Search Through Public Policy Grants in Texas in the U.S.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Collections-Related Grants for Nonprofits, aimed at enhancing public interest in art through innovative projects. Grants support exhibitions, academic convenings, research, and catalog publication, focusing on art from the Spanish Americas, digital media, and more. The foundation prioritizes proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S., particularly from New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, fostering partnerships that advance art scholarship and cultural engagement.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Meadows Foundation Grant Program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Texans through diverse funding initiatives across education, environment, arts, and health. With a focus on community development and support for nonprofit organizations, the foundation aims to address pressing issues like homelessness and mental health. By prioritizing programs that offer measurable outcomes, they foster innovation and empower local efforts, ensuring a lasting impact in Texas. This grant program reflects a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.

The Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant, established in 2008, supports nonprofit organizations in arts, education, humanity, and faith. It prioritizes visionary leadership, community impact, sustainability, organizational strength, and collaboration. The foundation seeks to fund eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with its mission and positively influence communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and Arkansas, where the founders have personal connections.

The Environmental Fund of Texas offers Tier 2 grants aimed at projects that protect natural environments, focusing on water, natural areas, and native wildlife. The fund supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving habitats and engaging the public in conservation efforts. By fostering partnerships and providing funding, the initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable practices across Texas. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in good standing, with a commitment to environmental protection and community involvement.

The Environmental Fund of Texas offers Tier 4 multi-year grants to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving natural habitats and ecosystems in Texas. The fund prioritizes projects focused on water protection, stewardship of natural areas, and conservation of native wildlife. Additionally, it encourages public engagement and environmental education initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, and grants are awarded based on the alignment with the fund's environmental priorities.

The Tony Robbins Foundation Grant aims to empower individuals and organizations to improve the lives of marginalized communities, including youth, seniors, and the homeless. By providing financial support to aligned nonprofits, the foundation seeks to create impactful changes globally. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or recognized international entities, with a mission statement that resonates with the foundation's goals. The foundation does not fund personal projects or startups.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation, established in 1987, has invested over $70 million in grants to enhance community life through education, arts, health, and social services. The Foundation focuses on innovative solutions to persistent challenges, supporting projects primarily in Waco, Texas, while also engaging in discretionary funding for broader initiatives. Its mission emphasizes building resilience and fostering civic participation, ensuring that programs enrich lives, particularly for underserved populations.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Cigna Group Foundation is launching the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant, committing $9 million over three years to enhance mental health support for youth aged five to 18. This initiative targets post-pandemic challenges, offering resources to parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding between $100,000 and $150,000 to develop programs that promote social-emotional skills, enhance caregiver support, and improve access to mental health interventions in underserved communities.

The Byrne Family Foundation Trust (BFFT) launched the Fast Track Grants Program to address urgent community needs in Dallas, Texas, and Park City, Utah. Initiated in 2022, this program enables organizations to apply for quick funding without reporting requirements, ensuring funds are distributed within the same month. BFFT focuses on educational and animal welfare projects, prioritizing initiatives that enhance educational opportunities and support domestic animals, thereby promoting equity and community wellbeing.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The CH Foundation, established in 1969, aims to enhance human services and educational opportunities for the South Plains of Texas community. Founded by the generous Christine DeVitt, the foundation has contributed over $161 million in grants to support various initiatives, including education, health, and cultural development. Focused on long-term sustainability, it primarily funds organizations that benefit Lubbock and nearby areas, promoting a brighter future through innovative leadership and community engagement.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Student Fellow Applications

Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.

Fellow Requirements

• Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
• Must commit to fellowship for full Period of September 14, 2026-May 14, 2027 academic school year
• Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Powell Foundation Grant Program aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations in Texas, focusing on education, arts, conservation, and human services. They emphasize high-quality early childhood programs, K-12 education, post-secondary success, and community welfare. Eligible applicants must submit an online pre-application, with funding decisions announced in January and July. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster developmental support and educational access for children and families, enhancing community well-being through strategic investments.

The Piñon Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions focused on enhancing the education, health, and well-being of children and the elderly. Although it primarily funds initiatives in West Texas, the Dallas Fort Worth area, and Oklahoma City, it is open to proposals from other regions that can positively impact community growth. The foundation believes in the transformative power of education and health to foster community success and development.

The Regional Touring Grant Program, funded by the Mid-America Arts Alliance, supports organizations in the M-AAA region to showcase touring artists from outside their state. Grants up to $5,000 are available, with organizations eligible for matching funds and the capacity to submit multiple applications. Projects are designed to enhance arts programming and engage underserved audiences through public-facing events, including performances and outreach activities. This initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and deepen community connections through the arts.

The Hispanic Impact Fund Grants, managed by the Austin Community Foundation, aim to enhance economic mobility for Hispanic Central Texans. This program focuses on funding organizations in key areas such as early childhood education, health and wellness, job skills, and leadership development. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and government units within the Central Texas region. Preference is given to applicants reflecting the Latino community in their leadership and operations.

The Sumners Foundation Grant aims to engage and educate the public about self-government through various programs, including civic education, democracy reform, and teacher training. Grants are available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations primarily in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, supporting activities that foster civic engagement and understanding of democratic principles. The Foundation emphasizes direct involvement in the political process and does not fund political activities or provide individual grants.

The Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

The Black Fund of Central Texas aims to empower Black-led organizations and strengthen the Black community through targeted investments in various impact areas, including arts, education, health, and advocacy. With over $850,000 granted since 2022, this fund prioritizes fairness and opportunity while fostering collaboration and community growth. In the current cycle, $250,000 will be awarded across 20 grants to eligible nonprofit organizations operating within the Central Texas region, enhancing individual and community prosperity.

The Kenedy Memorial Foundation Grant supports both Sectarian and Non-Sectarian entities, primarily focusing on Catholic schools and churches in Texas. The Foundation emphasizes grants that foster significant community benefits and encourages applications from recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. Core values include breaking the cycle of poverty, advancing spirituality, and nurturing support for Catholic institutions. The Foundation also allocates a portion of funds to non-sectarian charities, promoting inclusive support within the community.

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.

The Teacher Time Analysis and Supports Pilot Year 1 Grant, administered by the Texas Education Agency, focuses on alleviating teacher workload constraints. This initiative aims to provide technical assistance to school systems, helping them analyze teacher time use and develop actionable plans. By fostering an understanding of operational policies and practices, the grant seeks to enhance student learning and improve working conditions for teachers, ultimately sustaining effective teaching in Texas schools.