Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation's AOTF Intervention Research Grant Program supports innovative research in occupational therapy, providing up to $100,000 for projects that address health inequities and social justice. This initiative aims to generate preliminary data essential for larger studies, aligning with the profession's Vision 2025. By focusing on underrepresented populations, the program encourages inclusivity and ethical research practices, ensuring a diverse study population. This funding opportunity is crucial for advancing evidence-based practices in occupational therapy.

The SETAC North America Student Meeting Attendance Grant supports student participation in annual meetings, emphasizing inclusivity and excellence. This program provides waived registration and stipends for costs such as travel and dependent care. Eligible students can apply during abstract submission from March to May, with grants available for each degree program. The initiative encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from indigenous communities and minority-serving institutions, enhancing representation within the environmental sciences.

The AOTF Implementation Research Grant supports innovative research aimed at integrating evidence-based practices into occupational therapy. This grant encourages projects that directly involve stakeholders, particularly from underrepresented populations, to address health inequities. With funding options of up to $100,000 for two years or $50,000 for one year, the AOTF seeks to enhance the effectiveness of care through practical implementation strategies in diverse clinical settings.

The Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship, valued at $5,000, supports doctoral candidates in occupational therapy focusing on mental health research. This scholarship honors Bonita Kraft, a dedicated advocate for integrating occupational therapy into mental health services. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have IRB approval, and conduct research addressing chronic mental health conditions in adults. The scholarship aims to enhance the visibility of occupational therapy within mental health treatment.

The A Woman’s Work Founders Scholarship, provided by the Longmont Community Foundation, supports women in the Longmont and St. Vrain Valley area who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to their education. With awards ranging from $500 to $5,000, this scholarship prioritizes applicants who have shown resilience in overcoming challenges. By empowering women, the scholarship aims to foster individual achievement and strengthen the community, creating pathways to sustainable futures.

Invest in Others

The Invest in Others 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation amplifies, celebrates, and inspires the charitable work of the financial services community.

We provide a platform for financial professionals to make an impact on the causes they care about, channeling the philanthropy and volunteerism of the finance industry to make a difference where it’s needed most. We provide critical grant funding for nonprofits nationwide, helping fill gaps left by shrinking budgets and growing need.

Invest in Others Awards

About the Awards

The Invest in Others Awards recognize the charitable work of financial advisors and honors recipients at an annual awards gala in Boston.

Nominations are evaluated based on an advisor’s leadership, dedication, contribution, inspiration and impact on a nonprofit and the community it serves. Three finalists will be selected in each of the five categories with one recipient being chosen for each award.

Award finalists and recipients will receive grants from Invest in Others for their designated charities:

• Honorable mentions will receive $2,000
• Finalists in all five categories will receive $25,000
• Recipients in the Catalyst, Community Service, Emerging Impact, and Volunteer of the Year categories will receive $60,000
• The Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will receive $100,000

Catalyst Award

Presented to an advisor who has been an active stimulus for positive change and displayed entrepreneurial vision and leadership to a nonprofit organization for at least 3 years. This may involve rejuvenating an organization from failing to thriving, or helping to launch a new nonprofit organization.

Anita Tarr Turk Fund for Breast Cancer Research

The Anita Tarr Turk Fund for Breast Cancer Research was established in October 2011 as an endowed field of interest fund. Its purpose is to distribute grants annually to one or more charitable, educational or scientific organizations conducting top-level research searching for the cause of, and cure for, breast cancer.

Anita Tarr Turk encouraged the Community Foundation for Monterey (CFMC)’s board to consider grants to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and the California Breast Cancer Research Program. The Fund may also consider proposals from organizations conducting similar research. Due to the narrow field of interest and suggested organizations in the fund’s establishing documents, organizations are invited to share research projects for CFMC to consider.

Grant Amount

• $60,000/year

The Braly Trade / Vocational Scholarship, offered by the Longmont Community Foundation, supports individuals over 21 pursuing a trade or vocational education. This one-time award of $5,000 is allocated for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. The scholarship honors the Braly family’s legacy in trades and aims to empower recipients to positively impact their communities. Applicants must be high school graduates or hold a GED and plan to attend an accredited institution in the U.S.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Dupont Alumni Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

• Academic record, interview, and financial need

Required materials: 

• 2 letters of recommendation from teachers and/or counselors of the applicant’s high school; and 
• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $3,900 | Multiple scholarships may be awarded

About Us

The Community Foundation of NCW is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization that helps individuals, families, businesses, and agencies support charitable causes throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

Don and Ellen Garrison Service to Community and School Scholarship

The Don and Ellen Garrison Scholarship celebrates a family history rooted in the Okanogan Valley, beginning when Don's family homesteaded south of Malott in 1917. Don and Ellen built a life of community leadership and dedication, operating their orchard and serving on various local boards. Their commitment to the region remains strong, as both of their sons became educators in Washington, with one son teaching in Okanogan where his father, Don, graduated in 1933.

This award supports graduating seniors of Okanogan High School planning to attend a trade school or college in the U.S. The scholarship seeks applicants who reflect the family's commitment to activity and service. Required criteria include lettering in athletics, participating in a school club or activity, and having a consistent record of community service.

About US

In 1994, a group of visionary Lowcountry community leaders recognized the need to create a community foundation. Through the sale of the nonprofit Hilton Head Hospital, Hilton Head Island Foundation, Inc. was born, with a mission to provide philanthropic leadership to a growing community.

In 2001, our service area expanded to include northern Beaufort County, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper Counties. To reflect this, our name changed to Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Jeff Katon Scholarship

Jeff Katon was a beloved son, brother, friend and business associate to many of us in the Hilton Head community. Jeff always displayed great passion for wine, food, golf and his community. The outpouring of support after his untimely death greatly touched Jeff's family and friends. The Jeff Katon Scholarship Foundation was established as a way to give back to the community Jeff loved.

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Cam Car Club Scholarship

Criteria evaluated:

• Academic performance and financial need

Required materials

• FAFSA SAI PDF upload

Scholarship amount:

• $1,750 | 1 scholarship

The Harold Simmons Foundation, established in 1988 in Dallas, Texas, aims to enhance community quality of life through strategic investments. The Foundation focuses on education, healthcare, civic improvement, and arts, offering grants between $5,000 to $20,000 for first-time applicants. Proposals addressing current community needs are welcomed year-round, with a preference for collaborative efforts among nonprofits. In 2024, the Foundation distributed approximately $7.3 million to support impactful projects.

The Earthwatch Institute's Teach Earth Fellowship connects K-12 teachers with scientists through immersive research expeditions. Celebrating 50 years, this program empowers educators to inspire students with hands-on environmental science experiences. Teachers gain confidence, collaborate with peers, and develop impactful curricula. The fellowship includes workshops, networking opportunities, and resources to enhance environmental education in classrooms. Participants return with renewed purpose, ready to engage their communities in conservation efforts.

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) was established to streamline the city's cultural efforts into one hub, combining all resources for cultural arts, public arts, heritage centers, heritage tourism, music, and special events. ACME strives to enhance coordination, improve services, and create synergistic opportunities to sustain and develop Austin’s rich creative ecosystem and places, ensuring Austin remains a global destination for creative experiences while honoring the city’s rich heritage.

Heritage Preservation Grant 

The Heritage Preservation Grant promotes tourism through historic preservation projects and activities rooted in local history and heritage at historic sites.

Grant funds support capital projects or heritage events that expand access to historic places and heritage resources and market the site's history to engage new audiences and tourists. All capital projects require a historic designation.  

Program goals include to increase Austin's heritage tourism; preserve and open access to historic spaces; bring local history to life through interpretation, activations, and storytelling; and support jobs in the creative economy. 

Heritage Events 

Support proposals that expand access to historic places and heritage experiences by highlighting local history and storytelling, connecting communities, and drawing both residents and tourists at historic sites. While bids are not required for Heritage Events, a proposed budget breakdown is required as part of the application process.  

Sites must be historically designated (or eligible for historic designation), occur within and approved by the City Council as a heritage district or corridor, or historically significant.

• Events must include historic research and highlight the history of the site
• Applicants must identify a specific location, with or without a historic designation, and explain why it’s historically important and how it connects to the project or activities
• Proposals must describe the specific historic event, person, community, group, or aspect of city history that your project will highlight and how the project promotes the tourism and hotel industries. (See Historical Associations Category in CoA Historic Zoning Application)
• Applicants must explain how the proposal will uncover untold stories associated with the location
• Proposals must include the development of a printed and digital itinerary, a site map, and a listing of nearby historic museums or heritage sites

Heritage Events WITH Local, State, or National Designated Historic Location

• Project must occur at a designated historic site, historic district, or within official City of Austin heritage districts

Heritage Event Project Types

• Events, festivals, or programs at a historic designated location or within a historic district and marketed regionally, nationally, or internationally
• Heritage, historic, or interpretive history-focused exhibits
• Projects or activities in heritage districts with historic assets previously approved by the City Council (includes the Red River Cultural District, African American Cultural Heritage District, and the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor)
• Production of special events and programs that highlight the history of the site
• Tour development: historic, heritage, legacy business, and natural resources 

Heritage Event Requirements

• Activities must occur in a Council District or Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
• For projects on City owned park land please upload your approved Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Project Feasibility Form. This form is due to APR by July 28 for Heritage Events on City owned Parkland. This is to ensure that you receive the approved form in time to submit with your application.
• For projects planned for Austin History Center (AHC) please use this form. This form is due to AHC by August 4 for Heritage Events at AHC.
• In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
• Obtain and maintain project insurance throughout the agreement term
• Preservation projects and programs that highlight storytelling and invite tourists and convention visitors to explore historic sites and museums
• Projects must be open to the public, serve the public interest, and be actively promoted to Austin residents, visitors, and tourists, including hours of operation or visitation on the website
• Proposals at City-owned site must gain approval through the managing department
• Proposals must complete the budget table in the application
• Review and acquire necessary permits through Austin Build + Connect (AB+C)
• Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists

The Andee Jorgensen Scholarship, managed by the Renton Regional Community Foundation, supports students from King County demonstrating financial need and resilience against personal hardships. With an award of $1,000, this scholarship honors civic leader Andee Jorgensen and is available for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Preference is given to those engaged in community service. The foundation aims to foster education and empower local youth to pursue their academic ambitions while overcoming challenges.

The OAR Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for autistic individuals by funding community-led projects that address physical health and support services. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 are available for initiatives designed to produce practical tools and resources. Eligible applicants include family members, autistic individuals, and community organizations committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. Projects should be innovative, publicly accessible, and focus on priority topics such as health systems and community services.

The Pauline H. Bruce Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers $2,000 to students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. This scholarship honors Pauline Bruce, a dedicated educator with over 40 years of service in local public schools. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a strong desire and aptitude for success in their college education, reflecting the spirit of community and educational excellence.

The Mary Beth Williams Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, honors the life of Mary Beth Williams, who tragically passed away in 1997. This scholarship supports students from Rappahannock County with a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrating financial need, and pursuing higher education in agriculture or related fields. Award amounts vary, reflecting the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Lucas Allen Erin’s Elderberries Scholarship Fund, established by a local entrepreneur, supports Fauquier County High School students pursuing their career goals. This $1,000 award requires applicants to be in good academic standing, demonstrate initiative, and provide a letter of recommendation from their employer. Priority is given to those exhibiting financial need and a work history. Managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, this fund aims to empower local students and enhance their educational journeys.

The Lois R. Snead Arts & Crafts Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students in Rappahannock County who are pursuing education in arts or crafts. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors and demonstrate community service and academic initiative. Priority is given to first-generation students in financial need, ensuring that local talent can thrive in creative fields. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering community and artistic growth.

The Lane E. Warren Scholarship Fund, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, offers a $1,000 award to a Madison County resident who is a high school graduate or graduating this year. This scholarship honors Lane E. Warren, a promising student whose life was tragically cut short. The selection criteria emphasize financial need and community service, supporting students pursuing college or certificate programs in their educational endeavors.

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment

Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) was established to streamline the city's cultural efforts into one hub, combining all resources for cultural arts, public arts, heritage centers, heritage tourism, music, and special events. ACME strives to enhance coordination, improve services, and create synergistic opportunities to sustain and develop Austin’s rich creative ecosystem and places, ensuring Austin remains a global destination for creative experiences while honoring the city’s rich heritage.

Heritage Preservation Grant 

The Heritage Preservation Grant promotes tourism through historic preservation projects and activities rooted in local history and heritage at historic sites.

Grant funds support capital projects or heritage events that expand access to historic places and heritage resources and market the site's history to engage new audiences and tourists. All capital projects require a historic designation.  

Program goals include to increase Austin's heritage tourism; preserve and open access to historic spaces; bring local history to life through interpretation, activations, and storytelling; and support jobs in the creative economy. 

Capital Improvement Projects

Support capital improvement projects at historic sites – designated or eligible for designation that attract tourists. The site must be open, and its history must be actively marketed to tourists.

If awarded, all capital project proposals are required to be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Office, Architectural Review Committee (ARC), and/or the Historic Landmark Commission (HLC).  

Capital Improvement Project Types

• American Disabilities Act (ADA) exterior access
• Awning rehabilitation / repair
• Cast iron restoration / repair
• Door / window / screen / trim restoration/repair
• Façade elements
• Foundation stabilization
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation / repair (does not require an exterior project proposal) (see pg. 202)
• Historic accessory structures
• Interior: Electrical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
• Interior: Mechanical Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
• Interior: Flooring (must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) see pg. 204)
• Interior: Safety Upgrades (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal) (see pg. 202)
• Interior: Masonry (compatible with the restoration-period character of the interior and the request must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal)
• Masonry rehabilitation / repair
• Millwork rehabilitation / repair
• Paint (in kind; must match existing unless pre-approved)
• Professional services or consultants required to support the project, such as Preservation Architects, Interpretive Planners, Architectural Historians, and other professional services contracts to support the project, its long-term preservation, or historic designation
• Roof Repair
• Sign installation (on private property and must comply with Historic Sign Standards)

Capital Project Requirements

• Grounds must be accessible, open, and marketed to tourists with reasonable visitation hours
• Interior project proposals must be submitted together with an exterior project proposal
• In accordance with Texas Tax Code Ch 351, the proposal and application must meet the following two criteria: (1) The use must directly enhance and promote tourism and the hotel industry; (2) For historic preservation and restoration projects, the project must be: (A) at or in the immediate vicinity of convention center facilities or visitor information centers; or (B) located in the areas that are reasonably likely to be frequented by tourists
• Interior projects must include a sensitive treatment plan which emphasizes preserving significant historic features and materials while minimizing physical and visual impact as recommended by The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Maintain historic designation
• Projects must occur at a designated historic site or a contributing property within a designated historic district. Verify the historic designation of a site using the City of Austin Historic Property View Finder 
• Projects must occur at a site eligible for local, state, or national historic designation, or determined eligible for designation by the Texas Historical Commission. Designation must be completed within the agreement term
• Project management fee and project administrative expenses are allowed up to 10% of the grant award (not to exceed $20,000) for capital projects
• If awarded, projects must be reviewed and approved either by the Historic Preservation Office and/or the Historic Landmark Commission after a preliminary review by the Architectural Review Committee
• Projects that are preservation-related or history-focused and are actively promoted to tourists, hotel guests, and convention delegates to expand audiences and tourists
• Proposals on private property must include Owner Authorization with the application. Here is a link to the Owner Authorization Form. It can be used for historic public or private sites unless the managing City department gives other instructions.
• For projects on City owned park land please upload your approved Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) Project Feasibility Form. This form is due to APR by July 28 for Heritage Events on City owned Parkland. This is to ensure that you receive the approved form in time to submit with your application.  
• Proposals must include one complete bid package (see definition) with bids from a contractor, (Preservation) Architect, subcontractor and vendors.  
• Proposals must include recommendations from an Architect or equivalent professional based on The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and/or the City of Austin Historic Design Standards
• Proposals must adhere to City of Austin Historic Design Standards and/or The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Proposed historic site may require an on-site assessment or review
• Proposals with City-owned sites must be approved by the managing department before applying for a grant
• Properties determined to be eligible for historic designation. If a property is not designated at the time of the application, the applicant must provide a determination of eligibility with the application and sites must be historically designated by the end of the grant agreement term
• Applicant must include marketing expenses in their budget proposal

About the Awards

The late Dr. James F. Fries, formerly professor emeritus of medicine at Stanford University, came up with the idea for the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health in a 1987 ascent of Nepal’s Makalu—one of the world’s highest peaks—when his party became trapped in a severe snowstorm and was ultimately unable to scale the mountain.

Following that experience, Dr. Fries returned to sea level and set about establishing a foundation to support a Nobel-like prize for health that now annually awards a $100,000 prize to an an outstanding leader judged by an expert panel to have done the greatest good for the greatest number of people in the field of health.

In 1992 the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award was established in honor of Elizabeth Fries, daughter of James and Sarah Fries. The $50,000 prize is awarded annually to an individual judged to have made substantial contributions to their area of health education and health promotion. Sarah Fries remained active in the Fries Awards for Health program until her death in May 2017, and Jim Fries remained active in the awards until his death in November 2021.

The CDC Foundation is honored to partner with the James F. and Sarah T. Fries Foundation, which established and funds the award. As of 2016, the CDC Foundation manages and administers the Fries Awards for Health program, which include the James and Sarah Fries Prize for Improving Health and the Elizabeth Fries Health Education Award.

Emand Hamad, M.D. Healthcare Career Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students planning on majoring in a healthcare major.

Patrick Caroselli Scholarship

To provide financial assistance for college to high school seniors in Monroe County whose parents immigrated to the United States and attained citizenship.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; award amount may be split between two or more recipients. Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Average award $5,000; not to exceed the cost of tuition.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards must be used for costs related to enrollment in a higher education program, prioritizing tuition fees.

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin awards nearly $300,000 in annual scholarships to support Central Wisconsin students’ educational needs. 

The Community Foundation proudly supports students in Portage and Waushara counties with over $325,000 in scholarships annually, thanks to the generosity of local individuals and families. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000, opening doors to educational opportunities.

The Community Foundation provides scholarships for a wide range of students, including high school seniors, college students, non-traditional learners, and those pursuing specific fields of study.

Ann G. Haley Scholarship

Criteria for Selection:

• Pursuing a degree in the medical field.