Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

The 2025-2026 Career and Technical Education (CTE) ESC Leadership Application aims to enhance professional development for school systems, enabling the creation of high-quality CTE programs and work-based learning opportunities. Key goals include providing comprehensive support for CTE programs in grades 5 and above, ensuring compliance with Texas Education Code, and facilitating communication between the Texas Education Agency and school districts to promote statewide initiatives.

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) Cultural District Designation Program aims to enhance economic development and community vitality by designating cultural districts across Texas. These districts leverage cultural resources to attract artists, encourage tourism, and preserve historic sites, fostering local cultural identity and economic growth. Eligible applicants include various arts organizations and government agencies, while funding excludes expenses related to social functions, operating costs for certain facilities, and projects lacking community involvement.

The A. M. Pate Jr. Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Texas, primarily focusing on those engaged in religious, educational, and artistic endeavors. Established by philanthropists Adlai McMillan Pate Jr. and Joyce Pate Capper, the foundation emphasizes historical preservation and civic contributions. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $15,000, with a preference for organizations serving Tarrant County and those the grantor supported during their lifetime.

The County Essential Services Grant Program in Texas aims to provide financial support for essential public services, including law enforcement, jail, and court services. This grant assists counties in reimbursing extraordinary costs related to investigating or prosecuting capital murder or bias-related crimes. Eligible costs include expert witness fees, trial exhibits, courtroom security, and prosecution expenses, ensuring that local governments can maintain essential services despite financial challenges.

The Young Family Foundation Grant supports higher education by providing scholarships to graduates of specific Texas high schools. It also funds youth activities and community projects through local organizations. The Foundation seeks to promote goodwill by assisting various charitable initiatives and aims to ensure that applicants are qualified, tax-exempt entities committed to benefiting the community. This grant fosters educational and social development within the YK Communications service area.

The 2025-2026 ESC Texas Strategic Leadership (TSL) Funding Grant, offered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance public education by certifying ESC teams as TSL Lead Coaches and TSL Performance Management Data Specialists. This grant is designed for teams that complete a comprehensive year-long training program, contributing to the overall improvement of educational outcomes in Texas.

The Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust provides support for a variety of charitable causes, primarily focusing on organizations based in Texas. Key program areas include arts, education, environmental issues, health, human services, and religion. Eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) exempt entities under the Internal Revenue Code. While there are no geographic restrictions, the trust emphasizes support for Texas-based initiatives.

The Moody Foundation Grant supports charitable projects in Texas, focusing on innovative ideas that foster long-term community improvements. Eligible recipients include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governmental entities, and certain supporting organizations. The Foundation prioritizes grants for education, health, arts, and social services, particularly in underserved areas like Galveston, Austin, and Dallas. Applicants should anticipate a twelve-month process from inquiry to funding decision, as the Foundation carefully reviews each proposal.

The Pay it Forward Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports graduate students pursuing degrees in Physical or Occupational Therapy. This renewable scholarship is available to full-time students who maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 and demonstrate a commitment to their field. Applicants must be residents of Bexar County, Texas, and plan to attend an accredited institution. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and books, making higher education more accessible for dedicated students.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 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. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds. The Texas Education Agency 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.

2026-2027 T-TESS Pilot Districts Support Grant

The T-TESS Pilot Districts Support Grant was created to support school districts piloting the updated Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) by providing support for training and resources for effective implementation. This effort ensures alignment with district and state priorities, strengthens support for teacher growth, and helps the system provide fair and trusted recognition of effective teaching.

Recruits outstanding senior research faculty with distinguished professional careers and established cancer research programs to academic institutions in Texas.

The Giving Branch Foundation, fully funded by Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc. employees, aims to support local communities through donations. By distributing funds to individuals facing hardships such as unexpected medical bills or disaster recovery, the foundation strives to uplift those in need. Grants are available for various eligible hardships, ensuring financial assistance reaches those who require immediate support. The mission is to give back to communities that have long supported the foundation's efforts.

Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities

TCDD is governed by a 27-member Council that includes people with developmental disabilities (DD), family members, and representatives from state agencies, university centers for excellence in DD, and other organizations. 

TCDD helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) achieve their potential for independence, productivity, and integration into their communities through the development of a comprehensive system of services and supports.

Conference and Event Stipends

Enhancing opportunities to attend disability-related events.

TCDD has funding available for Conference and Event Stipends to support people with developmental disabilities (DD) and family members attending disability-related events in Texas. Stipends are also available to support disability-related speakers at events.

Funding for these stipends is made available to TCDD through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.

Stipend Intent

Conference and Event Stipends enable people with DD and their family members to attend established in-state professional or informational events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, or legislative advocacy training sessions. These events should provide participants with information and awareness about best practices in services and supports to people with DD or directly promote self-advocacy and self-determination. TCDD believes that participation in such events enhances opportunities for people with DD to exercise choice and control in their lives and can promote independence, productivity, and community inclusion of people with DD.

The stipends are limited to Texas residents who are not eligible for conference, workshop, or training reimbursement from other organizations of which they are an employee or a member. 

Stipend Requirements

 Applications must: 

• demonstrate that the event has educational or advocacy objectives related to DD issues;
• outline how the stipend will be used consistent with the TCDD mission, philosophical principles, goals, and objectives;
• provide assurance that funds will be used only to support the participation of people with disabilities that meet the federal definition of a developmental disability, or family members of persons who have DD, and who have no other organizational or agency source of funding to attend the event;
• provide assurance that a priority will be given to people who have not previously received TCDD stipend support; and
• describe the potential recipients of the stipend and how recipients will be selected for stipend support.

The Southwestern Branch John Henry Comstock Graduate Student Award promotes graduate-level interest in entomology. It recognizes one graduate student from the Southwestern Branch, who will be honored at the Southwestern Branch Meeting. The recipient receives an all-expenses-paid trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $200 cash prize, and a certificate. Covered expenses include airfare, hotel arrangements, meeting registration, and per diem allowances, fostering attendance at the fall/winter ESA Annual Meeting.

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Texas A&M Forest Service provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to ensure trees, forests and related natural resources are sustained for the benefit of all. The agency supports the state’s incident response capability, protecting against wildfire and responding to a range of all-hazard incidents. 

DOD Firefighter Property Program

The U.S. Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program provides excess military property to emergency service providers, with ownership of the equipment passed from the federal government to the recipient. Fire departments and other emergency response providers in the state of Texas may apply for assistance under the FFP Program.

Departments that received a 2.5-ton cargo, 5-ton cargo, or a tractor style DoD FFP truck on or after Sept. 1, 2015 may be eligible for a slip-on unit grant to assist in converting the truck into a fire apparatus. The FFP slip-on unit program element reimbursement rate is set at 100% of the actual cost, not to exceed $45,000 in grant assistance. Receiving fire departments are responsible for other conversion costs required to bring the unit into service, which will serve as the department’s in-kind contribution.

Due to the high demand for vehicles and limited resources, there is not a standing inventory.

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

The PFE Council Statewide Training Grant, offered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance parent and family engagement across educational systems in Texas. This initiative focuses on building capacity for effective collaboration among educational service centers and school systems, ensuring meaningful engagement of families in alignment with ESSA requirements. Through statewide training and strategic guidance, the grant supports the development of evidence-based practices that empower parents and community stakeholders to actively participate in the educational process.

The Texas Music Office (TMO) is a division within the Office of the Governor's Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office. The TMO promotes the development of the music industry in the state by informing members of that industry and the public about the resources available in the state for music production. The TMO serves as an information clearinghouse for the Texas music industry and assists more than 15,000 patrons each year. The TMO is accepting applications for grant projects that will benefit music-related education and community programs sponsored by a nonprofit organization based in Texas.

Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities

TCDD is governed by a 27-member Council that includes people with developmental disabilities (DD), family members, and representatives from state agencies, university centers for excellence in DD, and other organizations. 

TCDD helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) achieve their potential for independence, productivity, and integration into their communities through the development of a comprehensive system of services and supports.

Translation & Interpretation Stipends

Reducing language barriers to access services and supports.

TCDD has funding available to support translation and interpretation services to reduce linguistic barriers among individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and families to access services and supports in Texas. Funding for these stipends is made available to the TCDD through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.

Stipend Intent

TCDD stipend support is available to organizations or agencies to translate printed materials or provide verbal or American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services to reduce linguistic barriers and support people with DD and families. Translation may be offered to improve understanding and access to services and support or to inform people with DD and their families about their rights.

These stipends are intended to help reduce linguistic barriers so that all people with disabilities are fully included in their communities and exercise control over their own lives.

Stipend Requirements

The request must demonstrate that:

• the materials and messages translated with these funds are consistent with person-centered and family-centered philosophy;
• the outreach strategies will have the greatest impact to reach and include unserved and underserved populations in Texas; and
• the materials and messages are consistent with the mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Council.

Limitations

TCDD stipends are intended to provide support to individuals and family members who would otherwise be unable to participate. Stipend awards should prioritize Texas residents who have not previously attended the event.

Terms

Multiple applications from an organization may be considered until the maximum allowed funding amount is reached.

Requests for Reimbursement (RARs) and activity reports must be submitted within 30 days after the translation or interpretation is completed. Payments are made based on reimbursement after the event is conducted. Documentation and receipts are required for all expenditures.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The Essential Foundation Grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities served by Aqua and Peoples, supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental initiatives, education, and emergency services. With a strong commitment to corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism, the foundation focuses on funding projects that promote community growth while ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. This initiative reflects Essential Utilities' dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of over 5 million people across nine states.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission invites applications for Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment projects aimed at enhancing the quality of care for nursing facility residents. Eligible organizations, including advocacy groups and long-term care facilities, can propose initiatives that improve resident care and quality of life. Funding is available for projects outside normal operations, with a focus on evidence-based practices. Applications are accepted during specified periods each year.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The AHRF: Bernard and Lottie Drazin Memorial Grants provide up to five $1,000 awards to otolaryngology residents conducting research projects during their residency. Eligible applicants must be from selected Chicago programs or institutions represented by AHRF Board members. Proposals are evaluated on criteria such as novelty, significance, and feasibility. Grant recipients are required to submit progress reports and notify AHRF of any publications resulting from their funded research.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 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. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds. The Texas Education Agency 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.

2026-2027 Texas Strategic Compensation for ESCs Grant (TSCEG)

TEA’s Strategic Priority 1 is to Recruit, Support, and Retain Teachers and Principals. Achieving this priority entails supporting school systems in developing and implementing strategic compensation systems utilizing funds obtained through participation in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) as well as local school systems dollars. The 2026-2027 Texas Strategic Compensation for ESCs Grant (TSCEG) seeks to engage Educational Service Centers (ESC) to provide direct on-going support to school systems as they replace the traditional step-and-ladder compensation system based on years of experience with a system based on performance that supports and rewards principals, assistant principals, and teachers who demonstrate effective teaching practices that result in increased student achievement.

Specifically, this grant entails hiring a Regional Assistant Superintendent of Talent (RAST) at the ESC level and engaging with a TIA approved Technical Assistance Provider. The RAST will engage directly on-site with the identified school system(s) supporting the development of a strategic compensation system, implementation of the TIA, and engaging with the school system around other state objectives developed to increase educator retention and recruitment. The RAST will engage with the Education Service Center building capacity to support strategic compensation systems and TIA in school systems across the region with an emphasis on supporting other school systems in adopting and amending their TIA spending plans in preparation for Enhanced TIA. 

The 80/20 Foundation Grant aims to bolster San Antonio's workforce by funding nonprofits that attract, grow, and retain local talent. Established by Graham Weston, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that showcase the entrepreneurial ecosystem, enhance educational offerings, and improve quality of life. By focusing on impactful projects, the foundation seeks to create a vibrant community where young professionals can thrive, ensuring a sustainable future for the city.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 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. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds. The Texas Education Agency 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.

Instructional Leadership Continuation Grant

The instructional leadership pathway will provide training, implementation support, and one-on-one coaching to campus and district leaders to build their own capacity and that of the educators that they manage.