Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Texas

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental and sustainability projects, disaster relief, health, arts, education, hunger relief, or social services can apply for H-E-B’s Community Investment Program. Eligible organizations must operate within H-E-B’s immediate service areas and may receive monetary support, in-kind products, or volunteers for community-focused activities and projects.

The H-E-B Tournament of Champions Grant, established in 1986, supports organizations benefiting Special Olympics Texas and educational initiatives. Over 37 years, it has raised over $145 million, promoting health, arts, and social services in Texas. Eligible applicants must be valid 501(c)3 non-profits, focusing on specific areas like disaster relief and education, and located near H-E-B regions. This grant fosters community engagement and enhances the quality of life for many Texans.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities with projects in clean energy, land conservation, water, subsurface energy, or sustainability education can seek support for high-impact environmental work. Focused on sustainability, the Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation invites Texas environmental organizations to propose strategic projects that align with its program areas and clearly advance its long-term grantmaking strategies.

Universities and research institutions conducting marine geoscience and oceanography projects can seek National Science Foundation support for drilling-related research and instrumentation, including work by Texas-based scientists. Focused on ocean science, this program funds pre- and post-expedition studies, small projects during expedition moratorium periods, and critical shipboard or downhole tools, with awards up to US $9,000,000.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

Grassroots and community-based groups in Texas can receive up to US $4,000 for environmental organizing, education, research, and seed funding for emerging efforts. With a mission to build a cleaner, healthier Texas, Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund supports small, under-funded organizations leading community-driven environmental projects and advocacy, including non-violent direct action and capacity-building initiatives.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on preserving the natural environment can apply for up to US $2,500 to launch grassroots conservation projects or create on-campus native gardens. The Environmental Fund of Texas supports community-engaged efforts that protect water resources, restore natural areas, and sustain native wildlife across the state.

Texas environmental 501(c)(3) organizations and public schools with projects in water, natural areas, native wildlife, or public engagement can apply for $2,501 - $12,000 to advance conservation work. Texas environmental groups can access funding through The Environmental Fund of Texas for habitat restoration, watershed protection, invasive species control, and hands-on environmental education projects.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose primary mission is preserving the natural environment and that have completed a Tier 2 grant can seek funding for collaborative conservation projects, including water, natural areas, native wildlife, and classroom action. With a mission to protect Texas ecosystems, The Environmental Fund of Texas supports Tier 3 initiatives up to Up to US $25,000.

The Impact Fund provides Texas legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms with recoverable grants to support environmental, economic, racial, and social justice impact litigation. U.S. cases, including Texas environmental justice lawsuits, can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 for out-of-pocket litigation expenses such as expert fees and discovery costs, with repayment only if fees or costs are recovered.

The Texas Water Development Fund (DFund) offers state-funded loans for a variety of infrastructure projects, including water supply and flood control initiatives. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions and nonprofit water supply corporations. The program streamlines funding by allowing multiple project components to be included in one loan. As of FY 2020, approximately $2.7 billion has been committed, with applications requiring a pre-application conference to discuss eligibility and project details.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving East Texas counties can receive up to US $10,000 for environmental and related community projects. Focused on conservative Christian values, East Texas Communities Foundation supports work in areas including environmental concerns, health, education, and more, with a preference for Rusk County programs that serve all residents equitably.

Texas public charities working on environmental, educational, medical, social, or religious projects can access funding through the Earl C. Sams Foundation. The foundation primarily supports organizations in South Texas counties, offering grants for a wide array of charitable programs, including nature and environmental initiatives across the region.

Nonprofit and community organizations serving residents in eligible East Texas and Miller County, Arkansas can seek grants for environmental conservation, community revitalization, health, education, and basic human needs. T L L Temple Foundation provides up to US $5,000,000 for general operating, projects, capital improvements, and capacity building, which may support Texas environmental projects within its 24-county service area.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and eligible supporting organizations working on conservation, environmental education, or parks and public spaces can apply for the Powell Foundation Grant Program. Funding may support operating costs, programs, or specific projects that connect people to nature, build environmental stewardship, and address local environmental issues in Harris, Travis, or Walker Counties.

Local governments, water utilities, and NGOs in Texas can seek funding to implement tree and forestry components of approved watershed protection plans in disadvantaged communities and priority watersheds. Focused on watershed and freshwater protection, Texas A&M Forest Service will award up to fifteen $50,000 grants for nature-based, urban and community forestry projects.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, religious institutions, and governmental entities serving Central Texas can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for programs in sustainability, green spaces, and animal welfare. Austin Community Foundation’s Forever Austin Fund supports projects in Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties addressing urgent and systemic regional needs.

Local governments and other eligible entities in Texas can apply for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Recreational Trails Program grants, awarding up to US $500,002 for motorized and non-motorized trail projects. Funding supports new trail construction, improvements, trailheads, trailside facilities, and corridor acquisition, which may benefit environmental and conservation-focused projects.

Texas environmental and community-focused nonprofits can access funding through the Mary Moody Northen Endowment to purchase equipment, furniture, supplies, or renovate and improve the energy efficiency of facilities in Galveston County. Grants up to US $20,000 per year also support specific programs, with priority for projects benefiting local people and institutions.

Texas environmental and community organizations can seek funding to plan or implement urban forestry projects that strengthen community resilience and tree canopy. Texas A&M Forest Service provides Texas groups with support for initiatives addressing species vulnerability, low-canopy neighborhoods, and tools to protect and enhance urban and community forest ecosystems statewide, with awards of US $50,000.

Environmental and community organizations in Texas can seek funding to enhance human health by expanding access to treed greenspaces and urban forests. Texas A&M Forest Service supports green infrastructure projects that reduce heat islands, improve air quality, and promote physical activity, offering US $50,000 grants through its Community Forestry Grants Program.

State, tribal, local government agencies, nonprofits, universities, and regional councils in Texas can seek funding for homeland security projects that prevent terrorism, enhance public safety, and improve community resilience. Grants from the State of Texas Office of the Governor support preparedness activities that protect people, infrastructure, and the environment, with awards of more than US $10,000.

The River Oaks Garden Club, founded in 1927, is dedicated to enhancing the Houston community through conservation, horticulture, and civic beautification. The ROGC Civic Contribution Grant supports local projects, including the maintenance of public gardens and the establishment of the Bayou Bend Gardens Endowment. Educational initiatives like the annual environmental seminar and the publication of gardening resources further its mission. Priority is given to eligible requests from the Houston area, emphasizing a commitment to community engagement.

Texas public safety and emergency management entities focused on terrorism prevention and catastrophic incident preparedness can apply for more than US $10,000 from the Urban Area Security Initiative – Regular Projects. Texas organizations in high-threat, high-density urban areas working on environmental resilience within broader community safety plans may be eligible if they support urban operational roles.

About Us

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.

Nonpoint Source Water Quality Grants

TCEQ and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) nonpoint source (NPS) programs administer federal grants for activities that prevent or reduce nonpoint source pollution. The grants are made available through a federal program authorized under Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. Funds are appropriated by Congress.

The grant will reimburse 60% of the cost of selected projects; applicants provide the other 40% of the cost as match, which may include in-kind services by volunteers or partner organizations.

Types of Projects Prioritized

You can find descriptions of past projects funded through the TCEQ’s Nonpoint Source Program on our Projects webpage. Agricultural and silvicultural projects addressing nonpoint source pollution are funded through the TSSWCB Section 319(h) Grant Program. The types of projects that are prioritized include those that:

• lead to water quality improvements
• develop and implement EPA-accepted watershed protection plans (WPPs).

Requirements Related to Stormwater Activities

Projects that implement Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements are not eligible for funding. However, projects within areas covered by MS4 permits might be eligible for assistance if the proposed management measures are not required or used for permit compliance. For example, low impact development practices and retrofits of storm water control structures on developed properties are outside the scope of most MS4 permits in Texas and thus are usually eligible for 319(h) funding.

Quality Assurance Requirements

All project-related water quality data must be acquired, collected, and analyzed in accordance with an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP). This includes all "environmental data operations" such as water quality sampling and analysis, flow measurement, acquisition or collection of rainfall data or geospatial data, and hydrologic or water quality modeling. QAPPs may take 3-6 months for final approval which must be obtained before any work specified in the QAPP can begin.

Funding for Septic Systems/On-Site Sewage Facilities

The TCEQ NPS grant program does not provide direct assistance to individual homeowners for septic systems. However, this grant program does fund projects managed by local entities, that provide septic system assistance and training on maintenance to homeowners. The Texas U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development offices , certain projects funded under TCEQ’s Supplemental Environmental Projects program, and other state and federal sources may offer technical and financial assistance with septic system repair and/or replacement in Texas. 

Texas environmental and conservation nonprofits with specific, well-defined projects can access funding through the Rachael and Ben Vaughan Foundation; awards range from US $2,000 - US $20,000 for projects completed within twelve months. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations nationwide may also apply for local projects in areas like environmental preservation, education, poverty reduction, animal rights, health, and religious initiatives.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations located in or substantially serving Montgomery County can seek funding for community, environmental, health, animal welfare, and basic human needs projects. Montgomery County Community Foundation offers donor-advised, field-of-interest, and unrestricted grants that may support local environment and sustainability initiatives alongside broader community services.