Best Grants for Rural Development in Texas

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Collections-Related Grants for Nonprofits, aimed at enhancing public interest in art through innovative projects. Grants support exhibitions, academic convenings, research, and catalog publication, focusing on art from the Spanish Americas, digital media, and more. The foundation prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., particularly from New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, fostering partnerships that advance art scholarship and cultural engagement.

The De Colores Rapid Response Fund, established by the Peace Development Fund, aims to provide swift financial support to grassroots organizing efforts in marginalized communities, particularly focusing on communities of color and low-income individuals. Inspired by the traditional Mexican song that symbolizes diversity and solidarity, this fund seeks to create impactful opportunities for strategic interventions in urgent social situations. Grants are available for projects under $5,000 that align with these goals.

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 KaBOOM! Adventure Courses Grant Program offers funding to create engaging playspaces for older children and teens. This initiative encourages community involvement through a collaborative design and build process, aiming to address the need for physical activity in low-income areas. Eligible applicants include organizations that serve youth and can demonstrate community support. Grants are available on a rolling basis, with a focus on priority cities impacted by recent events, including rural Colorado and Hurricane Harvey-affected Texas communities.

The State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) Program provides affordable financial assistance for projects outlined in the state water plan. Managed by the Texas Water Development Board, it offers low-interest loans and flexible repayment options to support water management strategies. Eligible projects include conservation, desalination, and infrastructure development. The program aims to optimize water supplies efficiently and effectively, particularly benefiting rural communities and agricultural water conservation efforts.

The Trull Foundation offers local sponsorship grants to organizations seeking funding for events under $1,500, prioritizing children in rural areas, those affected by substance abuse, and projects in the coastal Texas environment. Interested applicants should submit requests at least one month prior to their events. The foundation values cooperation with other organizations and may provide guidance on project assistance, ensuring resources are effectively utilized for community benefit.

The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Special Project Funding to support innovative initiatives in the arts, particularly in under-resourced areas. This grant encourages collaborative projects that enhance community engagement and education, focusing on art exhibitions and scholarships in the greater Texas Panhandle. By fostering leadership and creativity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact in the fields of art and art history.

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. 

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.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

What is an eligible area?

• Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
• The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
• The lender may be located anywhere.

Check eligible addresses for Business Programs here.

 What kind of funding is available? 

Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

The TCA Texas Arts Respond Project Grant, offered by the Texas Commission on the Arts, supports innovative arts projects that enhance education, health, economic development, public safety, and environmental awareness in Texas. Eligible applicants include various arts organizations and institutions that comply with specific regulations. This competitive grant program aims to foster creativity and community engagement, ultimately contributing to the state's cultural and economic vitality.

The T.L.L. Temple Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in East Texas by addressing poverty through targeted grants in education, health, economic development, and community revitalization. With a focus on marginalized communities, the foundation aims to break the cycle of poverty by improving access to essential resources and opportunities. By investing in health care, educational programs, and economic initiatives, they strive to foster thriving communities and promote sustainable growth in the region.

The Emerging Artists Competition & Exhibition, organized by Arts For Rural Texas, showcases the creativity of rural Texas students in grades 6-12. Participants submit original artwork for a chance to win ribbons and share in $5,000 in cash prizes. This annual event, held at the Ross Gallery, aims to inspire young artists and promote cultural engagement in rural communities, while fostering artistic development and appreciation among youth.

The CHS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing agricultural education through its Teacher Grants program, providing up to $50,000 for innovative projects. This initiative aims to engage students in experiential learning within rural communities across various states. By supporting teachers and their creative ideas, the foundation fosters educational growth and prepares future agricultural leaders, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector. This commitment reflects CHS's broader mission of community support and development.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Texas provides essential funding for the development of community facilities in rural areas. This program aims to support public bodies, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in enhancing local services, such as healthcare, education, and public safety. Eligible areas include rural communities with populations under 20,000. Grants cover significant project costs, making it easier for smaller communities to access vital resources for their development.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Texas support eligible rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that jeopardize safe drinking water. Events qualifying as emergencies include droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. The grants can fund water transmission lines and new water sources, with funding up to $1,000,000. These efforts aim to restore access to clean water and enhance local environments, ultimately benefiting rural households and businesses.

The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) in Texas aims to revitalize downtown areas by funding infrastructure improvements that promote economic activity. This program prioritizes projects that benefit low-to-moderate income individuals while addressing issues of slum and blight. With a funding limit of $1,000,000 and a minimum matching requirement of $20,000, it seeks to enhance public facilities and housing conditions, ultimately fostering viable communities and supporting workforce development.

The Texas Health Impact Grant Cohort, led by the Texas Pride Community Foundation, aims to empower grassroots organizations addressing HIV/AIDS challenges, particularly among Black and Latinx communities. This three-year program, beginning in January 2026, focuses on linking individuals to care and promoting advocacy. By fostering innovative solutions, TPCF seeks to enhance the health and well-being of those affected by HIV across Texas, ensuring equitable access to resources and support.

The 2025-2026 AWARE Texas Expansion Consortium Grant Program aims to enhance mental health services for school-aged youth facing behavioral health challenges. Through strategic collaboration with education service centers, the program will implement evidence-based practices to improve access to mental health resources, promote awareness, and develop competencies in students. Key objectives include establishing referral pathways, training staff, and engaging families to foster a supportive environment, ultimately leading to positive educational and mental health outcomes across participating school systems.

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers the Exploratory Travel Award, granting up to $5,000 to PhD students for travel in Latin America. This initiative aims to support the development of innovative research projects by allowing students to connect with local scholars and visit archives and museums. The award is particularly focused on early-career PhD students, especially those from Europe and Latin America, and encourages contributions to the history of painting and sculpture in viceregal South America.

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 TX Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants, administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, provides funding to enhance outdoor recreational experiences across Texas. Since 1965, this program has supported communities in building parks, conserving resources, and developing trails. Grants cover up to 80% of project costs, with maximum awards of $300,000 for non-motorized and $500,000 for motorized projects. This initiative promotes environmental stewardship and fosters a connection to nature for all Texans.

The Rural Arts Initiative Grant Program, established by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, aims to support nonprofit arts organizations in rural communities. The program encourages access to the arts through scholarships, community engagement, and innovative activities. Priority is given to organizations located in areas with populations under 20,000, ensuring that artistic opportunities are available to both adults and children. Applications are accepted for one year of funding, with potential for up to three consecutive years.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) in Texas offers low-cost financing for various pollution control projects, including wastewater and stormwater management. With over $460 million allocated for Fiscal Year 2024, this program supports the planning, design, and construction of essential infrastructure. Key features include below-market interest rates, principal forgiveness for disadvantaged communities, and funding for urgent projects. CWSRF is vital for enhancing water quality and environmental sustainability in Texas communities.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

The Rural West-Central Texas- Paula Windham Fund Grants support non-profit organizations that enhance the quality of life in rural communities. Applicants must interview with Foundation staff and apply via the Foundant GLM system. Eligible organizations include those in specific Texas counties and those within a 150-mile radius of Oplin. The fund focuses on areas such as arts, community development, education, and health services, honoring the legacy of Dr. Paula Andree Windham.

The TCA Cultural District Project, initiated by the Texas Commission on the Arts, aims to foster economic and cultural development through arts-driven initiatives. This program supports projects that enhance local economies by attracting visitors and investment, focusing on cultural tourism. Eligible applicants include TCA Cultural Districts and established arts organizations, with funding requests ranging from $3,000 to a maximum of $250,000, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. The program emphasizes high-quality arts programming and improved accessibility.