support school systems in evaluating alignment to local instructional contexts and goals, student populations, and implementation considerations as they make informed local decisions about assessment selection and adoption to better support their students’ foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes.

The Jasper L. and Jack Denton Wilson Foundation Grant aims to support medical research that has a direct impact on treating serious diseases and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. Funded by the Wilson Charitable Foundation Trust, this grant encourages innovative approaches to tackle pressing medical challenges. Interested applicants can find more details about the grant program through the foundation finder available online.