Best Grants for Preschools in Texas

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

The Greater Texas Foundation's Islander Scholars Program offers financial assistance and support to Texas ECHS graduates transitioning to TAMU-CC. With a focus on underserved students, the program provides scholarships up to $2,000 per year for three years, along with ongoing academic, social, and emotional support. Each cohort accepts 40 students, ensuring personalized guidance through college, including mentorship and professional staff networking, to foster successful degree completion.

The Greater Texas Foundation (GTF) Grant aims to enhance educational opportunities for all Texans by supporting initiatives that increase postsecondary completion rates. The foundation focuses on data-driven strategies to help high school and college learners obtain credentials and reengage disconnected students. GTF prioritizes funding for projects that streamline educational pathways, expand student support systems, and foster rural collaborations. With grants typically ranging from $150,000 to $300,000, GTF encourages innovative approaches to drive systemic change in Texas education.

The Globe Life Texas Rangers Baseball and Softball Grant Program supports nonprofit baseball and softball initiatives across five states, including Texas and Arkansas. This program aims to enhance youth sports by providing funding for essential needs such as field renovations, equipment, and uniforms. Since 2012, it has awarded over $1.1 million to more than 150 organizations, ensuring children have access to the joy and community of sports. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth aged 18 and under.

The Astros Foundation Grant Program supports youth sports and education initiatives, aiming to uplift communities by addressing issues like childhood cancer and domestic violence. As the official charity of the Houston Astros, it aids local 501(c)3 nonprofits that focus on youth baseball/softball, literacy, and military recognition. With a commitment to reducing homelessness, the foundation engages fans to drive positive change in the community, ensuring all programs align with its mission of quality of life enhancement.

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 2026-2027 Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) Planning and Expansion Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance rural students' access to quality college and career pathways. By fostering multi-district partnerships, this initiative promotes regional collaboration among school systems and workforce entities to design and implement effective educational pathways. The program focuses on successful student transitions beyond high school, ensuring long-term capacity and accountability in education.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission invites applications for Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment projects aimed at enhancing the quality of care for nursing facility residents. Eligible organizations, including advocacy groups and long-term care facilities, can propose initiatives that improve resident care and quality of life. Funding is available for projects outside normal operations, with a focus on evidence-based practices. Applications are accepted during specified periods each year.

The Hancock Whitney Opportunity Grant, in collaboration with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, invites applications from eligible nonprofits starting October 7, 2025. This grant aims to enhance capacity building and sustainability for organizations focused on food insecurity, workforce development, and youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving low to moderate-income communities within Hancock Whitney's service areas, fostering impactful changes with AmeriCorps support.

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 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.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

2026-2027 Statewide ESSA Title I, Part A, Capacity Building Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of the Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative is to work cooperatively with the Federal Program Compliance Division and Department of Grant Compliance and Administration to develop and provide resources to ESCs and LEAs statewide to assist in implementing Title I, Part A; Title I, Part D; and Title I Private Nonprofit School (PNP) Equitable Services programs to increase the opportunity for all students in meeting the State’s content, student performance standards, and grant fiscal rules, regulations, and requirements.

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.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Title I Parent and Family Engagement Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of this program is to provide support to School Systems and ESCs by providing access to best practice resources and strategies to improve student achievement.

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.

The Owens Marmion Varke Clinical Mental Health Counseling Scholarship is offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation to support graduating seniors from ETCF Counties pursuing higher education at UT Tyler. This scholarship aims to empower students entering the clinical mental health program, reflecting a commitment to education and community development. Financial need is not a consideration, allowing a broader range of applicants to benefit from this opportunity for academic advancement.

The Joe & Jessie Crump Foundation offers a grant focused on medical research in the field of cancer. This funding is exclusively available to charitable organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) entities under IRS regulations. Applications from individuals are not accepted. The foundation aims to support innovative research that can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and care, thereby contributing to the broader health and medical research landscape.

The Manning Foundation Grant, established by William O. Manning in 1992, supports research aimed at preventing blindness and curing eye diseases, alongside initiatives for intellectual and developmental disabilities. With an annual funding of approximately $250,000, the Foundation primarily assists organizations in Texas that meet 501(c)(3) tax-exempt criteria. By advancing innovative concepts and technology, the Foundation plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

The Joe & Jess Crump Foundation provides support to charitable organizations that assist children with disabilities. This private foundation prioritizes funding for nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Program areas include Human and Social Services as well as Health and Medical Research. However, individuals are not eligible to apply for grants, ensuring that funds are directed solely towards established nonprofit entities.

The Larry R. Smith First Responders Scholarship, established by the East Texas Communities Foundation, aims to support students pursuing education in law-related fields. Open to graduating seniors and non-traditional students in Smith County, this scholarship does not require FAFSA and is specifically for those planning to attend a four-year accredited college or university in the U.S. Special consideration is given to students interested in law enforcement careers.

The Hildur H. Michel Charitable Trust Grant supports organizations assisting individuals who are blind and visually impaired, primarily in Texas, particularly El Paso. Grants range from $3,000 to $5,000 and are awarded annually to 3-5 qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation does not typically fund requests for salaries not related to program support, ensuring that funds are directed towards meaningful programmatic efforts.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)

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.

2026-2028 Local Accountability Plan Grant

The Local Accountability Systems is a district-wide initiative through which districts and open-enrollment charter schools develop a plan to evaluate the performance of their campuses locally. Local Accountability Systems seek to engage the community and district in establishing locally relevant accountability measures, provide parents, families, and communities with detail information about local school performance and progress over time, and continuously improve student performance and preparedness for post-secondary success. 

The Smith County Bar Foundation Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, is designed for graduating seniors intending to study law or related fields at accredited colleges in Smith County, Texas. The scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in achieving dreams and requires FAFSA for financial need consideration. It provides one year of support to help students pursue their educational goals in law, criminal justice, and related areas.

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.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

SP Supports 2: Effective Program Model Implementation

Program Description

The purpose of this project is to provide school systems with supplemental supports that include professional development and technical assistance on TEA-developed program implementation resources and researched based guidance.

The Adeline & George McQueen Foundation Grant supports charitable, educational, religious, and hospital organizations in Texas. It primarily funds nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to enhancing community welfare through various program areas including education, religious initiatives, scientific research, and the arts. Note that individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant.

The Willmoth Family Scholarship, established in 2025 by Seth and Tamara Willmoth at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, awards $1,000 annually to economically disadvantaged first-year PA students with a 4.0 science GPA. This scholarship aims to support students who excelled in their undergraduate studies, fostering future healthcare leaders. UNTHSC, located in Fort Worth, offers over 100 scholarships annually to promote academic excellence and leadership within its health professions programs.

The Tyler City Employee Credit Union Scholarship, provided by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports high school seniors and non-traditional students pursuing education at accredited colleges, universities, or nonprofit technical schools. Applicants must be members or dependents of the Tyler City Employee Credit Union and demonstrate good moral character. Financial need is considered, with a FAFSA requirement. This scholarship aims to empower students to achieve their educational dreams and contribute positively to their communities.

The Sundt Foundation, established in 1999, supports local communities by offering grants and volunteer opportunities for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Focused on youth development, hunger and nutrition, and veteran services, the Foundation prioritizes projects in regions such as the Southwest and Southeast United States. However, they do not fund requests exceeding $25,000 or support multi-year pledges, fundraising events, or political causes. Their mission continues to foster community connections and belonging.

The 2030 Vision Scholarship at the University of North Texas Health Science Center supports Master of Science students in Drug Discovery and Development. This scholarship, valued at $500 with a total potential of $1,000, aims to foster academic excellence and leadership in future health care providers. Eligible candidates must maintain good academic standing and provide a vision for drug discovery by 2030, demonstrating their commitment to advancing this vital field.