Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

The 2025-2026 Texas Strategic Compensation for Districts Grant, awarded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to assist school districts in moving towards a compensation model that rewards educators based on effectiveness rather than tenure. This initiative supports local educational agencies, charter schools, and nonprofit organizations in fostering a more effective educational environment, ultimately enhancing the quality of teaching and administration across Texas.

The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship, established in 1989, offers financial support to students pursuing degrees in horticulture across 16 southeastern states. Administered by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, this scholarship honors the legacy of Sidney B. Meadows, a dedicated advocate for education in the horticultural industry. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria related to academic standing and residency, with preference given to those intending to work in the field after graduation.

The Monarch Garden Grants program, initiated by the Native Plant Society of Texas, aims to support the creation of Monarch habitats across Texas by providing small grants to schools and nature centers. These grants focus on developing demonstration gardens and Waystations using native plants essential for Monarch conservation. With funding from various sources, including individual donations and partnerships, this initiative seeks to educate the public about the importance of Monarchs and their native plant habitats.

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.

ESC Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Mentorship Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to provide for ESC-to-ESC mentorship with regards to ESCs’ efforts to implement Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) training in their regions for the benefit of campuses and districts participating in school improvement activities. Participating ESC will provide year-long guidance, training, and coaching to other ESCs to support building, developing, and deploying their TIL teams.

The 2025-2026 Career and Technical Education (CTE) ESC Leadership Application aims to enhance professional development for school systems, enabling the creation of high-quality CTE programs and work-based learning opportunities. Key goals include providing comprehensive support for CTE programs in grades 5 and above, ensuring compliance with Texas Education Code, and facilitating communication between the Texas Education Agency and school districts to promote statewide initiatives.

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.

The Division of Governance Interventions supports TEA’s mission and vision by providing exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to school system leadership teams and governing boards. The division collaborates with external field support agents appointed by the TEA Commissioner of Education to build sustainable systems aligned to core TEA initiatives, so that the school system thrives after the release of agency intervention. 

ESC Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Lead Grant

Program Description

This grant seeks to provide ongoing support and skill building opportunities to ESCs to allow them to grow their internal systems and structures to train, support, and coach ESC TIL coaches.

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.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

Perkins V: Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century - Institutions

Program Description

The purpose of the career and technical education (CTE) program is to develop more fully the academic knowledge, technical, and employability skills of students who enroll in CTE programs and programs of study.

Hendrick Health Community Grants and Event Sponsorships provide funding opportunities for agencies and organizations aligned with Hendrick Health’s community initiatives. The program aims to empower residents to live healthier lives, enhance youth development, educate the community, strengthen the economy, and enrich cultural experiences in West Texas. With a commitment to local service and health, Hendrick Health continues its legacy of supporting holistic well-being and community engagement.

The R.D. Beirne Trust Grant aims to support quality human services for underserved populations in Texas, focusing on the physically incapacitated, underprivileged, and elderly. Organizations with annual budgets under $20 million are eligible to apply for various types of funding. Special consideration is given to charities serving the blind, elderly, and orphans in Grayson County. This grant fosters impactful community programs, enhancing the quality of life for those in need.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

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 Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (APCSP) program aims to prepare high school students for careers in the high-demand field of computer science. By providing funding to public school districts, this grant supports the development and expansion of computer science pathways, starting with the implementation of the AP Computer Science Principles course. This initiative not only benefits students and their families but also enhances the future economic landscape of Texas.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) Cultural District Designation Program aims to enhance economic development and community vitality by designating cultural districts across Texas. These districts leverage cultural resources to attract artists, encourage tourism, and preserve historic sites, fostering local cultural identity and economic growth. Eligible applicants include various arts organizations and government agencies, while funding excludes expenses related to social functions, operating costs for certain facilities, and projects lacking community involvement.

The County Essential Services Grant Program in Texas aims to provide financial support for essential public services, including law enforcement, jail, and court services. This grant assists counties in reimbursing extraordinary costs related to investigating or prosecuting capital murder or bias-related crimes. Eligible costs include expert witness fees, trial exhibits, courtroom security, and prosecution expenses, ensuring that local governments can maintain essential services despite financial challenges.

The A. M. Pate Jr. Charitable Trust Grant supports charitable organizations in Texas, primarily focusing on those engaged in religious, educational, and artistic endeavors. Established by philanthropists Adlai McMillan Pate Jr. and Joyce Pate Capper, the foundation emphasizes historical preservation and civic contributions. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $15,000, with a preference for organizations serving Tarrant County and those the grantor supported during their lifetime.

The Nina Heard Astin Charitable Trust provides support for a variety of charitable causes, primarily focusing on organizations based in Texas. Key program areas include arts, education, environmental issues, health, human services, and religion. Eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) exempt entities under the Internal Revenue Code. While there are no geographic restrictions, the trust emphasizes support for Texas-based initiatives.

The 2025-2026 ESC Texas Strategic Leadership (TSL) Funding Grant, offered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance public education by certifying ESC teams as TSL Lead Coaches and TSL Performance Management Data Specialists. This grant is designed for teams that complete a comprehensive year-long training program, contributing to the overall improvement of educational outcomes in Texas.

The Young Family Foundation Grant supports higher education by providing scholarships to graduates of specific Texas high schools. It also funds youth activities and community projects through local organizations. The Foundation seeks to promote goodwill by assisting various charitable initiatives and aims to ensure that applicants are qualified, tax-exempt entities committed to benefiting the community. This grant fosters educational and social development within the YK Communications service area.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 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. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds. The Texas Education Agency administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

2026-2027 T-TESS Pilot Districts Support Grant

The T-TESS Pilot Districts Support Grant was created to support school districts piloting the updated Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) by providing support for training and resources for effective implementation. This effort ensures alignment with district and state priorities, strengthens support for teacher growth, and helps the system provide fair and trusted recognition of effective teaching.

The Dalton & Betty Jones Scholarship for Vo-Tech Study, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Rusk County, Texas, pursuing vocational or technical certificates or associate degrees in medical-related fields. Financial need is considered, with FASFA required. This renewable scholarship reflects a commitment to empowering local students in their educational journeys, ensuring they have the resources needed to achieve their career aspirations.

2026-2027 Effective Advising Framework Planning Grant

The Effective Advising Framework (EAF) supports school systems in developing and implementing an individual student planning system as part of a comprehensive school counseling program. The EAF also promotes innovation in career and technical education, including the adoption and expansion of promising programs, particularly those aligned to high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers and industries.

The goal of this grant project is to provide interested school systems in each region with EAF coaching support and high-quality resources and tools to strengthen their advising systems and student outcomes. The project aims to identify, train, and designate EAF Coaches at the ESCs who will guide school systems through the EAF planning and implementation process. Finally, the project seeks to ensure that students graduate fully prepared for college, career, or military success, which in turn supports improved CCMR accountability ratings and increased outcome bonuses.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) 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. TEA helps deliver education to more than 5 million students under the leadership of the commissioner of education. The TEA operational costs are supported by both state and federal funds.

The Texas Education Agency administers federal and state grant awards to its subgrantees to carry out a program. Such entities include primarily school systems (referred to as local educational agencies [LEAs] in statutes), including independent school districts and charter schools; education service centers (ESCs); and, to a lesser degree, institutions of higher education (IHEs), nonprofit organizations (NPOs), and other statutorily allowable organizations.

School Action Fund Planning Continuation, Year 2

Program Description

The purpose of the 2026-2027 School Action Fund Planning Continuation – Year 2 Grant is to assist applicants with the implementation and execution of already planned whole-school actions which received a School Action Fund Grant - Planning and Implementation (LASO 2) grant, and which will provide an opportunity for the applicant to create new and improved learning environments that sustainably increase student achievement, increase access to high-quality schools, meet community needs, and address chronic under-performance. 

The Fleetwood Memorial Foundation Grant, established in 1974 by Mr. W.I. Fleetwood, provides essential financial assistance to Texas first responders and their families during critical times. This fund supports those injured in the line of duty, as well as the families of fallen officers, during the crucial first eight weeks after an incident. Grants of $10,000 for death or $3,000-$5,000 for injuries help alleviate immediate financial burdens.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Advantage Medical Staffing Scholarship, established by Advantage Medical Staffing, supports students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Administered by the Community Foundation of West Texas, this scholarship is available to students aged 25 and older, and those currently enrolled or applying to a Lubbock area college. Financial need is a key eligibility requirement, ensuring that the scholarship aids those who are committed to advancing their education and future careers in nursing.

The South Plains Great 25 Nurses scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of West Texas, supports students accepted into accredited nursing schools in Region 1B and nearby New Mexico counties. Established to foster educational opportunities, it aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of nursing students, helping them achieve their dreams while strengthening healthcare in the South Plains area. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to philanthropic giving and community support.