Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

The 2025-2026 Title IV, Part A ESC Capacity Building State Initiative, funded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes across Texas. This grant focuses on providing training and resources to 20 Education Service Centers (ESCs) to improve well-rounded education, promote safe and healthy students, and leverage technology effectively. The initiative seeks to strengthen the capacity of school systems statewide, ensuring all students receive quality educational support.

Rob-See-Co is an independent seed company with regional expertise, providing customers access to leading genetics and traits through the Rob-See-Co and Innotech® seed brands. Rob-See-Co also sells Masters Choice specialty silage and forage products, as well as Streamline Ag seed-driven crop inputs. Rob-See-Co works alongside its customers, building strong relationships and helping them plant the right seed for their long-term success, while keeping the process friendly, straightforward, and simple. 

Rob-See-Co Library Grant

In recognition of National Library Day, Rob-See-Co, an independent seed company located in Elkhorn, Neb. is proud to announce the continuation of its Rural Library Grant program.

Originally launched in 2023 to commemorate the company’s 10th anniversary and honor Agnes Robinson’s dedication to the rural library in Waterloo, NE, the program continues to hold special meaning. Agnes, great-grandmother of Jim Robinson, CEO of Rob-See-Co, was a passionate advocate for rural libraries. Today, the program extends support to libraries across rural communities within the company’s footprint. 

The focus areas for grant distributions from the Rob-See-Co Rural Library Grant program will assist local libraries with expanding book collections, core educational programs for adults or children, and computer or software upgrades. Examples of this would be new books, expansion of school visits or field trips, digitizing research materials, support for funding traveling exhibits and speakers.

Rob-See-Co will award ten grants to selected rural libraries across CO, IA, KS, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SD, TX and WI. Funds may be used for core educational, preservation and interpretive purposes, including collection development, facility improvements, traveling exhibits, guest speakers, staff training, programming, and publications. 

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 Local Accountability Plan Grant

The Local Accountability Systems is a district-wide initiative through which districts and open-enrollment charter schools develop a plan to evaluate the performance of their campuses locally. Local Accountability Systems seek to engage the community and district in establishing locally relevant accountability measures, provide parents, families, and communities with detail information about local school performance and progress over time, and continuously improve student performance and preparedness for post-secondary success. 

The Cullen Foundation, established in 1947, supports cultural arts, education, healthcare, and public service primarily in the Greater Houston area. With over $500 million in grants distributed, the Foundation emphasizes initiatives that enhance community quality of life. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities. The Foundation does not fund businesses, individuals, or operational support, ensuring that its contributions directly impact the community. For more information on eligibility and grant history, please visit their website.

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.

Reading Academies Enrollment Canvas Seats

Program Description

This project will support the implementation of Texas Reading Academies by awarding a grant for the maintenance of a learning management system, including content and design support for various reading academies options, continued support for seat provision, registration, deployment, and technical assistance of online academies participants, monthly data reporting, and ongoing support for the data portal.

About

The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) is an Advisory Commission to the Texas Historical Commission (THC).

The THGAAC is composed of nine citizen members appointed by the governor to six-year terms. Commissioners and staff members connect with thousands of Texans each year by promoting public education and awareness of the Holocaust, other genocides, and antisemitism in Texas.

Our Mission

The mission of the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission is to combat and confront hatred, prejudice, and indifference by educating all Texans about the Holocaust and other genocides in an effort to dismantle antisemitism and prevent future atrocities.

THGAAC Education Grant

The Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission (THGAAC) offers to fund a variety of programs through its THGAAC Education Grant program. These grant funds may be used for:

• Combating antisemitism and/or implementing Holocaust and genocide courses of study and awareness programs;
• Supporting volunteers who have agreed to share, in classrooms, seminars, exhibits, or workshops, their verifiable knowledge and experiences regarding the Holocaust or other genocides;
• Supporting events that memorialize the Holocaust and other genocides;
• Supporting events designed to enhance public awareness of the fight against antisemitism and continuing significance of the Holocaust and other genocides; and
• Supporting efforts to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

This grant is open to all permanent, non-profit institutions that are headquartered in the State of Texas.

Amounts up to $50,000.00 may be granted per project.

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission has been serving the people of Texas for more than a century. Since 1909, when the state founded the agency, we have been supporting the reading, learning, and historical preservation needs of Texas and its people. 

Going back to the days of the Republic, there has always been an official library and archives of Texas. While fulfilling our unique and longstanding place serving Texas government, the State Library and Archives Commission mission is also to ensure that citizens have information they need to lead informed, productive, and fulfilled lives.

TSLAC Special Projects Grant

Goals and Purposes

This grant program provides funds for efforts that will significantly expand library services to include all members of the library’s community, particularly community members who experience barriers when accessing the library and its resources. It enables libraries to develop programs for populations with special needs or those having difficulty using the library. Programs that focus on community engagement or that involve collaboration with other community organizations are strongly encouraged. Programs must emphasize improved services by the library to its patrons.

The proposed program must meet the following LSTA goals as identified in the 2023-2027 LSTA 5- Year Plan (https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/lstaplan/5yearplan):

Goals

• Through Texas libraries, Texans will have access to digital resources and services needed to help them navigate the digital information landscape successfully.
• Texans will have access to library materials and services that support literacy and educational attainment, especially early childhood and family literacy, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning.
• Texans will receive library services from trained library staff that effectively respond to community needs.

The purpose of this grant program is not for collection development or other activities primarily focused on the acquisition of library materials or resources, or digitization projects.

The Dollar General School Library Relief Grant Program, managed by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, provides crucial support to K-12 public school libraries that face significant damage due to disasters such as fires or federally recognized acts of terrorism. This grant aims to restore essential library resources, ensuring that affected communities can continue to access vital educational materials and support. Libraries must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and meet specific eligibility criteria.

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.

The B. J. Runnels Dean Scholarship Fund, established by Myrte Veach and friends of B.J. Dean, honors her legacy in advancing women in ministry. Administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, this fund provides scholarships to female residents of Tennessee or Texas pursuing a career in ministry. With a mission to foster a thriving and inclusive community, the fund embodies B.J. Dean's commitment to service and empowerment, ensuring that future generations of women can follow their calling.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Rusty Gibson Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers Northeast Texas Branch, recognizes outstanding students from the University of Texas at Tyler or LeTourneau University. This scholarship is based on merit, personal achievements, and financial need. The number and value of the awards will be determined upon application review, with recipients expected to report on scholarship usage at a future meeting. This initiative fosters the development of future civil engineering leaders.

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 Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

Effective Advising Framework Planning Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant program is to develop, maintain, and deliver core services to school systems as identified under TEC §8.051 and in accordance with the purposes of Regional Education Service Centers as established in TEC §8.002.

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 R.L. White Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, offers financial assistance to students pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering at UTSA. This renewable scholarship supports one student annually, focusing on high school seniors or current college students from specific Texas counties. With a three-year renewal term, it requires full-time enrollment and a minimum GPA of 2.5, ensuring that recipients are committed to their educational journey and contributing positively to the community.

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 Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Lubbock Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Chapter Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, supports full-time PhD students in natural sciences. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing careers in areas such as agriculture, engineering, and human sciences. By providing financial assistance, the fund fosters educational growth and contributes to building a brighter future for the South Plains community.

The Brown-Forman Grants aim to enhance community vitality through strategic funding focused on arts, essential living standards, and responsible living. Emphasizing support for nonprofit organizations, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that improve well-being, education, and environmental sustainability, particularly in Louisville, Kentucky. Organizations seeking funding must align with these goals and demonstrate measurable project outcomes. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests or applications from ineligible entities, ensuring that resources are directed towards fostering impactful community engagement.

The Wayne And Jo Ann Moore Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance lives and communities through philanthropic efforts, focusing on diverse programs in arts, health, and education. Established in 2008, the foundation honors the philanthropic legacy of Wayne and JoAnn Moore, who believed in giving back to the community. Organizations must be Texas-based and tax-exempt under IRS guidelines to be eligible for funding, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to local impact.

The Thelma Braun & Bocklett Family Foundation Grant, established in 1980, supports quality education, cultural, human services, and health care for underserved populations. The foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations with annual budgets under $20 million and particularly favors programs benefiting Grayson County, Texas, in arts and education. Grants typically last one year, and special consideration is given to projects that address vital community needs, enhancing the lives of local youth.

The Henry Hamilton Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and current college students from the Texas Panhandle's top 26 counties. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing degrees in Engineering or Environmental Science, allowing recipients the freedom to choose their educational institution. By investing in local talent, the foundation plays a crucial role in community development and addresses the region's educational needs.

The Smith County Bar Foundation Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, is designed for graduating seniors intending to study law or related fields at accredited colleges in Smith County, Texas. The scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in achieving dreams and requires FAFSA for financial need consideration. It provides one year of support to help students pursue their educational goals in law, criminal justice, and related areas.

The Larry R. Smith First Responders Scholarship, established by the East Texas Communities Foundation, aims to support students pursuing education in law-related fields. Open to graduating seniors and non-traditional students in Smith County, this scholarship does not require FAFSA and is specifically for those planning to attend a four-year accredited college or university in the U.S. Special consideration is given to students interested in law enforcement careers.

The Stuart Henry Environmental Law Fellowship, offered by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law at The University of Texas School of Law, provides a $8,000 stipend for one rising 2L or 3L JD student to work for at least 10 weeks with a nonprofit legal organization focused on protecting Texas' environment. This fellowship aims to support students dedicated to public service and environmental advocacy.

The Walter E. and Evelyn H. Haggard Scholarship Trust, administered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering. This renewable scholarship is available to high school seniors and current college students in Texas, particularly from Bexar County, who demonstrate financial need. With a commitment to enhancing community well-being, this trust has been a vital resource since 1964, helping students achieve their educational goals and positively impacting the local community.

The Mary E. Massingill Honey Bear Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of West Texas, honors a dedicated educator and supports graduating high school seniors from Honey Elementary with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship aims to foster a love of learning and prepare students for higher education, emphasizing the importance of skilled educators in the classroom. Annually, one deserving student will receive this award, ensuring a lasting impact on their educational journey.