Best Grants for Preschools in Texas

The Smith County Baptist Ministers Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students from Smith County pursuing any field of study at colleges in the United States. Open to graduating seniors and current college students, this scholarship emphasizes educational empowerment. Notably, applicants must be dependents of ordained Smith County Baptist ministers. Financial need is not a criterion, and students may reapply for continued support.

The Tatum Music Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from select East Texas high schools pursuing a degree in Instrumental Music Education. Financial need is a key consideration, requiring FAFSA documentation. This renewable scholarship aims to empower students with a passion for music, reflecting the foundation's commitment to educational access and community enrichment within the region.

The Texas Rose Festival Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students from Smith County who are graduating seniors or current college students attending any Texas college. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring a completed FAFSA. Established to empower students in their educational pursuits, it reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic success and community development in East Texas.

The Perry Dean and Alice Graham Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, with a special focus on Navarro County. Established in 1987, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare through grants in Arts, Culture, Education, and Human Services. Organizations must have operating budgets under $20 million to qualify for funding, ensuring that support reaches smaller, impactful entities dedicated to charitable purposes.

The Heather Nicole Moseley Memorial Scholarship is designed for college students from the Texas Panhandle pursuing degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Sports and Exercise Science. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and intend to seek advanced degrees at specific Texas institutions. The scholarship aims to support students dedicated to improving healthcare in their communities while promoting educational advancement.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Faulconer Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports minority students from Smith County's Tyler Independent School District who are graduating seniors. This scholarship emphasizes educational empowerment and is available for those pursuing any major at Texas colleges. Financial need is considered, with FAFSA required. The scholarship is renewable, reflecting the foundation's commitment to helping students achieve their academic dreams and contributing to the community's future.

The Sammy Joe Calhoun & Martha Jean Calhoun Family Scholarship for Disability Studies, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in fields such as special education and therapy. Established to promote educational opportunities, this scholarship is aimed at graduating seniors and requires financial need documentation through FAFSA. With renewable support, it reflects a commitment to empowering individuals dedicated to improving the lives of those with disabilities.

The Heather Hinkle Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, established by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports college students from the Texas Panhandle who have faced significant health challenges. Eligible applicants must have completed a quarter of their degree, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and have received a cancer diagnosis before turning 18. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing further education in the medical field, fostering resilience and academic success in the community.

The Pasha Zapolsky Memorial Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public, private, or homeschool backgrounds. Open to any college in the U.S., this scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FASFA documentation. Applicants must showcase competitive soccer skills, demonstrate Christian faith, and submit a written essay. Established to empower students in their educational pursuits, the scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting community-driven initiatives.

The TJC Sisterhood Legacy Scholarship, provided by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating senior girls from Texas high schools who wish to pursue an Associate's or Bachelor’s degree at Tyler Junior College. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FAFSA documentation, and aims to empower young women to achieve their educational goals. Established in 1989, the Foundation has a strong commitment to fostering educational opportunities within the community.

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 Elesa Crump Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund, managed by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and current college students with documented disabilities from the Texas Panhandle. Recipients must enroll in Amarillo College or West Texas A&M University. The fund aims to enhance educational access and opportunities for individuals facing learning challenges, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to improving the quality of life in the region.

2026-2028 Bluebonnet Learning Beacon Grant

The Bluebonnet Learning Beacons Grant Program identifies and elevates Texas school systems that demonstrate strong, sustained implementation of grades K–5 math or reading language arts (RLA) Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials, supported by effective instructional systems and structures within their school system.

Through this program, Bluebonnet Learning Beacons are supported to:

• Serve as learning hubs by establishing Bluebonnet Learning Labs that allow other Texas school systems to observe rigorous, grade-level instruction and the systems, routines, and practices that enable successful Bluebonnet Learning implementation.
• Engage in a statewide community of practice, convening monthly with fellow Bluebonnet Learning Beacon school systems to strengthen implementation, share best practices, and collaboratively address challenges using a solutions-oriented approach.
• Amplify effective practice through the development of collateral - such as site visits, case studies, and classroom videos or teacher interviews—that highlight implementation bright spots, build momentum for Bluebonnet Learning use, and showcase student engagement in Bluebonnet Learning classrooms.

Program Description

The purpose of this grant program is to provide targeted capacity support to increase the number of School Psychologists across the state of Texas. By investing in the academic infrastructure of School Psychologist programs, this initiative aims to expand program capacity, maintain instructional quality, and accelerate the pipeline of qualified School Psychologists entering the workforce in Texas. This effort directly addresses the statewide shortage of licensed School Psychologists and supports the long-term goal of improving access to essential evaluations and services for students with disabilities.

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 grant funds will support enhancements to module preparation, expansion of accessibility supports, and the design and development of American Sign Language instruction and professional networking opportunities. Funding also will be used to strengthen recruitment efforts for the next cohort with a target enrollment of up to 15 students.

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. 

Local Accountability Plan Technical Assistance Grant

Program Description

The scope of the work will include providing technical assistance for school systems as they develop their Local Accountability System plan.

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. 

Governance Interventions Field Service Support

Program Description

This project supports Commissioner-initiated interventions and the delivery of intensive educational assistance aimed at ensuring students perform at grade level by reimbursing school systems for costs associated with an appointed external field agent. 

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. 

Discipline and Behavior Supports

Program Description

The purpose of this program is to support the creation, dissemination, and implementation of state-level technical assistance, professional development training, tools, and resources. These include, but are not limited to, the following topics: intensive behavioral interventions, alternatives to exclusionary discipline practices, and addressing the individualization of disciplinary practices for students with disabilities. This grant will support the development of a series of courses and training, enabling us to scale their usage across the state. The initial audience for the technical assistance and professional development provided through this grant is school district and Education Service Center (ESC) staff. These individuals work directly to support children with disabilities who exhibit challenging behaviors, aiming to improve special educator practices and outcomes for students with disabilities.

Examples of the types of activities supported by this grant include, but are not limited to, developing a variety of courses, webinars, and resources on topics outlined in the grant program’s purpose, with the goal of future implementation and statewide scaling.

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 Ed and Judy Grabber Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the Texas Panhandle's top 26 counties who are pursuing degrees in Agriculture or Education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and maintain a 2.5 GPA during college. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities in the region and foster future leaders in crucial fields.

The Patsy Key Ponder Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Jefferson ISD in Texas. This renewable scholarship aims to assist students pursuing any accredited college or university degree in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA and plan to enroll as full-time students. Established to empower students in their educational journeys, it reflects the foundation's commitment to fostering academic success and community development.

The Mark W. Allen Memorial Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, is intended for graduating seniors from Texas who plan to attend a University of Texas System University and major in journalism, English, creative writing, photography, or radio-television-film. Financial need is not a consideration, and the scholarship provides support for one year, reflecting a commitment to empowering students in their educational pursuits.

The Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund offers mini-grants up to $4,000 to grassroots groups addressing environmental issues, particularly in response to the February Deep Freeze. Applications are open to both formal and informal organizations, with a focus on community involvement and strategic action. Grants will prioritize applicants with annual budgets under $50,000. Evaluation criteria include project need, community participation, and the capacity to implement proposed activities.

The Nickolas-Trusczkowska Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students aged 17-30 recovering from addiction. This renewable scholarship is available for high school graduates, current college students, and non-traditional students pursuing any field of study at any college in the United States. While financial need is not a requirement, this scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering individuals through education and assisting them in achieving their academic goals.