Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

The Russell Sage Foundation's Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration Grant Program funds innovative research on the intersections of race, ethnicity, and immigration. It aims to explore how these factors influence social, economic, and political outcomes for various populations, including immigrants and U.S.-born minorities. Projects should focus on original data collection, rigorous research designs, and address critical questions regarding diversity, policy impacts, and intergroup relations. Funding caps are set at $200,000, promoting multifaceted approaches in social science research.

The American Epilepsy Society's Junior Investigator Research Awards support early-career researchers in epilepsy. The awards, offering up to $50,000 for one year, aim to enhance the ability of new investigators to secure longer-term funding from sources like the NIH. Proposals are encouraged across a range of epilepsy research, including basic, translational, and clinical studies, as well as health services research. This initiative also includes complimentary membership to the AES Annual Meeting.

The George H. and Lucille E. Buterbaugh Scholarship Fund, established by the Buterbaughs in 1993, provides financial support to high school seniors from Salisbury, CT, pursuing higher education. This fund honors George and Lucille's commitment to their community, where they lived for over thirty years. The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, a private entity, manages the fund, ensuring that local students have the opportunity to achieve their educational goals and enhance their quality of life.

The Texoma Community Foundation's Fannin County Hospital Authority Fund aims to enhance the health and wellness of Fannin County residents. Focused on mental health and access to care, it prioritizes organizations providing direct services in the area. The Foundation seeks projects addressing mental health access and increasing the nursing workforce across its four counties, including Marshall, Bryan, Grayson, and Fannin. This initiative reflects TCF's commitment to community well-being in Texas and Oklahoma.

The American Epilepsy Society offers Research and Training Fellowships for Clinicians, providing up to $75,000 for one year to support clinical fellows or new faculty aiming to advance in epilepsy research. This fellowship encourages proposals across basic, translational, and clinical research. It also includes $1,000 for travel to the AES Annual Meeting, membership benefits, and complimentary registration, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in the epilepsy research community.

The AAD Shade Structure Grant Program provides funding up to $8,000 for non-profit organizations and public schools to install shade structures, promoting sun safety for children and teenagers. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to sun safety, including a year-long awareness program, and submit a letter of recommendation from an AAD dermatologist. The program aims to enhance outdoor safety, supported by donations from members and organizations.

The American Epilepsy Society offers Postdoctoral Research Fellowships to support trainees conducting research on epilepsy's causes, treatment, and consequences. These fellowships provide up to $49,000 for stipend and benefits, $1,000 for travel to the AES annual meeting, and complimentary membership. Proposals can be basic, translational, or clinical research, and the number of awards depends on available funding.

The American Epilepsy Society offers Predoctoral Research Fellowships to support students conducting epilepsy-related dissertation research under expert mentorship. Proposals in basic, translational, or clinical research are encouraged. Each fellowship provides up to $30,000 for stipend and travel to the AES Annual Meeting for one year, along with a one-year AES membership. The number of awards varies annually based on available funding.

The John and Evelyn Turnbull Nursing Education Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, provides scholarships of up to $3,000 to residents of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties pursuing a Baccalaureate or Master’s degree in Nursing. This fund is aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring access to education in nursing, and addressing the region's healthcare needs.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Emily Trussell Stupak Scholarship Fund, established by the Maine Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from high schools in Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Hancock Counties. It aims to assist those pursuing higher education at accredited colleges or universities, particularly those who have shown dedication and talent in their chosen athletic pursuits. This fund exemplifies the Foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities and community support, making a positive impact on students' futures.

The Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative, led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to support land trusts in conserving private lands for bird protection. With funding for up to fourteen grants, the initiative encourages capacity building and management projects that enhance bird habitats. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to expand conservation efforts through collaboration and innovative strategies, fostering partnerships that leverage additional funding and community support. This initiative highlights the importance of birds in land stewardship and conservation.

The Handweavers Guild of America (HGA) offers scholarships to students in accredited fiber arts programs in the U.S. and Canada. These scholarships, awarded based on artistic and technical excellence rather than financial need, support education in fiber arts, textile research, and conservation. Annually, funds of $4,000 or more are allocated for tuition. Applicants can apply under categories of artistic merit or scholarly research in the textile industry, with only one scholarship awarded per individual per year.

The Edna Haberle Visual Arts Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Cherokee County and surrounding East Texas counties who plan to pursue a major in visual arts. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in achieving dreams and considers financial need, requiring FAFSA submission. Applicants must demonstrate artistic potential and commitment to their field of study to be eligible for this one-year support opportunity.

The Frances Cowan Gibson Fine Arts Scholarship, offered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors and current college students pursuing visual arts. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in achieving artistic ambitions. Applicants must be from Smith County and are not required to demonstrate financial need. It rewards students dedicated to their artistic studies, allowing them to continue their education in visual arts at any college in the United States.

The A. O. Smith Foundation, established in 1955, provides grants to support charitable, educational, and human services organizations primarily in communities where A. O. Smith Corporation operates. With a mission focused on enhancing community well-being, the Foundation promotes education, arts, culture, and health initiatives. It encourages employees to engage in volunteerism, fostering a culture of community involvement. Notably, the Foundation does not fund politically active organizations or those primarily aiming to influence legislation.

The Paul J. Baum Fund Scholarship, established by The Pittsburgh Foundation, supports college and graduate students pursuing degrees in Music. As one of the oldest community foundations in the U.S., The Pittsburgh Foundation has been dedicated to improving quality of life since 1945. This scholarship opportunity is available to both undergraduate and graduate students who meet eligibility criteria, including a minimum GPA of 2.5 and participation in music programs.

The Kathy’s Kids Scholarship, established in honor of Kathy Smith, provides educational support for young women in the Longview area facing challenges. Administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, this scholarship aims to empower graduating seniors to pursue their educational goals. With a focus on financial need, applicants must be from participating high schools and demonstrate resilience in overcoming adversity. Scholarships of $1,500 are available and may renew annually, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities.

The Dr. Curtis Jones Leadership Award Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, honors the legacy of Dr. Curtis Jones, a distinguished educator and former Superintendent. This scholarship aims to support a graduating senior from Bibb County Public Schools who exemplifies leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. Awarded annually at $1,875, it is renewable for up to four years, encouraging students to achieve their academic goals while honoring Dr. Jones's commitment to education and community.

The Gladys Lasky Endowment Fund Ballet Scholarship, established in 2000 by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, aims to support ballet students in Georgia by providing funding for classical ballet instruction or summer intensives. Each year, one scholarship is awarded to a deserving student, prioritizing those with financial need and ties to Central Georgia. Recipients are selected based on recommendations, potential for success, and years of formal dance training.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. Most NCCF scholarships open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.

Baronowski Family STEM Scholarship

Female graduates of a Brunswick County, NC, high school who plan to attend or currently attend a qualified institution of higher learning, including a college, university or community college, to pursue a degree in one of the STEM disciplines (Science, Engineering, Technology, or Math).

The Greater Tindall Neighborhood Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, aims to support residents of Tindall Heights pursuing post-secondary education. It offers $2,000 per recipient, renewable for up to four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and enroll full-time at an accredited institution. The scholarship fosters educational growth and community development, ensuring that residents have the necessary resources to succeed in their academic endeavors.

The Terry Linda Potter Scholarship, awarded by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Northwest Ottawa County pursuing health-related degrees. Established in memory of Terry Linda Potter, this scholarship prioritizes financial need and academic performance. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to further education and submit necessary documentation, including transcripts and recommendation letters. This fund honors Terry's legacy, providing vital financial assistance to aspiring healthcare professionals in the Tri-Cities area.

The VFW Post 2326 Ward-Goff Memorial Scholarship, established by Mr. and Mrs. Elgin Ward and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Goff, honors their sons who served in the Vietnam War. This scholarship provides financial assistance to children and grandchildren of active military personnel and veterans. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit necessary documents, including transcripts. The scholarship emphasizes financial need and aims to support outstanding students pursuing their educational goals.

The Sandusky Bay Kiwanis Community Services Scholarship supports graduating seniors from several high schools in Erie County, Ohio, including Huron, Margaretta, Perkins, Sandusky, and St. Mary’s Central Catholic. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and demonstrate a commitment to community service and financial need. This scholarship aims to empower students to contribute positively to their communities while furthering their education.

The Ben J. Lipps Research Fellowship Program supports nephrology fellows in conducting original research on kidney biology and disease. Each fellow receives $50,000 annually for up to two years, with a limit of two applications per sponsor per cycle. Candidates must hold an MD, DO, PhD, or equivalent and commit to 75% research time. The program encourages applications from underrepresented minorities in medicine, fostering diversity in nephrology research.

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four–year universities, graduate schools, and career/technical schools.

R.K. Mellon Family Scholarship/Ligonier Valley Endowment Fund

The R.K. Mellon Family Scholarship/Ligonier Valley Endowment Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students in the Ligonier Valley School District. 

• Average Award: $5,000
• Award Type: Single-Year Award