Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

Texas Health and Human Services

Texas Health and Human Services, also known as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), helps more than 7.5 million Texans every month. The agency supports the needs of mothers, children and families through programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, women’s health and behavioral health services.

HHSC provides long-term services and supports for seniors and people with disabilities, and operates state supported living centers for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and state psychiatric hospitals. HHSC also regulates health care providers, professions and facilities to protect the health and safety of Texans.

Fiscal Year 2026 Innovation Grant Program

Executive Summary

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the System Agency, is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Innovation Grant Program.

The purpose of this program is to support Rural Hospitals, Rural Hospital Authorities (RHA), and Rural Hospitals Districts (RHD) to provide access to health care, improve quality of care, strengthen financial stability, and ensure initiatives are sustainable.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the Department) announces a NOFA of approximately $1,000,000 in HOME funds for single family housing programs under the Contract for Deed (CFD) set-aside under a Reservation System. These funds will be made available to HOME Reservation System Participants with a current Reservation System Participation (RSP) Agreement. 

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA or the Department) announces a NOFA in HOME funds for single family housing programs under the general set-aside utilizing a reservation system. These funds will be made available to HOME Reservation System Participants after a Reservation System Participation (RSP) Agreement has been ratified. The following activity types are eligible uses of HOME funds awarded under this NOFA: (1) Homeowner Reconstruction Assistance (HRA), and (2) Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA). 

The External Collaborative Research (ECR) program by Boehringer Ingelheim invites academic and community scientists to propose collaborative studies aimed at protocol development and result publication. This program offers potential drug and financial support, excluding direct salary for the Principal Investigator. Budgets must represent fair market value and will be negotiated further. Research interests span therapeutic areas including Cardio-Renal-Metabolic, Mental Health, Dermatology, and Oncology, encouraging innovative solutions to unmet medical needs.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) in Texas offers low-cost financing for various pollution control projects, including wastewater and stormwater management. With over $460 million allocated for Fiscal Year 2024, this program supports the planning, design, and construction of essential infrastructure. Key features include below-market interest rates, principal forgiveness for disadvantaged communities, and funding for urgent projects. CWSRF is vital for enhancing water quality and environmental sustainability in Texas communities.

The Texas Water Development Fund (DFund) offers state-funded loans for a variety of infrastructure projects, including water supply and flood control initiatives. Eligible applicants include political subdivisions and nonprofit water supply corporations. The program streamlines funding by allowing multiple project components to be included in one loan. As of FY 2020, approximately $2.7 billion has been committed, with applications requiring a pre-application conference to discuss eligibility and project details.

The Postdoctoral Grant Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health aims to support the growth and professional development of postdoctoral trainees, fellows, and associates. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, recipients can engage in independent research projects, attend workshops, or cover open-access publication fees. This initiative enhances research capacity and promotes health equity in Wisconsin, addressing critical health challenges while fostering career advancement in the medical field.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) offers Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding to support conservation and management programs for wild sheep populations across North America and Central Asia. Established in 1977, WSF prioritizes collaborative proposals that involve partners and matching funds. The organization has raised over $130 million for wild sheep conservation, emphasizing scientific management and public education about sustainable hunting practices. GIA funding decisions align with WSF's mission and identified priority goals.

Medtronic is a global leader in medical technology, dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and supporting the communities it serves. Through its Grants and Donations program, Medtronic provides financial assistance for medical education, independent conferences, and charitable events, emphasizing collaboration with healthcare stakeholders. The program aims to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life, positively impacting millions of patients worldwide. For more information, visit Medtronic's FAQs on grants and donations.

Speedway Children's Charities provides critical support to children in need, focusing on those in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties. Since its inception in 1982, SCC has distributed over $72 million in grants, with $4 million allocated in 2024 alone. The organization prioritizes assistance for the homeless, orphans, and victims of sex trafficking, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive despite their circumstances. Through various fundraising events, SCC empowers local nonprofits dedicated to improving children's lives.

The 2025-2026 Food Security, School Readiness, and Recovery Pilot Grant Program, Year 3, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational outcomes through targeted funding. This initiative supports Save the Children in implementing food security measures, kindergarten transition programs, and afterschool initiatives for children up to sixth grade, while also addressing pandemic-related learning losses. By focusing on holistic support, the program seeks to foster a healthier, more prepared generation of students.

The Texas Nonpoint Source Management Grant Program aims to combat nonpoint source pollution as mandated by the Clean Water Act. This program addresses pollution from various diffuse sources, including agricultural runoff and urban runoff. Administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, it undertakes comprehensive strategies to protect water quality and is refreshed every five years to adapt to new challenges.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

What is an eligible area?

• Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.
• The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.
• The lender may be located anywhere.

Check eligible addresses for Business Programs here.

 What kind of funding is available? 

Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization. Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

The Rose Family Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives in housing, workforce training, education, community development, and social services. Primarily serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area, this grant aims to empower local communities by funding projects that enhance quality of life and promote sustainable growth. Applicants are encouraged to explore the foundation's online resources to learn more about eligibility and application processes.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The Community Forestry Grants Program: Workforce Development by Texas A&M Forest Service aims to enhance urban and community forestry in Texas. Funded by the USDA Forest Service, this initiative supports cities in establishing qualified city forester positions to promote sustainable tree management and community engagement. By securing these grants, applicants can significantly improve local forestry practices and contribute to environmental resilience, ensuring healthier urban ecosystems for the benefit of all Texans.

The Texas A&M Forest Service's Community Forestry Grants Program aims to enhance urban and community forestry across Texas by funding Municipal Forester positions. These grants support cities in establishing qualified foresters to promote tree management, community engagement, and policy development. By fostering sustainable practices, this initiative contributes to the health and resilience of local ecosystems, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the communities they serve.

The TX State Wildlife Grants program, initiated by Congress in 2000, offers essential funding to U.S. states and territories for proactive conservation efforts, aiming to prevent fish and wildlife from becoming endangered. This core initiative, supported by a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including conservationists and land developers, plays a vital role in maintaining species health and reducing listings on federal endangered species lists. The Nongame and Rare Species Program will not accept proposals for FY 2024.

The TCA Cultural District Project, initiated by the Texas Commission on the Arts, aims to foster economic and cultural development through arts-driven initiatives. This program supports projects that enhance local economies by attracting visitors and investment, focusing on cultural tourism. Eligible applicants include TCA Cultural Districts and established arts organizations, with funding requests ranging from $3,000 to a maximum of $250,000, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. The program emphasizes high-quality arts programming and improved accessibility.

The Jean Longwith Scholarship for Radio-Television-Film, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports students pursuing degrees in broadcasting, radio, television, and film. This scholarship is available to full-time students in Texas, including high school seniors and current college students. It is renewable for up to three years, provided recipients maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Funding covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies, making it a valuable opportunity for aspiring media professionals.

The 2025-2026 ESC IDEA-B Sensory Impairments program, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance support for local educational agencies. It focuses on improving educational outcomes for students with visual impairments, including those who are blind or deafblind. The program provides essential technical assistance and training for educators, as well as funding for certified interpreters, ensuring effective communication and access to resources for teachers at the Texas School for the Deaf.

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.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal K–12 education law. ESSA was signed into law in 2015, replacing No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizing the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. Every school must inform parents about their standards and their results. 

ESSA requires every state to provide parents important information on test performance in reading, math, and science. The report cards must also provide data on graduation rates, suspensions, absenteeism, teacher qualifications, and many other areas. Texas provides maximum transparency for parents and publicly shares performance information on TXschools.gov and in data reports on the Performance Reporting pages.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant includes: 1) Title I, Part A Grants; 2) Title I, Part C Grants; 3) Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 Grants; 4) Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 Grants; 5) Title II, Part A Grants; 6) Title III, Part A ELA Grants; 7) Title III, Part A Immigrant Grants; and 8) Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 Grants.

Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

[ESSA, Section 1401(a)]

The purpose of Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 is to do the following:

• Improve educational services for children and youth in local and state institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth so that such children and youth have the opportunity to meet the same challenging state academic content standards and student academic achievement standards that all children are expected to meet;
• Provide such children and youth with the services needed to make a successful transition from institutionalization to further schooling or employment; and
• Prevent at-risk youth from dropping out of school and provide dropouts and children and youth returning from jails or institutions for neglected or delinquent children and youth with a support system to ensure their continued education and the involvement of their families and communities.

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) and the Windham School District are the eligible state agencies in Texas.

Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program - Texas

Purpose:

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications for projects that promote a coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to improve the justice system’s response to violent crimes against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Available Funding:

Federal funding is authorized for these projects under the Violence Against Women Act of 2013 Pub. L. No. 113-4 (VAWA 2013). VAWA funds are made available through a Congressional appropriation to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated federal funds and any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.

Project Period:

Projects may not exceed 12 months and must start on 9/01/2026 and end on 08/31/2027.

Funding Levels

• Minimum: $5,000
• Maximum: No Maximum
• Match Requirement: 30% of the total project (Note: Victim service providers and Native American tribes are exempt from the match requirement.)

The Karen Colina Wilson Foundation Grant supports programs for children, youth, and women, enhancing their health and well-being through education, art, literature, and music. Established in 2006, the foundation aims to make a positive difference in their lives, particularly in Southern and Western Wayne County, Michigan. Grants typically range from $500 to $10,000, often as matching funds, fostering broader fundraising efforts by local nonprofit organizations.