Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Texas

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The CIS NAV Application Development Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance student support data management for Communities In Schools (CIS) affiliates throughout Texas. The grant will fund the creation of a secure, cloud-based application that facilitates real-time access to student data, improving operational efficiency and allowing CIS staff to concentrate on delivering direct support to students. This initiative will significantly reduce administrative burden and streamline processes.

The T-TESS Appraisal Hub Support project, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) from 2025 to 2027. This initiative will align the evaluation framework with current educational priorities and address the evolving needs of educators throughout Texas, ensuring that the appraisal process is relevant and effective in improving teaching outcomes.

The Center for Effective Districts, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance public education by providing technical assistance to district leaders and education service centers. This initiative supports the implementation of the Texas Strategic Leadership program, embedding the Effective District Framework in district planning and performance management. The goal is to improve educational outcomes for all students in Texas by fostering effective district-level strategies and collaboration.

Community Foundation of West Texas

Established in 1981, the Lubbock Area Foundation changed its name to the Community Foundation of West Texas in September 2015. The Foundation is one of more than 700 community foundations in the United States today. We serve the following counties that make up the Texas South Plains area, Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Terry, and Yoakum by offering people a variety of ways to touch their community through philanthropic giving.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of West Texas is proud to award over 100 scholarships to South Plains area students each year. We work closely with the groups or individuals who have so graciously established scholarship funds to help out their community. We believe in creating a lasting impact in a student's life that they will cherish forever. Helping South Plains students today creates a stronger future for them tomorrow and beyond. 

James & Bernice Braxton Music & Elementary Education Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Thomas Braxton and his sister Ruby Braxton in memory of their parents, James and Bernice Braxton. James and Bernice were educators in the Lubbock ISD for almost 30 years. This scholarship is open to graduating seniors of a Lubbock County high school and plans to major in Music or Elementary Education at a Texas college or University.

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

2026-2027 Teach for America Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support proven models to increase the number of effective teachers in Texas classrooms.

The goal of the program is to increase the number of effective teachers and leaders in Texas public schools by funding TFA. As a proven model, TFA will use funds to increase and improve the teaching skills and practices of TFA corps members with an emphasis on those teaching Bilingual/ESL, science, math and economically disadvantaged elementary and secondary students. The participating corps members must serve students in the Rio Grande Valley, Houston, San Antonio, Greater Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area schools. Professional development and training should increase student achievement in focus subject areas.

Funding will emphasize:

• The employment and retention of TFA teachers in the field of mathematics
• Pre-service training with content-specific training for math and science
• Ongoing support to corps members with an emphasis on those in Bilingual/ESL, science math and economically disadvantaged high need classroom placements for the Rio Grande Valley, Houston, San Antonio, Greater Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area schools
• Evidence of implementation of a plan to improve retention rates of TEA teachers

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in collaboration with NOAA, is offering funding to enhance environmental literacy and community resilience across the U.S. Gulf Coast. This initiative supports projects focused on local environmental challenges and solutions through place-based education. With $4M available, applicants can request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects lasting 12 to 36 months, aimed at engaging community members and fostering future leaders in addressing regional environmental issues.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

MWH Group Accounting Scholarship

The MWH Group Accounting Scholarship was established in 2017. The $1,000 award has the potential to be renewed for an additional year if grade requirements are met.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Carl T. Anderson Family Scholarship

The Carl T. Anderson Family Scholarship was opened in 2007 by Carl's daughters in his honor. The endowed scholarship fund supports graduating high school seniors from Wichita Falls ISD planning to attend Texas Christian University, for any field of study. Scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years depending on grades. 

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Bullinger Family Texas A&M Scholarship

The Bullinger Family Texas A&M Scholarship was opened in 2019 by alumni, Hank and Kealey. The one-time $1,000 scholarship supports Clay and Archer County graduating seniors attending Texas A&M in College Station, for any field of study. Recipients must plan to attend full-time and be a U.S. citizen.

The Texas Education Agency is initiating the 2025-2026 Board of Managers Support project to enhance educational governance. This initiative will provide vital training, observational interviews, and capacity-building resources for prospective Board of Managers. By collaborating with the Director of Governance Interventions, the selected applicant will ensure that all activities align with established standards, fostering sustainable systems for improved educational outcomes in Texas.

The Summerfield G. Roberts Foundation Trust Grant, established in 1990, supports Texas history education, medical research, and scholarships for graduate studies in business and finance. Managed by Bank of America, the foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission to address vital community needs. With an initial corpus of $6 million, it seeks to empower individuals and promote knowledge through various educational initiatives.

The ASHRAE Houston Chapter RO Hunton Scholarship supports full-time undergraduate mechanical engineering students at post-secondary institutions in Houston. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class. The scholarship prioritizes those from institutions with recognized ASHRAE student branches or accredited programs. Re-applications are welcome from former applicants who meet current criteria, ensuring continued support for future engineers in the HVAC&R profession.

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 William & Catherine Bryce Memorial Fund Grant supports charitable, benevolent, religious, or educational institutions, preferably located in Fort Worth, Texas. This grant aims to enhance the community through various initiatives that align with its mission. Interested applicants should refer to the foundation finder for detailed information about the application process and eligibility requirements. This funding opportunity encourages local organizations to apply and contribute positively to their community.

The NRP Young Investigator Award is designed to support research on optimizing newborn care during delivery using Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) techniques. This grant encourages innovative projects addressing gaps in transitional physiology and resuscitation practices. Eligible applicants include researchers from Canadian and US institutions, particularly those in training or within four years of completing medical training. Awardees may receive up to $15,000 to enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately improving neonatal outcomes.

The Forrest Shreve Student Research Fund, awarded by the Ecological Society of America, supports research in North America's hot deserts, including the Sonoran and Mojave. This fund aims to enhance our understanding of desert ecology through innovative projects. Eligible applicants include graduate and undergraduate students who are ESA members. Proposals are evaluated based on their significance, feasibility, and design, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, granted annually.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The Medical Student Education Program (MSE) supports public medical schools in states facing primary care provider shortages, aiming to enhance medical education for future physicians. Eligible states include those in the top quartile projected to face shortages by 2038. Currently, 12 states such as Alabama and Texas are recognized, with 23 public medical schools identified as potential beneficiaries. Note that current MSE grantees are ineligible for the 2026 funding cycle.

The Donald W. and Glennis A. Kaufman Research Award supports ecological research in the Great Plains and Canada Prairie Provinces, focusing on native mammals, especially rodents and shrews. Offered by the American Society of Mammalogists, this annual $2,500 award is available to graduate students (master's or Ph.D.) from any nationality. Applications are open to those enrolled in relevant programs, promoting vital research in these unique ecosystems.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

The TLA Disaster Relief Fund Grant, established by the Texas Library Association, provides financial assistance ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 for libraries affected by natural disasters. Eligible libraries include academic, public, school, and special libraries. Funds can be utilized for technology, repairs, and other recovery needs. The grant application will be evaluated based on damage extent, service impact, fund usage, and funding availability, with a preference for TLA institutional members.

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.

ESSA Consolidated Federal Grant 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

Title I, Part A, provides supplemental resources to school systems to help schools with high concentrations of students from low-income families provide high-quality education that will enable all children to meet the challenging state academic standards. Title I, Part A, supports campuses in implementing either a schoolwide program (SWP) or a targeted assistance program (TAP).

Campuses operating a SWP must conduct a Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) and develop a Campus Improvement Plan (CIP) with the involvement of parents, other members of the community and individuals including teachers, principals, other school leaders, paraprofessionals, administrators, the school system, and to the extent feasible, tribes and tribal organizations present in the community, and, if appropriate, specialized instructional support personnel, technical assistance providers, school staff, and if the plan relates to a secondary school, students, and other individuals determined by the school, who will carry out such plan. The plan must ensure all students are provided opportunities to meet the challenging State academic standards and be regularly evaluated and revised as necessary based on student needs as described in Section 1114, Schoolwide Programs.

Campuses operating a TAP will determine which students will be served on the basis of multiple, educationally related, objective criteria established by the school system and serve participating students as described in Section 1115, Targeted Assistance Schools.

The Greater Texas Foundation's Aggie Scholars Program aims to support graduates of early college high schools in achieving their degrees from Texas A&M University. This initiative focuses on underserved and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, offering a three-year scholarship awarded in six stipends. To qualify, applicants must complete the FAFSA or TASFA by April 15 and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.50 while living on campus during their first year. The program encourages academic persistence and community involvement.