Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Texas

The Summer Career and Technical Education Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities for students. This funding supports districts in offering greater access to approved CTE courses and summer work experiences, addressing barriers such as transportation and scheduling. The initiative aligns with TEA's strategic plan to prepare students for success in college, careers, and military service.

The Therapeutic Giving program by Johnson & Johnson focuses on funding initiatives that enhance patient access to treatment and advance health equity, particularly in immunology. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for support aimed at improving health outcomes through innovative programs. The initiative prioritizes measurable impacts over fundraising activities, emphasizing the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and promoting disease awareness efforts for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

The Community Impact Grants, offered by the Texas Capital Bank Foundation, are aimed at supporting Texas-based nonprofits that provide essential services to low- and moderate-income communities. These grants focus on key areas such as housing solutions, education, workforce development, and support for veterans and first responders. By investing in these initiatives, the foundation seeks to foster community development and enhance the quality of life for those in need across major Texas cities.

The Pinetop Assistance League (PAL) Grant provides crucial financial support to elderly blues musicians, ensuring their well-being during emergencies. This grant, part of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation's mission, offers assistance for medical expenses, home care, and essential living costs. Eligible applicants must be professional artists aged 50 or older with a household income below $35,000. By addressing these needs, PAL plays a vital role in preserving the legacy and care of blues musicians.

The 2026-2027 SSI Community Partnerships C4 Continuation Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes for students in struggling neighborhoods. This initiative focuses on schools with low performance on state assessments, providing comprehensive support to help students achieve grade-level proficiency. By fostering partnerships among academic, community, and governmental entities, the grant seeks to ensure that children and youth from distressed backgrounds gain access to quality education and support systems essential for their success.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The 2025-2026 Career and Technical Education State Student Organizations Grant supports thirteen organizations in Texas, fostering leadership and career development for students. This initiative emphasizes practical learning experiences, ensuring students gain vital skills for their future careers. The Texas Education Agency administers these funds to enhance educational opportunities, promoting personal growth and success in various technical fields.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment or Prevention (SBIRT/P) program. This funding opportunity aims to explore innovative methods for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among adults facing health disparities. The initiative seeks research proposals that will implement and evaluate SBIRT/P strategies in collaboration with healthcare and community partners. This approach is crucial for enhancing public health and ensuring effective interventions.

The SB IEP Training/Coaching Support Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance special education through targeted professional development and technical assistance. This initiative is designed to build capacity within education service centers and school systems, ensuring compliance with IEP development and fostering improved student outcomes. By empowering SB IEP leaders, the program seeks to implement best practices and effective training strategies, ultimately benefiting over 5 million students across Texas.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The Gene Conley Foundation Grant supports religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational initiatives, focusing on the prevention of cruelty to children and animals. Established under Lillian Conley Martin's will, the foundation primarily serves north central Texas. Eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. While there are no geographic restrictions, funding preferences favor local initiatives, including the arts, education, health, and human services, fostering community enrichment and welfare.

The Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust, established in 1981, supports educational, cultural, and health care initiatives in Arkansas and Texas. With a focus on one-year grants, it promotes capital projects, medical research, and endowment campaigns. Organizations in Texas, especially in the Dallas area, receive strong preference. Ineligible applicants include those who have recently received grants from other foundations or multi-year grants, which require a two-year wait before reapplying.

The Reuter Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations providing essential human services to the poor and disadvantaged in Collin County and Dallas, Texas. Founded in 2011, the foundation emphasizes emergency assistance, affordable housing, and rehabilitation services. Grants typically do not exceed $100,000 annually, and the foundation aims to engage with grantees directly. Eligible projects include support for displaced individuals and programs addressing substance abuse and mental health challenges.

The XENO PRIZE for Performance Arts, awarded by Franklin Furnace, supports early-career LGBTQ+-identifying performance artists creating new work in 26 states with restrictive gender-affirming laws. This annual prize, established in 2023, offers $5000 to a selected recipient from proposals submitted for the Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art. The deadline for submissions is April 1, 2025, encouraging innovative voices in the contemporary performance art landscape.

The Albert E. and Myrtle Gunn York Trust Grant aims to enhance the lives of Victoria, Texas residents by supporting religious purposes, education, and the arts. The trust provides funding for initiatives that promote Christian stewardship, higher education, and cultural development in fine and performing arts. Additionally, it offers assistance to the elderly and fosters the intellectual and physical growth of youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and located in Victoria.

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.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal K–12 education law. ESSA was signed into law in 2015, replacing No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizing the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. Every school must inform parents about their standards and their results. 

ESSA requires every state to provide parents important information on test performance in reading, math, and science. The report cards must also provide data on graduation rates, suspensions, absenteeism, teacher qualifications, and many other areas. Texas provides maximum transparency for parents and publicly shares performance information on TXschools.gov and in data reports on the Performance Reporting pages.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant includes: 1) Title I, Part A Grants; 2) Title I, Part C Grants; 3) Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 Grants; 4) Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 Grants; 5) Title II, Part A Grants; 6) Title III, Part A ELA Grants; 7) Title III, Part A Immigrant Grants; and 8) Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 Grants.

Title III, Part A Immigrant

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

Title III, Part A - Immigrant, provides supplemental funds to school systems who are experiencing substantial increases in immigrant students for activities that provide enhanced instructional opportunities for immigrant students.

Intended beneficiaries are immigrant children and youth.

The Environmental Grantmaking Program at the Educational Foundation of America (EFA) aims to support projects that facilitate a transition to a net-zero electricity system. Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program emphasizes initiatives that enhance access to affordable clean energy, accelerate regional transitions, and strengthen financial investment in electric utilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 public charities, academic institutions, and government entities committed to sustainable energy solutions.

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

The Trull Foundation Grant supports charitable and educational initiatives focused on children in rural areas, those affected by substance abuse, and environmental projects in coastal Texas. Applications are accepted year-round, but early submission is encouraged. Eligible applicants include organizations with 501(c)(3) status and government entities. The foundation prioritizes projects that align with its focus areas and may not fund events that have already occurred or make long-term commitments.

The Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, offered by the National Forest Foundation, invites graduate students to engage in hands-on conservation projects. This fellowship provides practical experience, mentorship from conservation professionals, and training in collaborative leadership. Fellows will gain a deep understanding of forest management and expand their professional networks. With a focus on developing future conservation leaders, the program seeks students passionate about public lands and community engagement.

The Leadership & Instructional Foundations for Texas (LIFT) Grant is a three-year initiative aimed at enhancing the instructional capacity of Texas school systems. By integrating key elements of Strong Foundations, Texas Instructional Leadership, and Texas Lesson Study, LIFT provides comprehensive support to districts. The program ensures all Texas students receive high-quality, grade-level instruction daily, promoting sustainable improvement through strong leadership and high-quality instructional materials.

The Clifton C. and Henryetta C. Doak Charitable Trust, established in memory of Dr. Clifton and Mrs. Henryetta Doak, aims to support charitable organizations in College Station, Texas. The trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, environment, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and can receive grants for various purposes including religious, scientific, and educational initiatives. This legacy reflects the Doaks' commitment to community service and development.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Rosendin Foundation Emergency Grant provides financial support for unplanned expenses due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters. Grants up to $5,000 are available for community-focused non-profit organizations in states where Rosendin and MPS operate. The foundation prioritizes emotional, occupational, and nutritional health initiatives, aiming to positively impact communities and empower individuals through financial support and volunteer efforts.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

Supporting Career Shifters

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has authorized the use of one million dollars ($1,000,000) in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds to develop career exploration initiatives serving participants who want to shift careers to a Targeted or High Demand Occupation.

Eligible Applicants under this Application are the Texas Local Workforce Development Boards. Applicants, that are not a Texas Local Workforce Development Board will be disqualified and will not be evaluated.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.