Best Public Policy Grants in Texas

Qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas running civic education, public policy, or democracy-focused programs can apply for the Sumners Foundation Grant to support direct programming costs. Hatton W Sumners Foundation funds initiatives like civic engagement activities, teacher training on founding documents, and youth or leadership programs on American democratic self-government.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities and public entities serving Texans can apply for Meadows Foundation grants to support programs and projects in areas like civic and public affairs, civic leadership, and public systems. Organizations working on public policy-related initiatives in Texas, including capacity-building and community infrastructure, may be competitive, with proposals accepted once every 12 months.

With a mission to help build stronger communities, Vulcan Materials Company Foundation provides Texas public charities and government units with funding for education, STEM learning, and environmental stewardship. Organizations in Texas communities where Vulcan operates, especially those partnering with public schools or advancing science, engineering, or environmental understanding, may be competitive applicants, including programs touching public policy on sustainability and development.

Nonprofit public charities serving adults with workforce development or small business support programs in Texas can seek more than US $15,000 to advance economic mobility and entrepreneurship. With a mission to strengthen adult career pathways and diverse small businesses, Truist Foundation provides U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with project-focused funding rather than general operating support.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School supports students excelling in research and management at the intersection of technology and public policy. This fellowship fosters future leadership in these critical areas, ensuring a commitment to addressing pressing public challenges. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, as the program is designed to promote inclusivity and recognizes the importance of varied perspectives in policy-making.

The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School is designed for alumni of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This scholarship aims to support both U.S. and international students by considering merit and financial need. Harvard Kennedy School is committed to fostering leadership and public policy expertise, making a significant impact on global societal issues. Recipients must have participated in the PPIA program to be eligible for this limited funding.

The Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship, offered by the Harvard Kennedy School, supports students committed to issues affecting the LGBT+ community. This fellowship emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in public policy and leadership, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster a just and prosperous society. It is accessible to both U.S. and international students, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and merit-based funding.

Focused on public policy education, Harvard Kennedy School invites Texas and other U.S. students to apply for Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships supporting graduate study in public policy and related fields. Awards are based on both merit and financial need, with some funding tied to area of study or region.

Prospective or current MPP students focused on public policy and international affairs can apply for Harvard Kennedy School’s John Berger Fellowship, supporting graduates of Harvard College. Eligible students intending careers in U.S. or international institutions may benefit, including those from Texas planning to work on public policy and international issues.

Texas graduate students pursuing public policy, science, or technology studies can access funding through Harvard Kennedy School’s Charles Edison Fund Fellowship to support advanced education and research. This fellowship helps extend the scope and impact of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program for both U.S. and international students focused on public problem-solving.

Nonprofits and educational institutions working on food system public policy, farmed animal protection, or food systems transformation in Texas and beyond can apply for grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000. Grants from Stray Dog Institute help 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups advance sustainable agriculture, justice, and supply-side, systems-focused advocacy and research.

Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in film, television, acting, or theater who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients can receive US $3,000 - US $5,000 for their studies. Focused on media and public policy impact, Islamic Scholarship Fund invites Texas students and others nationwide to apply for support that advances positive American Muslim representation.

Texas law students in the Muslim community interning with state or federal judges can access funding through the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s Judicial Internship Scholarship. This U.S.-wide program provides a US $3,000 stipend for 1L and 2L students in unpaid, 8-week judicial internships, helping build skills for public interest and public policy law careers.

Texas law and public policy students committed to improving access to justice for Muslims in America can access funding through the Islamic Scholarship Fund. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients enrolled full-time (or working full-time in an ISF-supported field and studying part-time) as seniors or 1L–3L students may receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 scholarships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and research institutions working on pollinator health, sustainable agriculture, and related public policy in Texas can seek funding for research, advocacy, and education projects. One Hive Foundation provides up to US $75,000 for initiatives linking science, policy, and community engagement, including work replicated across the U.S. and Canada.

Nonprofit and academic institutions working on U.S.-Japan public policy and related exchanges in Texas can apply for support to run research, education, public affairs, and exchange programs. The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission funds institutional projects in arts and culture, education and public affairs, exchanges and scholarship, and global challenges that deepen U.S.-Japan understanding.

Nonprofit organizations working on early childhood development, preschool education, literacy, or policy advocacy can apply for funding up to US $20,000 to support children ages 0–5. Grants from Ohio Children’s Foundation help Texas public policy and early learning initiatives that serve at-risk children and families, including innovative pilots and established programs focused on school readiness.

Public policy PhD scientists across the U.S., including Texas, can apply for a one-year Congressional science fellowship to work on Capitol Hill using expertise in agronomy, crop, soil, or related fields. Grants from Crop Science Society of America help fellows engage directly with federal policy through congressional staff placements and structured policy orientations.

Researchers and research institutions conducting quasi-experimental evaluations of social programs and policies in Texas can seek support for rigorous causal studies from Arnold Ventures. With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based policy, Arnold Ventures provides funding for work in areas like public policy, higher education, workforce training, infrastructure, and reproductive health across the U.S.

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, supports future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy, and health care fields. With 55 scholarships of $7,000 each expected in 2025, this highly competitive program requires students to participate in their schools' internal competitions. Scholars benefit from networking opportunities and access to the Udall Alumni Network, fostering collaboration and growth in their respective fields.

The FY2027 Grants to Highest State Courts aim to enhance guardianship systems by evaluating and improving the fairness and effectiveness of adult guardianship proceedings. This initiative, funded by the US HHS Administration for Community Living, seeks to implement necessary changes based on assessments, streamline filing processes, and better detect fraud, ultimately ensuring the safety and integrity of protected individuals.

The Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers grant aims to support state-level projects that align with the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. Grantees will form cross-agency partnerships to implement the Strategy's recommendations, focusing on sustainability through planning phases. The initiative encourages innovative solutions to enhance caregiver support while ensuring that project outcomes are maintained beyond federal funding.

The OJP FY 2026 Integrity in American Elections Grant Program aims to enhance election integrity across the United States. This initiative, supported by the US Department of Justice, focuses on empowering state and local prosecutors to effectively prevent and prosecute voter fraud and maintain the integrity of voter rolls. By safeguarding elections against illegal voting and registration practices, this program is vital for upholding public confidence in democratic processes and ensuring that every American's vote counts.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Human Trafficking funding opportunity aims to support comprehensive research and evaluation projects. It focuses on preventing human trafficking, assessing the impact of federal policies, and enhancing services for victims. This initiative, led by the National Institute of Justice in partnership with the Office for Victims of Crime, seeks to generate insights that can inform better responses to human trafficking in the U.S.

The SMART FY26 Support for Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program aims to enhance sex offender registration and notification practices across jurisdictions in the U.S. By supporting the implementation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), this grant facilitates the establishment of comprehensive sex offender registries, ensuring that states, territories, and federally recognized tribes comply with federal standards. This initiative also promotes interjurisdictional information exchange and helps maintain public safety.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Justice System Responses to Illegal Immigration invites proposals for impactful research on the adult criminal justice system's response to illegal immigration. This initiative aims to explore innovative solutions and evaluate their effectiveness across various jurisdictions, focusing on challenges like location, apprehension, and crime prevention. By fostering collaboration among federal, state, local, and tribal entities, the program seeks to enhance strategies that address illegal immigration effectively.