Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Texas

The Sherilyn A. Willis, MD Medical Scholarship, established by the East Texas Communities Foundation, aims to support medical students enrolled or accepted in Texas colleges. This scholarship reflects a commitment to education and is designed for those pursuing a career in medicine. Financial need is not a consideration for applicants. The scholarship is available for one year, providing essential support for students dedicated to their academic and professional goals.

The Sidney Rex Moughon Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors and non-traditional students from Camp, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Upshur, and Wood counties. Open to any major, applicants must demonstrate financial need with a FAFSA requirement. This renewable scholarship exemplifies the foundation's commitment to education and empowering students in Texas to pursue their academic dreams.

The Smith County Baptist Ministers Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students from Smith County pursuing any field of study at colleges in the United States. Open to graduating seniors and current college students, this scholarship emphasizes educational empowerment. Notably, applicants must be dependents of ordained Smith County Baptist ministers. Financial need is not a criterion, and students may reapply for continued support.

The Tatum Music Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from select East Texas high schools pursuing a degree in Instrumental Music Education. Financial need is a key consideration, requiring FAFSA documentation. This renewable scholarship aims to empower students with a passion for music, reflecting the foundation's commitment to educational access and community enrichment within the region.

The Texas Rose Festival Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students from Smith County who are graduating seniors or current college students attending any Texas college. This scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring a completed FAFSA. Established to empower students in their educational pursuits, it reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering academic success and community development in East Texas.

The Elevance Health Foundation's Behavioral Health Grant aims to address significant challenges in mental health and substance use disorders. With a commitment of up to $90 million over three years, the Foundation seeks partnerships with nonprofits to enhance treatment access, promote prevention strategies, and alleviate loneliness among affected individuals. This initiative emphasizes innovative solutions and measurable outcomes, targeting both national and local programs, particularly in states with pressing health disparities.

The Eugene Straus Charitable Trust Grant focuses on supporting charitable organizations in Dallas County, Texas, for the purpose of erecting and maintaining permanent building improvements. Established in 1974 by Eugene Straus, the trust primarily grants one-year funding, with occasional multi-year support. It serves areas of arts, education, environment, health, human services, and religion. Organizations with annual budgets under $20 million are eligible, while general operating requests are not considered.

The R.D. Beirne Trust Grant aims to support quality human services for underserved populations in Texas, focusing on the physically incapacitated, underprivileged, and elderly. Organizations with annual budgets under $20 million are eligible to apply for various types of funding. Special consideration is given to charities serving the blind, elderly, and orphans in Grayson County. This grant fosters impactful community programs, enhancing the quality of life for those in need.

The Faulconer Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports minority students from Smith County's Tyler Independent School District who are graduating seniors. This scholarship emphasizes educational empowerment and is available for those pursuing any major at Texas colleges. Financial need is considered, with FAFSA required. The scholarship is renewable, reflecting the foundation's commitment to helping students achieve their academic dreams and contributing to the community's future.

The Sammy Joe Calhoun & Martha Jean Calhoun Family Scholarship for Disability Studies, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in fields such as special education and therapy. Established to promote educational opportunities, this scholarship is aimed at graduating seniors and requires financial need documentation through FAFSA. With renewable support, it reflects a commitment to empowering individuals dedicated to improving the lives of those with disabilities.

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. 

With a mission to support agricultural water conservation, Texas Water Development Board provides Texas agricultural entities with grants up to US $1,500,000 for irrigation efficiency projects, conservation programs, and related research or education. School districts or education-focused partners with agricultural programs may be eligible when projects advance agricultural water use and conservation priorities.

The Pasha Zapolsky Memorial Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from public, private, or homeschool backgrounds. Open to any college in the U.S., this scholarship emphasizes financial need, requiring FASFA documentation. Applicants must showcase competitive soccer skills, demonstrate Christian faith, and submit a written essay. Established to empower students in their educational pursuits, the scholarship reflects a commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting community-driven initiatives.

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 Manne Family Fellowship in Public Interest Law, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, offers one-year postgraduate fellowships to Texas Law alumni working with non-profit legal organizations focused on civil rights, civil liberties, and reproductive rights. The fellowship aims to enhance access to justice and empower graduates through practical experience. Up to three fellowships will be available in Spring 2026, requiring collaboration with a host organization to develop a project plan. Detailed remote work arrangements are necessary for applicants intending to work remotely.

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.

The Kenedy Memorial Foundation Grant supports both Sectarian and Non-Sectarian entities, primarily focusing on Catholic schools and churches in Texas. The Foundation emphasizes grants that foster significant community benefits and encourages applications from recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. Core values include breaking the cycle of poverty, advancing spirituality, and nurturing support for Catholic institutions. The Foundation also allocates a portion of funds to non-sectarian charities, promoting inclusive support within the community.

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.

Interactive Online Learning Grant, Cycle 3

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of effective interactive online learning models in middle school and high school instruction in United States History, Texas History, and English Language Arts.

The Martha Sue Parr Trust Grant supports charitable, nonprofit organizations defined by section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code, focusing on programs that benefit young people, religious organizations, and hospitals in Texas. Applications are restricted to nonprofit entities, as individuals are not eligible to submit. For more information, please refer to the foundation finder provided by JPMorgan. This grant aims to foster community support and development through targeted funding.

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.

The HRMC Scholarship Grant Program grants funds on a yearly basis to local institutions (Amarillo College, Clarendon College, Frank Phillips Community College, Texas Tech University – Amarillo campus, and West Texas A&M University). The funds are allocated to scholarships for area students and professionals pursuing health care related education.

The mission of the Harrington Regional Medical Campus (HRMC) is to promote quality of life in the Texas Panhandle through exceptional healthcare, education, and research. One way HRMC works to fulfill this mission is to award annual grants to entities located in the HRMC campus as well as to nonprofits throughout the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle with healthcare related programs and services that fit the HRMC mission. HRMC launched the HRMC Resident Grant Program, HRMC Scholarship Grant Program, and HRMC Community Health Grant Program in 2016. The intent of the grant programs is to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare ultimately leading to an improved quality of life for residents of the top 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle.  

HRMC Resident Grant Program

The HRMC Resident Grant Program is for Medical Center campus resident nonprofit institutions and other facilities located at the Medical Center. Funds are allocated on a competitive grant basis for capital improvements and projects. Preference for funding will be given to Ronald McDonald House, Turn Center, Amarillo Botanical Gardens, Don Harrington Discovery Center, and Coffee Memorial Blood Center.

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 W. B. & Ellen Gordon Stuart Trust provides grants for the study and treatment of cancer, heart disease, and infantile paralysis, specifically within Texas. This private foundation only funds charitable nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code. Grant applications cannot be submitted by individuals. For more information on the application process and eligibility, interested parties should refer to the foundation finder.

The Pangburn Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, educational, or scientific organizations in Texas. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. For more information about the application process, please visit the foundation's finder link provided by JPMorgan.

The Dalton & Betty Jones Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Rusk County, Texas, pursuing a bachelor's degree. Established to empower students, the scholarship considers financial need with a FASFA requirement and offers renewable support. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to educational advancement, helping deserving individuals achieve their academic dreams and contribute positively to their communities.

The Dalton & Betty Jones Scholarship for Vo-Tech Study, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Rusk County, Texas, pursuing vocational or technical certificates or associate degrees in medical-related fields. Financial need is considered, with FASFA required. This renewable scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering local students in their educational journeys, ensuring they have the resources needed to achieve their career aspirations.

AAF: Arts & Culture Fund

The boards of the Amarillo Area Foundation and the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation decided to allocate a portion of the Discretionary Grant funds from the Economic Opportunity cycle to fund visual and performing arts organizations within the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. The funding priorities are operational, programmatic, marketing, and capital expenses. ​

​This application process is new, and an external arts committee will select organizations to recommend to the Amarillo Area Foundation board of directors for funding. The requests must fall within the range of $5,000-$50,000.