Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Texas

The Micron Foundation focuses on enhancing quality of life by supporting communities and promoting STEM education. With a commitment to equitable opportunities, it aims to uplift underrepresented groups and foster lasting social impact. Their initiatives empower team members to engage in community service and philanthropy, ensuring that all individuals have access to quality education regardless of background. This dedication to community enrichment positions Micron as a catalyst for positive change.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

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. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality strives to protect our state's public health and natural resources consistent with sustainable economic development. Our goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.

All-Electric Program

Grants for repowering or replacing eligible vehicles and equipment with all-electric models, along with supporting infrastructure. A program of the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP).

Priority Areas: Dallas-Fort Worth Area; Houston-Galveston-Brazoria Area; San Antonio Area; Austin Area; El Paso County; Bell County; Beaumont-Port Arthur Area

Eligible Project Categories

To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must be replacing or repowering a vehicle or a piece of equipment from one of the categories listed below, and may request additional funding for refueling infrastructure.

• Class 8 Local Freight and Port Drayage Trucks
• Class 4-8 School Bus, Shuttle Bus, & Transit Buses
• Class 4-7 Local Freight Trucks
• Airport Ground Support Equipment
• Forklift and Port Cargo Handling Equipment
• Refueling Infrastructure
• Freight Switchers

The Welch Foundation Research Grant supports fundamental chemical research at Texas educational institutions. With a minimum funding of $117,000 per year for three years, it encourages innovative research proposals from full-time faculty members. Eligible applicants include universities and colleges listed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. However, Welch endowed chair holders and projects with scientific overlap with current funding are ineligible. This grant fosters advancements in chemistry, enhancing the state's academic landscape.

The Rees-Jones Foundation, established in 2006, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in North Texas through thoughtful philanthropy. With a mission grounded in the love of Christ, the foundation supports non-profits in various sectors including animal welfare, child welfare, and community benefit. It particularly focuses on initiatives that foster community transformation and is open to grant applications year-round, encouraging early submissions to ensure timely funding.

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has been serving the people of Texas for more than a century. Since 1909, when the state founded the agency, we have been supporting the reading, learning, and historical preservation needs of Texas and its people. 

Going back to the days of the Republic, there has always been an official library and archives of Texas. While fulfilling our unique and longstanding place serving Texas government, the State Library and Archives Commission mission is also to ensure that citizens have information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives.

Family Place Libraries™ Grant 

The Family Place Libraries Training Institute (Family Place) provides theoretical grounding and practical training for library staff in family-centered library services. By expanding the traditional role of children's services, Family Place participants build on the knowledge that good health, early learning, parent or guardian involvement, and supportive communities play a critical role in young children's growth and development.

Family Place participants will be able to create the network that families need to nurture their children's development during the critical first years of life. Family Place provides training and resources to help participants redesign their library environment to:

• Create a welcoming and developmentally appropriate environment for children beginning at birth.
• Connect parents with the resources, programs, and services offered at the library and other family service agencies.
• Connect with non-traditional library users.
• Ensure children have access to resources that will allow them to enter school ready and able to learn.

The Family Place Libraries model was developed by the Middle Country Public Library in Centereach, New York. Currently, there are 126 Family Place library locations in Texas. 

Applicants may submit an application to become a new Family Place Library or expand their current program to an additional location. 

2026-2028 System of Great Schools: Advisor Pool Management

Program Description

TEA’s Division of System Support builds the capacity of districts to plan and execute school actions to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality fit school. One way the division builds the capacity of districts and leaders is through the System of Great Schools (SGS) network. The SGS strategy is a district-wide innovation and problem-solving approach that seeks to:

1) empower educators to design and lead high-quality schools;

2) empower families with high-quality options and informed choices; and

3) focus central office on high-leverage oversight, innovation, and support activities. 

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has been serving the people of Texas for more than a century. Since 1909, when the state founded the agency, we have been supporting the reading, learning, and historical preservation needs of Texas and its people. 

Going back to the days of the Republic, there has always been an official library and archives of Texas. While fulfilling our unique and longstanding place serving Texas government, the State Library and Archives Commission mission is also to ensure that citizens have information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives.

TexTreasures Grant

TexTreasures Grants are designed to help libraries make their special collections more accessible for the people of Texas and beyond. Activities considered for possible funding include: 

• digitization
• microfilming
• cataloging

There are two options for funding under the TexTreasures program:

• TexTreasures Basic which will award grants of up to $10,000 to small libraries (serving a population of up to 25,000) with little or no experience with digitization. Funding will support vendor contract services to increase access to collections with local or regional significance. 
• TexTreasures Original which will continue to support libraries seeking to provide access to special or unique collections of statewide interest and greater complexity. The maximum award is $40,000 for applications from single institutions and $50,000 for collaborative grant projects.

The Milton Hicks Wood & Helen Gibbs Wood Charitable Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Texas, focusing on human services. Established by Milton and Helen Wood, it reflects their values of hard work and family. The trust typically awards 2-3 grants each year, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. This grant aims to foster community improvement and support various charitable initiatives.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

The Jasper L. and Jack Denton Wilson Foundation Grant aims to support medical research that has a direct impact on treating serious diseases and improving the quality of life for affected individuals. Funded by the Wilson Charitable Foundation Trust, this grant encourages innovative approaches to tackle pressing medical challenges. Interested applicants can find more details about the grant program through the foundation finder available online.

Introduction

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal1 and state grant awards to its subgrantees2 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.

Program Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to enable an Institute of Higher Education (IHE) to conduct an academic review and comparability of solicited instruments for kindergarten through grade three that assess students’ foundational literacy skills and foundational numeracy skills. The IHE will provide neutral, research-based recommendations on instruments and create a resource to help school systems understand approved options and select those that best meet their needs. As a result of this grant, school systems will use this resource to compare approved instruments, understand what skills are assessed and how they are measured, and examine key similarities and differences across instruments. The resource is intended to support school systems in evaluating alignment to local instructional contexts and goals, student populations, and implementation considerations as they make informed local decisions about assessment selection and adoption to better support their students’ foundational literacy and numeracy outcomes.

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.

State Facilities Incentive Technical Assistance Grant

Program Description

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. 

Nature's Path's Gardens for Good program empowers communities by funding organic gardens that address food insecurity. Since 2010, it has donated $930,000 CAD to support 120 gardens. In 2023, grants of $6,500 each will be awarded to 20 gardens across the U.S. and Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits with urban organic agriculture projects that serve low-income communities, promoting sustainable practices and inclusivity.

The Tocker Foundation supports rural public libraries in Texas through its Library Automation Grant. Established in the 1960s, the Foundation addresses the resource scarcity in communities with populations of 12,000 or less. Grants cover the costs of software subscriptions, data migration, and training for automated library systems, helping libraries modernize their operations and integrate these expenses into their budgets over five years.

The American Honda Foundation provides programmatic support to nonprofit organizations and schools in the U.S., empowering impactful initiatives aligned with community needs. Funding opportunities are available through Honda corporate and Honda USA Foundation, focusing on projects that enhance education and community welfare. Eligible organizations must have nonprofit status or be recognized educational institutions. The application process opens each fall, with funding decisions announced the following spring, ensuring alignment with Honda's commitment to social responsibility.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

The McCombs Foundation, established in 1998, serves as the primary philanthropic arm of the McCombs family. With a legacy rooted in generosity, the Foundation has contributed over $125 million to civic causes in San Antonio and Texas since 1981. Their approach emphasizes creating value from donations without strings attached, reflecting the family's commitment to impactful giving. The Foundation aims to foster sustainable community development, inspired by the family's history of philanthropy during challenging times.

Humanities Texas offers major grants to support community and media projects that enhance education, culture, and history in Texas. Grants fund various initiatives including lectures, seminars, exhibitions, and media productions, with a focus on engaging the public and involving humanities scholars. Since 1974, over 5,000 grants have been awarded, fostering community development and promoting public humanities programs. The program aims to empower local organizations to create impactful educational experiences, contributing to the cultural richness of Texas.

The 2025-2026 MATHCOUNTS grant supports the Texas Engineering Foundation in enhancing middle school students' math skills through competitions and training programs. This initiative aims to promote mathematics education, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. By providing state-of-the-art instructional materials, the grant facilitates local, regional, and national competitions, ensuring students have opportunities to excel in mathematics. The program's objectives include publicizing MATHCOUNTS, training staff, and organizing events, all contributing to increased student engagement in mathematics.

Humanities Texas offers Mini Grants to support public humanities programs, enhancing educational quality in Texas. These grants, available on a rolling basis, fund projects that engage communities through lectures, exhibitions, and workshops. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations or governmental entities and need a DUNS number. The program emphasizes collaboration with humanities scholars to ensure projects are rooted in inquiry and accessible to diverse audiences. This initiative not only fosters lifelong learning but also strengthens the cultural and civic fabric of Texas.

The ACFM General Support Program provides funding ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 for organizations committed to contemporary American concert music and jazz. It supports performing ensembles, presenters, and music service organizations that enhance public appreciation of these genres. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of two years of programming history and a professional operational level. Activities must occur within the specified support year of September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

The Motorola Solutions Foundation Grant supports organizations that enhance safety and community well-being, focusing on underrepresented populations. With over $100 million in donations, the foundation prioritizes technology and engineering education, first responder programming, and blended initiatives. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or school districts in the U.S. The foundation seeks partnerships that demonstrate strong financial health and data-driven evaluation methods, aiming to create safer cities and thriving communities.

The Puffin Foundation's Environmental Artistic Activism Grant Program supports artists addressing environmental issues through diverse artistic genres such as film, music, and theater. Grants, typically around $1,750, fund projects that prioritize sustainability and innovative solutions to the climate crisis. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and current DACA recipients. The foundation emphasizes projects that avoid contributing to environmental harm while fostering artistic expression and community engagement.

The Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship encourages graduate students to contribute to wilderness protection, honoring Gloria Barron's legacy. The Wilderness Society prioritizes projects addressing climate change and equitable access to public lands. Applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program, possess strong academic qualifications, and focus on long-term wilderness conservation. Research proposals on biodiversity, climate adaptation, and social-ecological contexts are particularly welcome, aiming for inclusive and impactful conservation efforts.

The Public Health Laboratory Fellowship Program, supported by the Association of Public Health Laboratories, develops future public health scientists through experiential learning in laboratory science. Participants receive training aligned with core competencies and work on impactful projects in various focus areas such as bioinformatics, food safety, and infectious disease. With flexible terms and potential for extension, this fellowship ensures a robust foundation for a career in public health laboratory science.

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. offers the WPS Community Support Grants & Sponsorships, emphasizing a culture of giving and community involvement. The program supports 501(c)3 organizations that address healthcare challenges and focus on children, disabled individuals, and STEM education. Through financial support and volunteerism, West aims to foster healthier communities where its employees live and work, reinforcing its commitment to philanthropy and social responsibility.

The Stenzel Scholarship, established in 2023, awards $2,500 annually to individuals with cystic fibrosis enrolled in higher education programs in health or environmental sciences. This scholarship honors Isa and Ana Stenzel, who dedicated their lives to supporting others with CF. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and can receive funding based on their enrollment status. This initiative aims to empower those affected by cystic fibrosis to pursue meaningful educational opportunities.