Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Texas

The Scanlan Foundation Grant aims to foster a culture of vocations within the Catholic Church in Texas by supporting initiatives that promote priesthood, religious life, and strong families. Through strategic funding, the foundation prioritizes education, marriage preparation, and community support to enhance the spiritual growth of individuals and families. This grants program is a vital resource for organizations committed to nurturing faith and service, ensuring that the values of the Catholic faith continue to thrive in the community.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

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.

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.

About Us

Texans voted in 2007 to create the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) and to invest $3 billion in the state’s unprecedented fight against cancer. On November 5, 2019, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to continue CPRIT’s work and invest an additional $3 billion for finding and funding the best cancer research and prevention opportunities in the state. CPRIT is now a $6 billion, 20-year initiative – the largest state cancer research investment in the history of the United States and the second largest cancer research and prevention program in the world. 

We accept applications and award grants for a wide variety of innovative cancer-related research and product development and for the delivery of evidence-based cancer prevention programs and services by public and private entities located in Texas.

Dissemination of CPRIT-Funded Cancer Control Interventions

The Dissemination of CPRIT-Funded Cancer Control Interventions (DI) award mechanism seeks to fund programs that facilitate the sharing and uptake of successful CPRIT Prevention Program-supported projects, results, and products through their dissemination and implementation across Texas. CPRIT supports applications surrounding the dissemination of successful projects, as well as the dissemination of products, specific tangible deliverables, or outputs created within a successful project. This award mechanism is open only to completed CPRIT Prevention Program-funded projects that have ended within the last 3 years or to ongoing expansion projects. A DI application may not be submitted while the original preventive service project is ongoing. Applicants may request any amount of funding up to a maximum of $450,000 in total funding over a maximum of 36 months. Up to 2 DI awards are allowed for each previously funded CPRIT Prevention Program project. Only 1 DI application per previously funded CPRIT Prevention Program project is permitted per cycle

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 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 Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

Preparation for Adult Living (TX)

The State of Texas, by and through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on behalf of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Child Protective Services (CPS) Program seeks Applicants to provide Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) Life Skills Training and Assessment Services in an effective and efficient manner in DFPS Regions 7-11 to DFPS Youth and Young Adults to help them successfully transition to adulthood

Estimated Total Available Funding :

• $3,480,950.00 

Estimated max award

• $696,190.00

The Betty and Roy Erickson Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students in East Texas pursuing higher education. Established in 1989, the foundation promotes educational opportunities through various scholarships. To be eligible, applicants must be graduating seniors with a minimum SAT score of 1400 or ACT score of 31. This scholarship is not based on financial need and offers support for one year at any college in Texas.

The Jean and Jim Gulley Texas Tech Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors or previous graduates from high schools in East Texas or Quanah, TX. Eligible students must plan to attend Texas Tech University full-time and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering students through education, ensuring they have the financial resources to pursue their academic ambitions.

The Glenn and Vivian Prater Memorial Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and college students from Liberty County and surrounding areas. This scholarship emphasizes educational achievement and is renewable, helping students pursue any field of study. Applicants must demonstrate financial need (FAFSA required) and be Eagle Scouts. This initiative reflects a commitment to empowering youth through education, fostering dreams and aspirations in the community.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The Crystelle Waggoner Charitable Trust supports charitable organizations in the arts and social services, with a focus on those operating in Tarrant County. Established by Crystelle Waggoner, the trust provides grants ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. Eligible organizations must have been in existence since before January 24, 1982, and must wait one grant cycle before reapplying for funding. The trust aims to continue Waggoner's legacy of supporting the community.

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 Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The Facts on Fire Pilot Grant, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance mathematics fact fluency for students in Farmersville ISD and Castleberry ISD. This initiative focuses on providing stipends and materials to implement evidence-based programs designed to improve numeracy and computational skills. By supplementing core mathematics instruction with targeted, short duration tasks, the grant seeks to elevate student performance and engagement in mathematics.

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 State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant

The purpose of the State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant is to provide high-quality facilities support to Texas charter schools and support State Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG) grantees. The grant activities include providing technical assistance for charter school leaders on smart decision-making related to facilities and growth. This support aims to increase expertise in facilities planning, financing and operations. Grant activities also include supporting SFIG grantees through monitoring and evaluation to ensure awarded SFIG funds are appropriately stewarded. 

Facilities Training Program

Support under this section of the grant will provide tools and share best practices for smart facility growth. Topics may include state school funding policy, facility budgeting, financing options, compliance, and navigating legal requirements for construction. This support will include a training plan, curriculum, materials, and online modules.

Differentiated Technical Assistance

Support under this section of the grant will provide targeted and support or advice related to facilities funding decisions and planning. Support will be individualized to each subgrantee based on a needs assessment and may include individualized advice and plan development related to topics like facility budgeting, financing options, compliance, and navigating legal requirements for construction.

Subgrantee Monitoring

Support under this section of the grant will provide effective monitoring and evaluation of SFIG grantees. This support will include evaluation against SFIG grant requirements and ensure awarded SFIG funds are appropriately stewarded. 

The Clara Blackford Smith & W. Aubrey Smith Charitable Foundation, established in 1978, aims to enhance quality education, health care, and human services for underserved populations in Grayson County, Texas. With a commitment to supporting charitable organizations that align with these goals, the foundation continues Mrs. Smith's legacy as a benefactor of health care. Special considerations are made for initiatives directly benefiting the local community.

The L. Ray Vahue Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports City of Amarillo employees and their families. This scholarship allows recipients to apply annually, ensuring continued educational support. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for residents of the Texas Panhandle by addressing educational needs. Eligible applicants must complete the foundation's General Scholarship Application and maintain enrollment requirements, fostering academic success within the community.

The NCDDG program supports innovative research aiming to discover and develop new treatments for mental disorders, including substance use and alcohol use disorders. This initiative encourages collaborations between academic and industry partners to advance neurostimulation techniques and drug/device development. Applicants are invited to submit proposals that focus on specific projects utilizing the U01 mechanism, with a clear emphasis on rationally designed candidate agents and cutting-edge technologies. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the submission deadline.

The Teacher Time Analysis and Supports Admin Grant, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the efficiency of teacher time use and resource allocation in public education. This grant supports school systems in conducting inquiries into their educational practices, ultimately benefiting over 5 million students. By providing essential administrative support, the grant facilitates a systematic approach to improving educational outcomes through effective resource management and strategic planning from 2025 to 2028.

LiveOak Scholars Fund

Attending a 4-year University in Texas to pursue a degree in business, engineering or computer sciences

Awards

• (7) New: $7,000
• Up to 5 returning
• Returning: Varies

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 Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

ESC Perkins Statewide Initiative Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of district wide classroom reviews to support district strategic planning and performance systems alignment in a variety of Agency initiatives, including the Effective District Frameworks Diagnostics, Effective Schools Frameworks Diagnostics, and HB-1605 Local Classroom Reviews.

The District Wide Classroom Reviews Grant will provide school systems with a review to determine the degree to which the materials submitted (1) corresponds with the instructional materials adopted by the school district or district campus; and (2) meets the level of rigor of the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002 for the grade level in which it is being used. The purpose of this project will be to provide logistics and operations support for all district wide classroom reviews and district wide diagnostics, including training and events, budget tracking and invoicing for completed district wide classroom reviews and working with designated vendors for additional supports and resources, including diagnostic platforms, as identified by TEA.

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 2025-2026 Teach for America grant aims to enhance the quality of education in Texas by funding proven models to recruit and retain effective teachers, particularly in high-need areas like the Rio Grande Valley and major metropolitan regions. The initiative targets increased employment of TFA teachers, emphasizing training in Bilingual/ESL, science, and math. By 2026, the goal is to have at least 2,100 TFA educators in classrooms serving economically disadvantaged students, ultimately improving student achievement.

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 Effective Advising Framework (EAF) supports school systems in developing and implementing an individual student planning system as part of a comprehensive school counseling program. The EAF also promotes innovation in career and technical education, including the adoption and expansion of promising programs, particularly those aligned to high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers and industries.

The goal of this grant project is to provide interested school systems in each region with EAF coaching support and high-quality resources and tools to strengthen their advising systems and student outcomes. The project aims to identify, train, and designate EAF Coaches at the ESCs who will guide school systems through the EAF planning and implementation process. Finally, the project seeks to ensure that students graduate fully prepared for college, career, or military success, which in turn supports improved CCMR accountability ratings and increased outcome bonuses