Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Texas

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The Texas Panhandle General Scholarship Fund, managed by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports college students from the 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle. Applicants must maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 and enroll in a college within the region, pursuing any degree from Associate to Doctorate. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community development through accessible higher education.

The Joni Elaine Templeton Foundation Grant aims to support qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Texas, particularly those serving the Austin community. With a focus on various program types including education, human services, and animal-related initiatives, this foundation honors the legacy of Ms. Templeton, who was known for her generosity and commitment to charitable purposes. The foundation seeks to make a positive impact through its funding efforts.

The Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) offers Veterans Mental Health (VMH) Grants to support organizations providing mental health services to veterans and their families. This program includes counseling, peer-support services, and service dog programs. Eligible applicants include local governments and certain non-profit organizations, while individuals and for-profit entities are excluded. The initiative aims to improve veterans' quality of life and successful community integration through various evidence-based practices and training opportunities.

Executive Summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the System Agency, is accepting applications for the Rural Texas Strong Initiative 4: The Next Generation of the Small Town Doctor and Team. The purpose of this program is to assist eligible rural healthcare providers with recruiting and training healthcare professionals in rural Texas communities by building local education and training pipelines and developing and implementing retention strategies for providers or professionals practicing in rural areas. Applicants should reference Section II, Scope of Grant, for further detailed information regarding the purpose, background, eligible populations, and requirements.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

2026-2027 Elementary Reading Initiative

Program Description

The Elementary Reading Initiative (ERI) provides districts with Technical Assistance to support districts leaders, campus leaders, and educators to implement high-quality instructional materials and research based instruction.

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

The Elementary Reading Initiative (ERI) provides districts with Technical Assistance to support districts leaders, campus leaders, and educators to implement high-quality instructional materials and research based instructional strategies, develop effective intervention systems, and manage continuous improvement cycles. This grant will be supplemental to existing requirements for campuses and districts and target districts with 1,000-12,500 students and at least 40% economically disadvantaged students system-wide.

SparkForce: The FMA Foundation

Formerly known as Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (or NBT), SparkForce is the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. While our name has changed, our mission has not. Our purpose is to inspire, attract, and support individuals in discovering an interest in manufacturing and to encourage their pursuit of a manufacturing career.

2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of FMA. Started by one man and his vision, FMA has transformed into an association dedicated to helping metal manufacturers thrive and move the industry forward.

Scholarships

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers.

3 Scholarship Awards, 1 Application

• Community College, Trade School, or University; The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship; and The John Grossheim Memorial Scholarship.

Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, school fees, books purchased through the college store, and required tools or equipment such as PPE (if available for purchase through the college store). Funds cannot be used for housing, meals, or costs unrelated to the program.

FMA Scholarship: The U.K. Gupta & Family Scholarship

Preference given to students attending universities in north Texas.

The Danny Gunn Memorial Scholarship, established by Melinda Gunn in memory of her husband, honors the legacy of a dedicated agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. Awarded by the Community Foundation of West Texas, this scholarship supports graduating seniors from Area 1 FFA Texas high schools who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. With a commitment to fostering future leaders in agriculture, it aids students pursuing higher education at Texas Tech University or Texas A&M University.

The Employees Community Fund (ECF) of The Boeing Company empowers employees to make a significant impact through collective fundraising, supporting nonprofit organizations in their communities for over 60 years. The Houston Chapter focuses on delivering essential health and human services to diverse groups, ensuring equitable support regardless of gender, race, or background. With employee-led grantmaking initiatives, the ECF fosters community engagement and enhances local welfare, reflecting its commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The 2025-2027 Fatherhood and Parental Involvement in Literacy Grant aims to enhance early childhood literacy in Texas by expanding the All Pro Dad chapter program. This initiative encourages fathers to engage in their children's reading activities through a multimedia literacy campaign. Key activities include developing a chapter support team, launching a media awareness campaign, and organizing events like the Chapter Father Time Reading Challenge and Daddy Read to Me Turf Events, ultimately fostering parental engagement in education.

About CPRIT

The State of Texas has established the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), which may issue up to $6 billion in general obligation bonds to fund grants for cancer research and prevention.

CPRIT is charged by the Texas Legislature to do the following:

• Create and expedite innovation in the area of cancer research and in enhancing the potential for a medical or scientific breakthrough in the prevention of, or cures for, cancer;
• Attract, create, or expand research capabilities of public or private institutions of higher education and other public or private entities that will promote a substantial increase in cancer research and in the creation of high-quality new jobs in the State of Texas; and 
• Develop and implement the Texas Cancer Plan

Rationale

The aim of this award mechanism is to bolster cancer research in Texas by providing financial support to attract very promising investigators who are pursuing their first faculty appointment at the level of assistant professor (first-time, tenure-track faculty members). These individuals must have demonstrated academic excellence, innovation during predoctoral and/or postdoctoral research training, commitment to pursuing cancer research, and exceptional potential for achieving future impact in basic, translational, population-based, or clinical research. Awards are intended to provide institutions with a competitive edge in recruiting the world’s best talent in cancer research, thereby advancing cancer research and prevention efforts, and promoting economic development in the State of Texas.

The recruitment of outstanding scientists will greatly enhance programs of scientific excellence in cancer research and will position Texas as a leader in the fight against cancer. Applications may address any research topic related to cancer biology, causation, prevention, detection or screening, treatment, or survivorship. Principal Investigators (PIs) with research programs addressing CPRIT’s priority areas for research are encouraged. These include implementation research to accelerate the adoption and deployment of evidence-based prevention and screening interventions, computational oncology and analytic methods, research including population-based research addressing cancer disparities, childhood and adolescent cancers, hepatocellular cancer, and expansion of access to innovative clinical trials.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees Texas public education, aiding over 5 million students. It administers grants to local educational agencies, including school districts and nonprofits, to enhance educational outcomes. The 2025-2026 School Readiness Models program promotes a research-based pre-reading model for preschoolers, aiming to improve early literacy and kindergarten readiness. This initiative fosters community collaborations and provides vital resources, including training and educational materials, to support Texas Rising Star Provider Certification.

Simmons First Foundation: Make a Difference Grant

Amount:

• $2,500 up to $50,000

For the upcoming grant cycle, funding will be limited to programs focused on:Special Education:  K-12 Youth with disabilities, including physical disabilities, developmental and cognitive disabilities, and sensory impairments.   (examples including):

• Inclusive theater and performing arts programs
• Adapted, hands-on STEM learning
• Accessible coding, robotics, and maker-space activities
• Science-based learning adapted for diverse abilities
• Assistive technology and adaptive learning tools
• Adaptive physical education and recreation programs

Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention:  K-12 Youth (examples including):

• Evidence-based prevention programs targeting alcohol, opioids, vaping, and other substance use
• Skill-building programs that focus on refusal skills, decision making, coping strategies, and peer pressure resistanc
• Early intervention programs for at-risk youth
• Recovery support services for youth in early recovery (including peer support groups, mentoring, and relapse prevention planning)
• Youth-focused programs that teach emotional regulation, anger management, and non-violent communication
• Intervention programs for youth exposed to or at risk of violence
• Peer mediation and restorative justice programs that reduce disciplinary incidents and promote accountability

The Austin Area Society of Health-System Pharmacists Scholarship, established in 1998, supports students enrolled in the Pharm.D. program at the University of Texas. This scholarship, ranging from $500 to $1,500, prioritizes applicants based on financial need rather than academic achievement. Preference is given to members of the University of Texas Student chapter of TSHP, promoting community and professional engagement within Texas's health-system pharmacy sector.

The Talbert Family Memorial Scholarship, established by Dr. William L. Talbert, honors his parents and grandparents while encouraging students to pursue higher education. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors or current college students from the CBCF seven-county service area who demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to accounting majors, ensuring a focus on the field that Dr. Talbert dedicated his career to.

The Jim Springer Memorial Scholarship, established by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Jim Springer, a beloved master of ceremonies and community leader in Corpus Christi. This scholarship supports college students majoring in Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, or Communications, who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and are residents of the CBCF service area. It aims to empower future leaders in these fields while commemorating Springer's contributions to the community.

The Roberts - Douglas Roberts Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, aims to support wheelchair-bound students with special needs in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors and current college students who are permanent residents of Nueces County and attend any Texas college, university, or trade school. The foundation's mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend through community support and philanthropy.

The Celso and Matiana M. Cuéllar Sr. Scholarship, established in 2002, supports students of Hispanic heritage pursuing pharmacy education in Texas. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $1,500, it aims to promote academic excellence and assist students with financial needs. Funded by the TSHP Research and Education Foundation, this initiative reflects a commitment to improving healthcare and education within the community, honoring the legacy of its founders who valued education as a pathway to success.

The Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund, established in 1953, offers financial assistance to paraplegic or quadriplegic students residing in Texas. This scholarship covers tuition, books, and necessary appliances for students pursuing education at any accredited institution, including elementary to graduate schools. It aims to empower individuals with disabilities by providing essential support for their educational journeys, thereby fostering inclusive opportunities and contributing to thriving communities throughout Texas.

The Central Texas Society of Health System Pharmacists Scholarship, established in 2003, supports pharmacy students completing rotations in the San Antonio area. Offered by the TSHP Research and Education Foundation, scholarships range from $500 to $1,500, awarded based on financial need, academic ability, and community service involvement. Eligible applicants must be active members of CTSHP and TSHP, hold a minimum GPA of 2.5, and be fourth-year pharmacy students. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare through education and professional development.

The Dr. Michael Piñón Scholarship is awarded to pharmacy students at Texas Southern University, honoring the legacy of Dr. Piñón, a notable figure in pharmacy. This $500 to $1,500 scholarship emphasizes financial need, academic performance, and leadership, prioritizing applicants from the El Paso area. Established in 2006 by the El Paso Society, it reflects the commitment to advancing pharmacy education and supporting future healthcare leaders in Texas.

The Eustacio Galvan Memorial Scholarship, established in 2003, honors a distinguished leader in health-system pharmacy, Eustacio Galvan. Funded by the TSHP Research and Education Foundation, this scholarship supports full-time pharmacy students in Texas, emphasizing financial need and academic excellence. Scholarships range from $500 to $1,500, with a preference for applicants of Hispanic/Latino descent. This initiative continues to strengthen the pharmacy community and promote high standards in patient care.

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 Jon Peyton Hudlow & Mark Tamble Memorial Scholarship, established by the TSHP Research & Education Foundation, supports pharmacy students in Texas with scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500. The scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, and commitment to patient care. This initiative honors the legacy of past presidents Jon Hudlow and Mark Tamble, who significantly contributed to the pharmacy profession and its community. Applications are encouraged from students with a GPA above 2.5 and demonstrated leadership.

The Doyle Vogler Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, honors a dedicated Lubbock ISD teacher and administrator. This scholarship awards $2,500 to graduating seniors of Lubbock ISD pursuing vocational training or higher education. By supporting local students, the scholarship aims to foster educational equity and empower future generations in the South Plains area. It reflects a commitment to nurturing and inspiring students to achieve their academic goals.