Best Grants for Preschools in Texas

The Ted H. Foss Scholarship, offered by the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), provides $1,000 awards to undergraduate students majoring in geology or earth science at accredited colleges in Texas. This scholarship aims to support students' educational costs and promote their involvement in AIPG. Named in honor of Dr. Ted H. Foss, the scholarship recognizes his significant contributions to geology and education, including his work with astronauts and mentoring future geologists.

The Russell Foundation provides grants aimed at enhancing the development of children and youth into confident and responsible individuals. With a focus on education, character building, health, and intervention, the foundation seeks to support programs that address the holistic needs of young people. Their mission emphasizes fostering a positive environment that promotes growth and development, ensuring that children and youth can achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The Texas Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to protect agricultural viability by limiting non-agricultural land uses. It offers two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) to conserve working farms and ranches, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to restore degraded wetlands. Additionally, the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) supports collaborative efforts for wetland protection and enhancement, ensuring sustainable agriculture and conservation of natural resources.

The Giving Branch Scholarship, funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support working adults in pursuing higher education within the communities served by Flat Branch. This scholarship offers financial assistance ranging from $500 to $5,000, targeting individuals aged 25 and older who meet specific employment, residency, and academic criteria. By investing in education, the Giving Branch Foundation seeks to empower local residents and contribute positively to the community.

Texas Health and Human Services

Texas Health and Human Services, also known as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), helps more than 7.5 million Texans every month. The agency supports the needs of mothers, children and families through programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, women’s health and behavioral health services.

HHSC provides long-term services and supports for seniors and people with disabilities, and operates state supported living centers for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and state psychiatric hospitals. HHSC also regulates health care providers, professions and facilities to protect the health and safety of Texans.

Fiscal Year 2026 Innovation Grant Program

Executive Summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the System Agency, is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Innovation Grant Program.

The purpose of this program is to support Rural Hospitals, Rural Hospital Authorities (RHA), and Rural Hospitals Districts (RHD) to provide access to health care, improve quality of care, strengthen financial stability, and ensure initiatives are sustainable.

The Giving Branch Foundation, fully funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support local communities through donations. By distributing funds to individuals facing hardships such as unexpected medical bills or disaster recovery, the foundation strives to uplift those in need. Grants are available for various eligible hardships, ensuring financial assistance reaches those who require immediate support. The mission is to give back to communities that have long supported the foundation's efforts.

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 Effective Advising Framework Implementation Year 1

Program Description

The Effective Advising Framework (EAF) supports the development and implementation of an individual student planning system within the context of a comprehensive school counseling program. The EAF also aims to foster innovation and promotion of promising and proven career and technical education (CTE) programs, which may include nontraditional fields. This includes the development, implementation, and adoption of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers and industries.

This grant project supports school districts who successfully completed all the requirements of the EAF planning process through the 2025-2026 Effective Advising Planning Grant. Districts will be supported by an Effective Advising Framework Coach (EAF Coach) at the ESC who will monitor, support, and coach the district through effective advising implementation aligned to the essential actions and key practices of the Effective Advising Framework. The intended outcome of this program is to improve the district’s individual student planning system and to measure the impact of individual student planning when implemented with fidelity.  

The Tocker Foundation offers General Library Grants aimed at enhancing library services and programs in rural Texas communities with populations of 12,000 or less. Grants support various initiatives including technology upgrades, collection development, and community outreach. Applications are reviewed biannually by a committee from the Texas Library Association, ensuring that funds are allocated to projects that significantly benefit local patrons. Libraries are encouraged to discuss their proposals in advance to align with funding priorities.

The Episcopal Health Foundation of Dallas provides annual grants to support parishes, schools, and non-profit organizations within the Diocese of Dallas. Focus areas include food insecurity, homelessness, poverty alleviation, and health services. Eligible organizations must operate within the diocese's geographic boundaries and align with its Christian mission. Grants aim to strengthen communities through innovative programs that address basic human needs and improve lives. Applications must meet specific criteria and deadlines to be considered.

The West Texas Paralegal Association Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to support students pursuing an associate's degree in Paralegal Studies at South Plains College. This scholarship is available to legal residents from specific counties who are enrolled in at least 6 credit hours in the program. The foundation awards over 100 scholarships annually, fostering educational opportunities and community development.

The 2025-2026 ESC Texas Strategic Leadership (TSL) Funding Grant, offered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance public education by certifying ESC teams as TSL Lead Coaches and TSL Performance Management Data Specialists. This grant is designed for teams that complete a comprehensive year-long training program, contributing to the overall improvement of educational outcomes in Texas.

The Luling Foundation offers a $2,000 Agriculture Scholarship Grant for students pursuing agriculture-related degrees. This scholarship is awarded to one student, disbursed in two installments during the freshman year. Eligibility requires residency in Caldwell, Gonzales, or Guadalupe County, and applicants must maintain a good academic and conduct record. The scholarship is not renewable and aims to support the advancement of agriculture through education and community involvement.

The Luling Foundation's Healthcare Scholarship Grant offers $2,000 to students pursuing healthcare-related degrees at Texas colleges. This award is intended for residents of Caldwell, Gonzales, or Guadalupe Counties who demonstrate a solid academic and conduct record. The scholarship is non-renewable and will support students during their freshman year, requiring enrollment in at least twelve semester hours. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, ensuring access to quality education in healthcare.

The Luling Foundation offers a one-time $1,000 Trade/Vocational Scholarship Grant to support students in Caldwell, Gonzales, and Guadalupe Counties pursuing vocational training. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a high school diploma, and maintain good academic and conduct records. This scholarship aims to promote education in trade skills, providing financial assistance for students beginning their vocational studies in the fall semester.

The 2025-2026 Food Security, School Readiness, and Recovery Pilot Grant Program, Year 3, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes through targeted funding. This initiative supports Save the Children in implementing food security measures, kindergarten transition programs, and afterschool initiatives for children up to sixth grade, while also addressing pandemic-related learning losses. By focusing on holistic support, the program seeks to foster a healthier, more prepared generation of students.

The Texas Education Agency is launching the 2025-2026 Leadership Academy, which includes Specialized Leadership Coaching Teams. This initiative aims to develop aspiring school system leaders through effective programming grounded in research-based practices. Utilizing the Center for Effective Districts, the agency will provide logistical and operational support to enhance educational outcomes across Texas. This grant will play a crucial role in building leadership capacity within schools, fostering improved educational environments for students.

The 2025-2026 Title IV, Part A ESC Capacity Building State Initiative, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes across Texas. This grant focuses on providing training and resources to 20 Education Service Centers (ESCs) to improve well-rounded education, promote safe and healthy students, and leverage technology effectively. The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of school systems statewide, ensuring all students receive quality educational support.

The M.G. & Lillie A. Johnson Foundation Grant, established in 1958, aims to support charitable activities in the Texas Gulf Coast area, particularly in health and education. The Foundation, which has dispensed over $106 million to date, prioritizes nonprofits and institutions that serve Texas communities. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, and eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations. The Foundation's significant contributions have notably aided the establishment of the Lutheran Hospital Pavilion at M.D. Anderson Hospital.

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.

The Jack and Marci McMicken Scholarship Fund, administered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, is dedicated to supporting members and immediate family members of the Amarillo Bowling Association, the Amarillo Women’s Bowling Association, and the Amarillo Young Bowling Alliance. This scholarship does not utilize the AAF general application. The foundation plays a crucial role in addressing community challenges and fostering philanthropy in the Texas Panhandle.

The Hope Choice Pregnancy Center Scholarship, established in memory of Jacky Hall, supports mothers and birth mothers who are current or former clients of Hope Choice Pregnancy Center. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and provide verification from CareNet. Preference is given to students planning to attend Amarillo College or West Texas A&M University. This scholarship aims to empower women while addressing important community needs in the Texas Panhandle.

The Henry Hamilton Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and current college students from the Texas Panhandle's top 26 counties. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing degrees in Engineering or Environmental Science, allowing recipients the freedom to choose their educational institution. By investing in local talent, the foundation plays a crucial role in community development and addresses the region's educational needs.

The Dr. Charles and Phyllis Seward Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the Texas Panhandle. This scholarship prioritizes Native American applicants and is available to those who will attend Amarillo College or West Texas A&M University, allowing them to major in any field of study. By addressing educational needs, this scholarship aims to empower local youth and foster community development.

The Early College High School (ECHS) initiative by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers an innovative program that allows students to earn up to two years of college credit at no cost. Targeting historically underserved and at-risk students, ECHS promotes higher education access and success. Research indicates that ECHS participants are nearly three times more likely to earn college degrees compared to their peers, demonstrating its effectiveness in bridging educational gaps.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Texas provide crucial assistance to small rural businesses, aimed at fostering economic growth in underdeveloped areas. This program targets entities with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue, prioritizing smaller funding requests. Eligible projects include training, technical assistance, and economic development initiatives, ensuring that funds are effectively utilized to enhance community and business development in rural locations.

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. 

Effective Advising Framework Planning Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant program is to develop, maintain, and deliver core services to school systems as identified under TEC §8.051 and in accordance with the purposes of Regional Education Service Centers as established in TEC §8.002.

The Bob and Lanna Hatton Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from the top 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle who plan to pursue a degree in Education. Recipients can attend any college or university of their choice, provided they maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher while in college. This scholarship aims to foster educational growth and community development in the region.