Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Texas

2026-2027 Jira-Incident Management System (TIMS)

Program Description

The Texas Student Data System (TSDS), a statewide initiative by TEA, modernizes education data collection, management, and reporting to improve student outcomes through enhanced TPEIR reporting. To support TSDS users — including school system administrators and educators — the grantee will host, develop, maintain, and upgrade an automated incident management system/help desk for all user-facing TSDS applications, delivered via the Jira platform.

The Marcia and Otto Koehler Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on medical research, arts promotion, and youth development in San Antonio. Eligible organizations must skip one grant cycle before reapplying. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance the physical, mental, and moral well-being of local youth. Notably, it does not fund individuals or organizations involved in political lobbying. This grant offers a vital opportunity for community support in various essential sectors.

The Shelby Rae Tengg Foundation for Heart and Cancer Research Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities conducting heart and cancer research in Bexar County, Texas. Founded by an active community member, the foundation honors her legacy and addresses significant health challenges. Grants are available to local organizations, and if none qualify, funds can be allocated to other Texas charities focused on these critical health issues, contributing to vital research and community health improvement.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

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.

2026-2027 ESC ESSA Basic Services Initiative

Program Description

The purpose of the ESC ESSA Basic Services Initiative is primarily to provide support for and to work cooperatively with campuses and provide technical assistance to other ESSA programs that increase opportunities for all students to meet challenging State academic assessment standards. 

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 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.

The Dr. & Mrs. Paul Pierce Memorial Foundation Grant supports quality education, human services, and healthcare for underserved populations since 1963. This private foundation prioritizes organizations with annual budgets under $20 million and gives special consideration to those serving Grayson County, Texas. Grants are awarded for a duration of one year, aiming to enhance the welfare of communities in need.

The Garland D. Rhoads Foundation Grant supports qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Texas, focusing on community improvement, education, health, and human services. Established in 1971, the foundation aims to alleviate human suffering and promote civic betterment. Preference is given to organizations serving Navarro County, ensuring that funds are utilized for significant public projects and scientific research, fostering a better future for all.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

The Behmann Brothers Foundation, established in October 1979, focuses on supporting agricultural research, education, youth groups, healthcare, and service organizations. Grants are available for non-profit organizations recognized as public charities by the IRS, primarily in Texas counties including Nueces and Aransas. However, the Foundation does not fund individuals, governmental entities, or political activities, ensuring support is directed towards community enhancement and welfare.

The Chamiza Foundation Grant supports the preservation and revitalization of Pueblo culture through targeted grantmaking. For over 33 years, the foundation has enabled positive change in Pueblo communities by prioritizing language preservation, sustainable agriculture, traditional arts, and youth leadership. With an emphasis on collaboration and community involvement, the foundation awards grants averaging between $3,000 and $15,000 to projects that foster cultural continuity and innovation.

The Gene Conley Foundation Grant supports religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational initiatives, focusing on the prevention of cruelty to children and animals. Established under Lillian Conley Martin's will, the foundation primarily serves north central Texas. Eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) exempt entities. While there are no geographic restrictions, funding preferences favor local initiatives, including the arts, education, health, and human services, fostering community enrichment and welfare.

The Albert and Mary Dick Charitable Trust, established in 1991, supports religious, charitable, scientific, and literary initiatives, primarily focusing on organizations in Victoria County, Texas. Grants are aimed at promoting higher education, assisting youth, and preventing cruelty to children and animals. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. The Trust emphasizes local impact, specifically aiding programs related to education, health, and the environment.

The Clifton C. and Henryetta C. Doak Charitable Trust, established in memory of Dr. Clifton and Mrs. Henryetta Doak, aims to support charitable organizations in College Station, Texas. The trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, environment, health, and human services. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and can receive grants for various purposes including religious, scientific, and educational initiatives. This legacy reflects the Doaks' commitment to community service and development.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The Community Forestry Grants Program: Workforce Development by Texas A&M Forest Service aims to enhance urban and community forestry in Texas. Funded by the USDA Forest Service, this initiative supports cities in establishing qualified city forester positions to promote sustainable tree management and community engagement. By securing these grants, applicants can significantly improve local forestry practices and contribute to environmental resilience, ensuring healthier urban ecosystems for the benefit of all Texans.

Special Education Leadership Impact Series

The Special Education Leadership Impact Series will empower Texas school and district leaders, beginning with Special Education Directors, to implement special education requirements with fidelity and to build sustainable systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Anchored in the Special Education Performance Diagnostic (SPD) framework, the series provides flexible, scalable content (self-paced asynchronous courses, facilitation decks, and real-world application activities) developed through iterative, stakeholder engaged cycles. 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

The program will engage internal TEA teams, Education Service Center (ESC) Liaisons, and district/campus leaders to gather feedback during content development. This collaborative approach ensures relevance and alignment with TEA initiatives. The project prioritizes alignment with TEA resources, leverage existing content, and mitigate risk through staggered rollouts outlined by landscape analysis. Participating districts will demonstrate measurable improvements in compliance practices, data literacy, program quality, and leadership capacity.

Across Texas, district leaders face increasing expectations to ensure compliance with IDEA and state requirements while simultaneously improving academic and behavioral outcomes for students with disabilities.

• Total Funding Available $425,000.00 

The Community Forestry Grants Program: Tree Planting, initiated by Texas A&M Forest Service, aims to enhance urban and community tree canopy coverage across Texas. This program invites proposals for 2026 to foster sustainable forestry practices, improving public health and environmental conditions. By addressing urban sustainability challenges highlighted in the Texas Forest Action Plan, such as climate and water quality, communities can secure funding to implement impactful tree planting initiatives, ultimately contributing to a greener, more resilient future.

The Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) provides critical funding opportunities for organizations serving veterans through various programs. The Veterans County Service Officer (VCSO) Funding Opportunity, established by SB 1679, offers a competitive advantage for applications listing a VCSO as Project Coordinator. Eligible entities include local government units and certain nonprofit organizations, ensuring comprehensive support for veterans in Texas.

The Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) offers grants to local government courts to support Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) programs. These grants facilitate rehabilitation for justice-involved veterans, aiming to provide essential resources and a supportive environment. Eligible applicants include local governments and certain veteran service organizations. It is crucial for applicants to comply with all legal requirements and submit applications electronically through the Grants Portal. This initiative emphasizes community engagement and accountability for veterans.

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.

The Fund for Veterans' Assistance (FVA) offers Housing for Texas Heroes (H4TXH) Grants to support eligible organizations in modifying homes for veterans. This program focuses on enhancing accessibility, critical repairs, and weatherization efforts. Local governments, nonprofits, and veteran service organizations are encouraged to apply, with priority given to low-income beneficiaries. The FVA does not provide funding directly to individuals or families, ensuring support is directed to established organizations with a commitment to serving veterans.

The Texas A&M Forest Service invites proposals for the 2026 Community Forestry Grants Program, aimed at enhancing urban and community forestry across Texas. This program focuses on sustainable tree planting initiatives that increase canopy coverage, improve public health, and address sustainability issues such as climate and water quality. By applying, communities not only enhance their environments but also contribute to their resilience and well-being, fostering healthier urban ecosystems.

The 2025-2026 Amachi Texas program, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to provide essential mentoring relationships for children of incarcerated parents and at-risk youth. By connecting these young individuals with caring adult mentors, the program seeks to break the cycle of intergenerational incarceration, promote resilience, and empower youth to reach their fullest potential. This initiative is crucial for fostering positive development and educational success in vulnerable communities across Texas.

The 2025-2026 Charter School Program Technical Assistance Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the performance of Texas charter schools. This grant provides essential support and technical assistance to charter operators, ensuring they can successfully launch and sustain quality charter schools. By focusing on academic, financial, and organizational success, the program seeks to improve educational outcomes for students across Texas.