Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Texas

Texas tourism and cultural organizations can seek designation support for cultural districts that drive economic development, cultural tourism, and community vitality. Focused on arts-centered place-based development, Texas Commission on the Arts invites established Texas nonprofit arts organizations and government entities to apply for recognition of defined cultural districts with clear leadership, boundaries, branding, and existing cultural assets.

Eligible Texas nonprofit arts organizations and local arts agencies can apply for US $3,000 - US $250,000 from the Texas Commission on the Arts to support cultural district tourism projects. Funding can back major visitor‑drawing arts programming, district enhancements, signage, promotion, and organizational support that strengthen travel and tourism in designated cultural districts.

With a mission to advance a creative Texas, Texas Commission on the Arts provides Texas arts and cultural organizations with project-based funding that can include related administrative costs. Eligible nonprofits and government entities can support arts projects that drive tourism and economic development, such as festivals, fairs, exhibitions, performances, and other cultural events attracting visitors.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Texas and the broader Southern region can seek funding for programs in animal welfare, families and children, education, disaster relief, health, poverty relief, conservation, and spiritual endeavors. Grants from Robinson Foundation help established, fiscally responsible charities create tangible, single-year impact, which may include ecotourism or nature-based tourism initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on ecotourism, environmental conservation, and habitat restoration in Texas may be eligible for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help Texas ecotourism and conservation efforts on private lands, ecosystem restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy, with a focus on U.S. regions including the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay.

Nonprofit and community groups offering arts-based tourism and cultural programming in Texas can seek support for projects in Greater Houston. Houston Arts Alliance provides funding up to US $10,000 for initiatives like art and neighborhood cultural destinations, art and conference tourism, and disaster resilience awareness that engage residents and visitors.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the Galveston, Texas community can apply for the Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund’s Vibrant Culture core grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $75,000 for eligible projects. Funding supports arts, humanities, historic preservation, cultural heritage, and organizations that strengthen Galveston’s creative ecosystem and tourism-related cultural assets.

New and smaller 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups supporting or benefiting Galveston, Texas can seek seed funding for community-based programs, including tourism-related initiatives. With a mission to invest in Galveston’s long-term success, Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund provides up to US $5,000 in micro-grants to build capacity and pilot innovative local projects.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits that are current Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund partners and serving the Galveston community can seek up to US $7,500 for strategic organizational growth, such as consultants, training, or professional development. Focused on capacity building and resilience, the fund invites aligned organizations to strengthen governance, equity, data, advocacy, and disaster readiness, which may benefit tourism-related work.

Grants from Madison Alexander Cooper and Martha Roane Cooper Foundation help Texas nonprofits and government agencies fund community projects in Waco. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental entities can support initiatives including tourism, arts and culture, community building, and related services that make Waco a more desirable place to live and visit.

Graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing hospitality management at Del Mar College in Texas can receive scholarship support honoring restaurateur Harry Porter. Coastal Bend Community Foundation supports tourism and hospitality education through this memorial scholarship for students from Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio counties.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students in Texas pursuing full-time degrees in tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields can receive need-based scholarships from Native Forward Scholars Fund. Grants from Native Forward Scholars Fund provide US $2,500 - US $5,000 per academic year to support tuition and related educational costs at accredited institutions across the U.S.

Texas college and university students pursuing aviation or hospitality majors can receive higher education support through the NetJets Scholarship, funded by The Columbus Foundation. This program offers US $25,000 awards to full-time students in eligible U.S. institutions, encouraging careers in business aviation and hospitality that may benefit the tourism sector.

Federally recognized Tribes and eligible Tribal entities in Texas can apply for the Tribal Tourism Grant Program to enhance and promote existing Tribal tourism operations; awards US $200,000 - US $300,000 for tourism projects. Administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Indian Economic Development, this program supports visitor growth, destination visibility, and community economic development.

Students from Bucks County planning to major in tourism or hospitality-related fields can receive scholarship support for accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools. Bucks County Foundation’s Visit Bucks County Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship may benefit those pursuing higher or vocational education who aim to strengthen the travel and tourism industry, including in Texas and beyond.

Nonprofits and for-profit businesses in Austin’s metro area can receive City of Austin support for capital projects that enhance heritage tourism at historic sites. Grants up to US $250,000 fund preservation-related improvements, accessibility, and infrastructure that expand visitor access, market local history to tourists, and strengthen Texas’s travel and tourism economy.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and for-profit businesses with at least two years of operations in the Austin metro area can fund heritage tourism events at designated historic sites. Grants from City of Austin support festivals, tours, exhibits, and history-focused programs that expand access to historic places, highlight local stories, and attract visitors and hotel guests, with awards up to US $150,000.

Nonprofits and for-profit businesses in Texas developing heritage tourism events or projects in Austin can receive up to US $50,000 to promote historic sites and attract visitors. City of Austin supports tourism-focused historic preservation, storytelling, tours, and heritage events at sites that are historically significant or pursuing official historic designation.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.