Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Program Tracker

The grant provides a consistent online program for all ESCs to use for recording action steps and coaching of LEAs and seeks to gain program management and Drupal development assistance to provide continued support.  

The AAF Discretionary Grant, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, aims to enrich lives by supporting nonprofit organizations since 1957. Grants are awarded 3-4 times a year, focusing on strategic areas such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving the northernmost 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. The Foundation encourages potential applicants to consult with their Grants Program Officer before submitting proposals.

Criminal Justice Grant Program, FY2027

Purpose:

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications for projects that promote public safety, reduce crime, and improve the criminal justice system.

Available Funding:

Federal Funds are authorized under 34 U.S.C. §10152 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). JAG funds are made available through a Congressional appropriation to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated federal funds and any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.

The Anna W. & Alexander P. Thornton Charitable Trust Grant prioritizes support for charities in Tarrant County, Texas, focusing on children's and women's services. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, as recognized by the IRS. Direct applications from individuals are not permitted. This grant offers a valuable opportunity for local organizations to secure funding for impactful community initiatives, ensuring essential services are available to those in need.

2026-2028 District-Wide Classroom Review Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to support the implementation of district wide classroom reviews to support district strategic planning and performance systems alignment in a variety of Agency initiatives, including the Effective District Frameworks Diagnostics, Effective Schools Frameworks Diagnostics, and HB-1605 Local Classroom Reviews.

The District Wide Classroom Reviews Grant will provide school systems with a review to determine the degree to which the materials submitted (1) corresponds with the instructional materials adopted by the school district or district campus; and (2) meets the level of rigor of the essential knowledge and skills adopted under Section 28.002 for the grade level in which it is being used. The purpose of this project will be to provide logistics and operations support for all district wide classroom reviews and district wide diagnostics, including training and events, budget tracking and invoicing for completed district wide classroom reviews and working with designated vendors for additional supports and resources, including diagnostic platforms, as identified by TEA.

The Waco Foundation offers Program/Operating Support Grants aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving McLennan County, Texas. These grants support initiatives that address root causes of community challenges, focusing on equitable outcomes and enhancing local nonprofits' impact. Established in 1958, the foundation manages over $100 million in charitable assets and prioritizes projects that foster collaboration, improve quality of life, and support vulnerable populations. Interested organizations must submit a Letter of Inquiry to initiate the application process.

The Texas Law Postgraduate Public Interest Fellowships, established by the William Wayne Justice Center in 2023, support graduating students to engage in public interest legal work for 12 months post-graduation. This program aims to empower students committed to serving underrepresented communities through legal services. Up to two fellowships will be awarded for full-time positions with public interest organizations starting in Spring 2026, fostering hands-on legal experience and enhancing access to justice.

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving

The Mike A. Myers Fellowship in Public Interest Law, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, aims to enhance access to justice for underserved communities. This one-year fellowship funds a Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a nonprofit focusing on legal services for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. Preference is given to candidates proposing to work with Texas Advocacy Project. The fellowship emphasizes collaboration with host organizations to ensure effective project supervision.

The Julius Glickman Fellowship in Public Interest Law, supported by the William Wayne Justice Center, aims to enhance access to justice by funding an exceptional Texas Law graduate or judicial clerk to work with a public interest organization. This one-year, full-time fellowship is designed to empower new attorneys to provide vital legal services to underrepresented individuals or groups, focusing on civil legal services, and fostering a commitment to public interest lawyering.

The Pangburn Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, educational, or scientific organizations in Texas. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. For more information about the application process, please visit the foundation's finder link provided by JPMorgan.

The G. Rollie White Public Service Scholarship, established by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, offers full tuition coverage for three years alongside summer stipends for public interest work. It aims to support students with strong academic backgrounds and a commitment to public service, preparing them for careers in legal aid for underserved communities. Scholars are expected to engage actively in the Justice Center's initiatives and serve as ambassadors for public interest law.

The Equal Justice Scholarship, offered by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, fully funds tuition and fees for three years and provides summer stipends for public interest work. Awarded to students with strong academic records and a commitment to public service, recipients engage with the Justice Center and serve as ambassadors for public interest law. This scholarship supports legal professionals dedicated to assisting low-income individuals and communities, fostering a vibrant community at Texas Law.

The Chris Marshall Endowed Presidential Scholarship, established by the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law, supports outstanding third-year law students committed to public service in Texas. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 3.44 or higher and demonstrate a strong intent to work in nonprofit, government, or legislative positions post-graduation. This scholarship not only aids students financially but also fosters a commitment to increasing access to justice through public interest lawyering.

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Charlye Farris Scholarship Endowment

The Charlye Farris Scholarship was established as an endowment fund by the Wichita County Bar Association in 2001 to honor the life and accomplishments of Wichita Falls native, Charlye O. Farris. Charlye was valedictorian of the Booker T. Washington class of 1945 at age 15. She graduated from Prairie View A&M College at 18, and graduated from Howard University with a law degree in 1953. That same year, Charlye returned to Texas to pass the bar exam and become the first Black, female lawyer in Texas. She prevailed during the time of segregation, with odds against her, and achieved professional excellence as a practicing attorney in Wichita Falls for over 50 years, with peers citing her work ethic, courage, and principles as a model for all. The one-time $1,000 scholarship hosted by WFACF is for current college students who graduated from Wichita County high schools, attending or applying to any law school in Texas. 

Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

For over 25 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to leaving a legacy for future generations by promoting philanthropy, providing charitable opportunities, and facilitating donors’ interests. We work alongside donors and community partners to help meet area needs, create solutions, and inspire action to build a vibrant community today and a stronger community for tomorrow. 

Scholarships

The Community Foundation is home to 50 scholarship funds established by generous individuals, organizations and businesses to help students from our community and surrounding areas pursue their dreams through education. 

Clyde Fillmore Scholarship Endowment

The Clyde Fillmore Scholarship was setup by the Wichita County Bar Association in 1998 at the Texas Bar Foundation, and moved to WFACF in 2012. It was established as tribute to an exceptional attorney and man, Clyde Fillmore. A World War II veteran and former POW in Burma and Thailand, Clyde had a deep appreciation for freedom and justice. After surviving torturous work during the war, Clyde was able to return home to Wichita Falls, his family, and his profession. He was elected as District Attorney, and later went into private practice to become an outstanding civil trial lawyer. Clyde practiced law for more than 70 years. The one-time $1,000 scholarship in his honor is open to current college students who graduated from a Wichita County high school, attending or applying to any law school in Texas. 

The OVPR Special Research Grants at the University of Texas at Austin offer up to $2,000 for tenured and tenure-track faculty to support specific research projects. Applications will be accepted from September 1, 2025, until August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. These competitive grants are designed for unanticipated costs and are limited to two awards per faculty member in a five-year span. Early submissions enhance funding chances.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The McMahon Surovik Suttle, P.C. Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, provides financial support to Big Country area students pursuing a law degree. Eligible applicants must be full-time students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must have been admitted to an accredited Texas law school. This scholarship honors the legacy of retired partners Stephen Suttle and Bob Surovik, promoting legal education in West Texas.

The Texas Education Agency is offering a 2025-2028 OER HQIM Embedded-Assessment Ingestion grant aimed at enhancing assessment platforms for school districts. This initiative will integrate embedded assessments from Open Educational Resources (OER) High Quality Instructional Materials, facilitating effective data collection and analysis to improve student outcomes. The grant targets Education Service Center Regions 7 and 10, ensuring that educational entities can efficiently utilize assessment data in the upcoming school years.

The Tocker Foundation, established in 1964, focuses on enhancing the educational opportunities for rural librarians in Texas. Through the Texas Library Association (TLA) Travel Stipend, the foundation supports library staff from communities with populations of 12,000 or less to attend the TLA's annual conference. This initiative allows librarians to gain valuable insights, network with peers, and enrich their professional development, ultimately benefiting their local communities.

The Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League David McClure Memorial Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools and alternative education programs pursuing a degree in wildlife-related fields. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be accepted into accredited colleges or vocational programs. This scholarship fosters educational growth while promoting conservation efforts, reflecting the commitment of the Ashland County Community Foundation to enhance community development and support future leaders in wildlife conservation.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The TWDB Agricultural Water Conservation Grants Program supports projects that enhance irrigation efficiency and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Texas. Eligible projects include irrigation monitoring, rainwater harvesting, and innovative technologies. Funding aims to improve water conservation strategies, engage agricultural producers through outreach, and demonstrate measurable water savings. This initiative aligns with Texas' water management goals, fostering resilience to climate variability and encouraging the adoption of advanced water-saving practices.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Fred Woodward Endowed Scholarship, offered by the Amarillo Area Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors and current college students in Texas who are children of Texas Seed Trade Association members. Recipients can attend any accredited institution and pursue any field of study, provided they meet eligibility criteria including full-time enrollment and maintaining a minimum GPA. This scholarship is part of the Foundation's commitment to improving the quality of life in the Texas Panhandle.

The Tocker Foundation, established in 1964, focuses on supporting small, rural Texas libraries with populations under 12,000. Their Newspaper Digitization Grant aims to preserve local historical documents, ensuring that communities retain their heritage. A notable success was the partnership with the Ed and Hazel Richmond Public Library, which digitized old newspapers at risk of being lost due to flooding. Applications for the grant are accepted year-round, reflecting the foundation's commitment to accessible historical preservation.