Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Texas

Scholarships support aspiring college students who hold the promise of tomorrow’s progress.

Together, our competitive grants and scholarships help our region rise thanks to the vision and generosity of our donors.

Thomas William Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund

He believed that a person could do anything if they sat down and read how to do it. When WWII started, he was the first man from the state of South Carolina to enlist in the U.S. Army. He quickly rose to captain and spent most of the war in the Pacific (the Queen of Fiji considered him a friend). Later, Thomas had a long career at Harcourt Brace publishing.

The Coleman County Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government agencies in addressing immediate community needs. Established in 1999, the Foundation has invested over $1.2 million into various sectors including arts, education, health, and social services. This funding opportunity aims to enhance community development and improve the quality of life for residents in Coleman County, fostering growth and support for essential initiatives.

The Dr. Doris R. Corbett-Johnson Leaders for Our Future Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors young professionals under 36 who exhibit exceptional promise in scholarship, teaching, and leadership. This prestigious award is available in two categories: college/university and non-college/university, with a maximum of two recipients per category each year. By recognizing emerging leaders, SHAPE America aims to inspire a new generation dedicated to advancing health and physical education.

The Hahl Proctor Charitable Trust Grant provides financial assistance to charities focusing on children, families, arts, and education. Established by Hahl Proctor, a generous community member, the trust aims to support worthwhile causes with grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. This initiative reflects her commitment to enhancing community life through charitable endeavors.

The Adapted PE/Activity Program of the Year Award recognizes outstanding community-based initiatives aimed at enhancing the physical capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Organized by SHAPE America, this award highlights programs that provide inclusive physical education and recreational opportunities, ensuring that all participants can engage in healthy, active lifestyles. By showcasing best practices, the award promotes innovation and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, fostering an environment of inclusion and support in physical activity.

The Sparkplug Foundation offers Emergency Grants of up to $5,000 exclusively for current and past grantees in education or community organizing. Funding is aimed at organizations with annual budgets of $500,000 or less, supporting innovative projects with limited existing funding sources. These one-time grants address urgent needs due to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring accountability and inclusion, particularly within communities in the US and Palestine/Israel.

The Community Foundation of Abilene offers community grants to enhance the quality of life in the Abilene area. Established in 1985, it supports local nonprofit organizations through a flexible funding model, addressing various sectors such as health, education, and community development. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, with occasional larger requests considered. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve populations within Taylor County, ensuring impactful community development through strategic funding.

The Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation, established in 1951 in Oklahoma, aims to support charitable organizations across the U.S., with a focus on education and local initiatives. Grants are awarded to qualified 501(C)(3) organizations, prioritizing projects that align with the foundation's mission in areas such as education, health, arts, and literacy. Interested applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry before applying for funding, ensuring alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Zimmerman, Edward and Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $1,000 to West Noble High School seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, with priority given to those demonstrating community service and maintaining a GPA between 2.50 and 3.00. Preference is also given to students studying agriculture, education, social work, or accounting. This scholarship reflects the values of its donors, Edward and Beverly, who were dedicated community members and supporters of local education.

The Lola Wright Foundation Grant, established in 1954, focuses on supporting organizations within a 50-mile radius of Austin, Texas, in areas such as children and youth, public health, education, and arts. The Foundation funds qualified public charities (501(c)(3) status) and has specific eligibility criteria, including geographic restrictions. Notably, grants are not available for individual requests or daily operating costs, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community services.

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 AES Hawaiʻi Foundation Grant supports communities near AES Hawaiʻi’s renewable energy projects, focusing on social justice, education, environmental stewardship, and community health. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in these areas, but statewide entities may also apply. Successful projects should align with the Foundation’s impact pillars, demonstrate measurable community benefits, and address unmet needs, ensuring long-term positive effects on the local community.

The Sandra Trudgen Dawson Award, established by the Coordinating Council for Women in History, commemorates the legacy of a remarkable scholar and leader. This award supports individuals in research, teaching, and service within women's and gender history, allowing recipients to cover costs for travel, materials, and projects that honor Sandra's commitment to collaboration and support in the field. It aims to foster connections among scholars and promote the advancement of women's history.

The Ed & Mildred Schroeder Scholarship, offered by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend through educational support. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors or current college students pursuing a degree in education, demonstrating financial need, and enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. By providing effective grants and scholarships, the foundation fosters community philanthropy and addresses local educational needs.

The Mary E. Bivins Foundation Community Grant offers financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Texas Panhandle, focusing on basic human needs, education, human services, and youth development. Since 1949, the foundation has distributed over $30 million for charitable purposes. Organizations can apply for grants starting at $5,000 to address specific community needs. The foundation prioritizes proposals that align with its mission to enrich the quality of life in the region.

The Wan Chen and Ming Li Scholarship for International Study at WMU's College of Education and Human Development supports undergraduate and graduate students in non-English based study abroad programs. Applicants must be U.S. residents, enrolled in CEHD, and submit proof of acceptance into an international program along with a proposal outlining the experience's benefits for their academic and career goals. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities and make studying abroad more accessible.

The Stinson Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations focused on children, families, arts, and education. Founded with a philosophy of optimism, the foundation offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, with an application deadline of May 15. Each year, approximately 10 awards are given to foster projects that embody the spirit of Sue Stinson's commitment to uplifting communities through creativity and support.

The Zyne Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance and support Catholic faith-based organizations and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to education, medical research, and family values. The foundation's mission focuses on making a direct impact on individuals' daily lives, ensuring that these initiatives can thrive both now and in the future, promoting community well-being and development.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials.

IBMA  Foundation Project Grants

The IBMA Foundation awards project grants each year, usually in amounts between $1,000 and $2,500. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2024. Projects must align with the Foundation’s mission in one of the following areas

• Arts & culture
• Education
• Literary or academic programs
• History preservation

The GVTC Foundation Grant aims to enhance community life through charitable contributions and volunteer efforts. It supports various sectors, including Health and Human Services, Youth Programs, Volunteer Emergency Services, Education, and Cultural initiatives. Grants are available to nonprofits that align with these areas and have a connection to the GVTC service area, ensuring that funding directly benefits local communities.

The GECU Foundation Charitable Grant aims to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions and volunteerism. It focuses on vital issues such as education, health, and housing, supporting organizations that promote savings mobilization, employment, and diversity. The foundation evaluates requests quarterly, ensuring that contributions effectively address core community development challenges. By fostering inclusion and providing access to resources, the GECU Foundation strives to elevate the lives of individuals in its communities.

The Eugene Edge III Charitable Trust, founded by Dr. Eugene Edge III, supports non-profit organizations in Brazos County, Texas. Grants typically range from $30,000 to $40,000, with an average of 15 grants awarded annually, totaling around $590,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and focus on arts, education, health, and human services. The Trust, honoring Dr. Edge's legacy, does not fund endowments.

The Edna and Erma Memorial Scholarship, established by The Dayton Foundation in 2018, supports women from Montgomery County, Ohio, pursuing education degrees. It is aimed at female high school seniors and adult learners returning to college, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrated financial need. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and empowering women in the community.

The Marsh Foundation Grant provides funding for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, focusing primarily on medical research in El Paso, Texas. Established under the will of Edward N. Marsh, the foundation offers grants ranging from $52,000 to $150,000, with an average total giving of $200,000 annually. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) entities to be eligible, although there are no geographic limitations. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for review.

The Marshall and Ellen Peters Family Foundation, established by Ellen Bookman Peters, supports charitable organizations primarily in Brazos County, Texas. With a strong commitment to community service, the Foundation funds initiatives in various program areas, including arts, education, health, and human services. Mrs. Peters, a dedicated Presbyterian and community leader, left a lasting legacy through her philanthropic efforts. The Foundation continues to honor her memory by contributing an average of $50,000 annually to enhance local community well-being.

The Institutional Challenge Grant aims to foster collaborative research by requiring institutions to adapt their policies and enhance capacities for meaningful partnerships. It encourages applications from diverse leadership teams in youth-serving areas, focusing on addressing inequalities in youth outcomes. The grant outlines four key goals: strengthening partnerships, pursuing a joint research agenda, facilitating institutional change, and enhancing collaborative capacities for producing actionable research evidence.

The Celia C. Newcomb Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Crown Point Community Foundation, aims to enrich the lives of South Lake County residents. This scholarship supports Lake County, IN residents pursuing degrees in Education, including high school graduates and adult learners. Applicants must provide an additional essay and meet specific eligibility criteria. It embodies the foundation's mission to address community needs through charitable giving.