Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Texas

The EMF SAMFund Financial Assistance Grants support young adult cancer survivors facing financial hardships due to their diagnosis. With 80,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S., these grants provide critical assistance for essential living expenses like rent, car payments, and education. By prioritizing applicants who demonstrate financial need and articulate how the grant will aid their recovery, the program aims to alleviate financial toxicity and empower survivors to move forward with their lives.

The Vikki Carr Scholarship Foundation, part of the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to high school seniors from Bexar County pursuing higher education. Students of Mexican-American descent, especially those who are bilingual, are given preference. This scholarship aims to empower youth by alleviating educational costs for various degrees, ensuring that students with financial need can continue their studies and contribute positively to the community.

The Walter and Hannelore Schwindt Trust, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in various scientific and technical fields. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students from specific Texas counties, with a minimum GPA requirement. This renewable scholarship covers tuition and living expenses for full-time students, emphasizing academic excellence and commitment to fields such as astronomy, medical research, and biochemistry.

The CIRI Foundation, established in 1982, promotes education and economic self-sufficiency for Alaska Natives through scholarships like the Cap Lathrop Scholarship. This award offers up to $2,000 to full-time students pursuing degrees in fields such as business, engineering, and media. Eligible applicants must be Alaska Native shareholders or descendants, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and intend to work in Alaska's broadcast industry. The scholarship supports both educational and personal expenses.

WindSwell Foundation: Scholarship- Additional Licensing

Managed by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, this scholarship opportunity is for up to $2,500 per year for any Special Educator seeking additional licensing.

Enhancing the Flavor of Plant-based & Fermentation-derived Proteins

As global demand for protein continues to rise, this funding opportunity can help diversify protein sources, strengthen the sustainability of food and agriculture supply chains and contribute to a safer, more resilient global food system. Improving the functionality and flavor of plant-based and fermentation-derived proteins can increase consumer acceptance, open new markets for crops, create value-added opportunities for farmers and processors, enhance farmland health and support economic growth.

To drive such innovation the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) and the Good Food Institute (GFI) have joined forces to support plant-based and fermentation-enabled protein ingredient optimization.

The long-term success of plant-based and fermentation-enabled protein foods depends not only on sustainability and cost but also on their ability to deliver a compelling eating experience. By advancing research in ingredient design, enrichment methods and formulation strategies, we can accelerate progress toward high-protein foods that meet or exceed consumer sensory expectations.

Flavor, inclusive of both taste and aroma, remains a critical barrier to consumer acceptance. While early innovation has made progress, many products on the market still face challenges with off-flavors or insufficient desirable flavors. Improving flavor emerged as a key recommendation from the joint FFAR-GFI global call for ideas and workshop, summarized in The Priorities for Plant-based and Fermentation-enabled Protein Ingredient Optimization Convening report.

The Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship offers three non-renewable awards of $2,000 each for students attending an accredited 2- or 4-year institution. These awards are intended to assist with the first semester's cost of attendance. Students must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment to retain eligibility. This scholarship seeks to empower women in the community through education and support.

The Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant, established in 2008, supports nonprofit organizations in arts, education, humanity, and faith. It prioritizes visionary leadership, community impact, sustainability, organizational strength, and collaboration. The foundation seeks to fund eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with its mission and positively influence communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and Arkansas, where the founders have personal connections.

Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship

This scholarship supports the educational aspirations of individuals from Spokane and Kootenai Counties who identify as LGBTQA+ or Allies, helping them achieve their academic and career goals while fostering a sense of community engagement. 

Applicants should demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and/or LGBTQA+ community involvement. Recipients are eligible to re-apply and compete for the Outreach Foundation Helen Bonser Scholarship after a waiting period of 5 years.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Wyoming County Community Health Foundation Scholarship

Established by the Wyoming County Community Health Foundation to provide tuition assistance to a graduating high school senior who resides in Wyoming County and will major in the health care field.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund

The Coach Dave Gray Scholarship Fund was created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships for students who plan on pursing post-secondary education. This scholarship fund was established by John and Shana Mackie in 2017 with funds raised through their 2017 “Party for a Purpose”, an annual party for their friends and family with the goal of raising awareness for a different worthy local ministry or cause each year. John and Shana named the fund in honor of Coach Dave Gray who has dedicated his career to working with youth in Western Pennsylvania. Through his classes, camps, training and other activities, Coach Dave impacts the lives of thousands of kids in a positive way. Dave’s programs instill confidence, self-esteem, promote a healthy, active lifestyle and are fun for kids. This scholarship fund will honor Coach Dave’s commitment to the community and help benefit students from Western Pennsylvania for years to come.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Comptaro, Elden, Lewis Combined Scholarship Funds

The William C. Comptaro Educational Fund, the Laura E. Elden Educational Trust and the Frances L. Lewis Memorial Scholarship Fund were created at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are residents of Allegheny County, PA planning on pursuing post-secondary education.

Award Type: Single Year Award

The San Antonio Area Foundation's Legacy Scholars program provides substantial scholarships to high school juniors in Bexar and Webb counties. Focusing on students with proven leadership and community involvement, this initiative aims to bridge opportunity gaps and support education in all areas of study. With renewable funding for up to three years, the program promotes attendance at Texas colleges, encouraging students to participate in events that foster their academic success and community engagement.

The Stephen P. Taylor Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current college students pursuing Bachelor's, Associate's, or Technical/Vocational degrees. This renewable scholarship aims to assist individuals who are either enrolled full-time or part-time and demonstrates financial need. Eligible applicants must reside or work in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, or New Mexico and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Since 1964, millions have been awarded to enhance community quality of life.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Stanley and Stella Becker Environmental Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of Monroe County and intends to pursue a degree in a field related to environmental science in a school of higher education.

Newport Priest River Rotary & Howard Wildin Education Scholarship

Scholarships and individual awards to achieve a specific objective will be made in the form of grants to students, apprentices or interns participating in a training program, internship, or apprenticeship to prepare them for gainful employment in a recognized occupation that is not prohibited under federal or state law. Such grants will be awarded to individuals to improve or enhance a vocational skill; and develop specialized skills or knowledge in literary, artistic, musical, scientific, teaching or other similar skills or talents.

The Bellevue Heights Church Foundation, established over 30 years ago, has significantly contributed to humanitarian efforts and theological education by awarding millions in grants. Its Student Endowment Fund supports Master of Divinity students with monthly scholarships, benefiting 35 to 40 students annually. All church members can participate in the Foundation's governance, and grant recipients must provide updates on their projects. Applications must be submitted in hard copy, following specific guidelines.

The Delano & Aldrich/Emerson Fellowship, established by the Architects Foundation, provides a unique opportunity for a young French architect to travel and study in the U.S. for three months. With a budget of $20,000, the fellowship emphasizes contemporary issues in architecture, including sustainability and inclusive design. Candidates aged 23 to 35, holding a degree in architecture, are eligible. This program aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and inspire future architects through immersive experiences.

The Americana Foundation's American Heritage Grant aims to support projects that broaden inclusivity in early American art and narratives, especially for underrepresented groups. Recognizing the historical significance of Americana, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote understanding and appreciation of America's diverse heritage. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and municipal entities. The foundation encourages innovative projects that reinterpret early American material culture, fostering a deeper connection to the past for future generations.

The Butler/Daniel Scholarship, provided by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students from specific Texas counties pursuing various degrees. Eligibility includes high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This scholarship empowers future leaders by easing their educational expenses, fostering community development through education, and ensuring impactful contributions to society.

The CIRI Foundation offers the Career Technical Education Scholarship to support Alaska Native beneficiaries pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship provides up to $9,000 per year for educational expenses, including tuition and required supplies. Eligible applicants must be CIRI original shareholders or descendants, possess a high school diploma or GED, and maintain a minimum GPA. The foundation aims to promote self-sufficiency and the cultural legacy of Alaska Natives through education.

The Tito Villalobos Moreno Memorial Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from specific Texas counties pursuing education in health care and social services. This scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition, fees, and books, helping students further their education and positively impact the community. Established to honor Tito Villalobos Moreno, this initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for future generations through education.

The Coors Light Líderes Grant Program honors exceptional Latino leaders across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, awarding five individuals with a $10,000 grant each for their nonprofit organizations. This initiative, active for 17 years, aims to empower emerging leaders who demonstrate significant community impact through innovative programs. Eligible nominees must be between 21-39 years old, associated with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and committed to fostering positive change in their communities.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Dorothy & Richard Barr Westmoreland County High School Scholarship Fund

The Dorothy and Richard Barr Scholarship Fund was created at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to provide scholarship support to Westmoreland County High School students who have demonstrated community leadership and strong academic performance. The applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above. The applicant must also show community leadership in the form of volunteer activities inside and outside of school.

Award Type: Single-Year Award

The CIRI Foundation offers the Higher Education Scholarship to support Alaska Native students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarships provide $200 per credit hour for undergraduates and $400 for graduates, with a maximum of $9,000 per year. Eligible applicants must be CIRI shareholders or descendants, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be enrolled in accredited institutions. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote cultural heritage.

Beckley Area Foundation

Beckley Area Foundation was established in January 1985 by ten community-minded citizens. It began with a gift of $1.1 million from the Dr. Thomas Walker Memorial Health Foundation as “seed” money for this Raleigh County project. BAF assets have grown to over $70 million with over 500 different funds managed by our three trustee banks. Today, Beckley Area Foundation is one of West Virginia’s largest community foundations.

Since its inception, BAF has distributed over $23 million to charities and other worthy projects in the fields of education, public recreation, health & human services, the arts, animal services and beautification.

Scholarships

The Beckley Area Foundation proudly manages scholarship funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to helping students pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships are tailored for specific schools, fields of study, or graduates from local high schools, while others offer broader opportunities. No matter the path, our scholarships aim to support students from our region as they work toward achieving their educational goals.

Most of these scholarships must be awarded to students from our geographic area or at least preference given to such students. While the majority of scholarships benefit Raleigh County applicants there are others designated for Fayette, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming students. 

Mary Louise Klaus Scholarship

A need and merit based scholarship; for Raleigh County, WV high school graduates continuing their education at any accredited vocational school, college or university.

This scholarship is renewable.