Best Youth Sports Grants in Texas

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is inviting proposals for its Wildlife Research Grant program, offering over $1,000,000 to support critical wildlife conservation research. Eligible applicants include universities and non-profit organizations, with a required 25% matching funds. Proposals must address specific research priorities, including Javelina Ecology and Wild Turkey Recruitment. Projects should align with federal aid guidelines, focusing on restoring and managing native wildlife and habitats. Unsolicited proposals outside the specified topics will not be considered.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

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.

Reading Academies Enrollment Canvas Seats

Program Description

This project will support the implementation of Texas Reading Academies by awarding a grant for the maintenance of a learning management system, including content and design support for various reading academies options, continued support for seat provision, registration, deployment, and technical assistance of online academies participants, monthly data reporting, and ongoing support for the data portal.

The Hillcrest Foundation Grant, established in 1958, supports Texas charitable organizations focused on education, health, and poverty relief. It prioritizes unique and essential projects that do not duplicate existing services, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $300,000. Most funding is directed to Dallas County and the surrounding areas, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to community support. Organizations receiving grants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria, ensuring effective use of resources for the greater good.

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.

Tax-exempt organizations in Texas can seek funding for outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education programs serving under-served youth and other target groups. Grants from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department help cover programming costs like personnel, travel, equipment, and supplies for activities such as camping, hiking, paddling, fishing, and similar outdoor experiences, with awards from US $5,000 - US $100,000.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

The Mabee Foundation provides challenge grants for projects in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, primarily focusing on construction, renovation, and major medical equipment purchases. Organizations must raise 40% of project costs from other donors before applying. Grants can reach up to 20% of total costs, with a maximum of $2 million. Applications are considered quarterly, requiring submissions by specific deadlines for review at upcoming board meetings.

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.

Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Cohort 2 Continuation Grant

Program Description

The primary purpose of the Pipeline to Leadership (P2L) Continuation Grant is to maximize the impact of highly effective teachers in reaching as many students as possible by developing strategic staffing models. Through this grant, school system leaders, including principals, recruit and select highly effective teachers to serve in leadership roles alongside campus and district instructional leaders. Through high-quality, job-embedded professional learning, these teacher leaders develop skills in key instructional leadership practices that help drive peer, beginning, and aspiring teachers’ instructional learning and growth. When highly effective teachers step into these leadership roles, school leaders distribute instructional leadership responsibilities, ensuring all teachers, across years of experience and effectiveness levels, receive differentiated and job-embedded supports to maximize their impact on student learning.

Texas Coastal Management Program Grant Application

The Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office is soliciting applications for projects that address environmental concerns and promote economic development within the Texas coastal zone. The Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant Cycle 32 involves a competitive application process for applicants applying for either NOAA-funded or Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funded projects.

CMP NOAA Projects

The CMP awards two types of NOAA CZMA funds- §306 administrative funding and §306A coastal resource improvement program funding, with conditions.

CZMA §306 Administrative Funds

§306 projects do not involve land acquisition, construction, or any earth-moving activities. These projects involve data collection, planning, surveys, mapping, aerial photography, or research. §306 projects MUST directly implement a funding priority listed in the Funding Priorities section. During application review, CMP Review Team members will be required to confirm the exact agency goal or initiative the project will contribute to and explain how data collected during a proposed §306 data collection project will be used.

Texas Coastal Management Program Grant Application

The Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office is soliciting applications for projects that address environmental concerns and promote economic development within the Texas coastal zone. The Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant Cycle 32 involves a competitive application process for applicants applying for either NOAA-funded or Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funded projects.

CMP NOAA Projects

The CMP awards two types of NOAA CZMA funds- §306 administrative funding and §306A coastal resource improvement program funding, with conditions.

CZMA §306A Coastal Resource Improvement Program Funds

§306A projects involve land acquisition, small-scale construction, or small-scale earth moving activities.

Due to NOAA’s prescribed 18-month project timeline and the number of environmental clearances construction with NOAA funds requires, CMP only funds the following types of §306A projects:

• Engineering, design, and permitting for future construction projects
• Small-scale construction of fully permitted projects, i.e. shovel ready
• Land acquisition

pavilions, picnic areas, trail building, restrooms and rinse stations, small-scale land acquisition, and small-dune walkover retrofitting and enhancement

Texas Coastal Management Program Grant Application

The Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office is soliciting applications for projects that address environmental concerns and promote economic development within the Texas coastal zone. The Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grant Cycle 32 involves a competitive application process for applicants applying for either NOAA-funded or Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funded projects.

CMP NOAA Projects

The CMP awards two types of NOAA CZMA funds- §306 administrative funding and §306A coastal resource improvement program funding, with conditions.

CMP GOMESA Projects

These projects are funded entirely with GOMESA money and are meant to address large-scale and construction-based coastal issues. CMP GOMESA projects focused on earth-moving construction, restoration, preservation, or land acquisition will be prioritized. CMP GOMESA can fund public access projects that provide physical conveyance and access to the beach environment or protect and preserve beach and dune habitat. Projects can include dune walkovers, parking areas, restrooms, rinse stations, trailsystems and non-commercial piers.

Access to these structures should be free and open to the public. Structures and activities not directly related to preserving habitat or physically conveying public access, such as buildings, playgrounds, or other similar enhancements, are not eligible for funding. Demolition projects (i.e. removal of existing parking lots, structures, facilities) are not permitted unless the structures are prohibiting public access, are on the public beach easement, or represent a contamination/pollution threat to coastal natural resources. Commercial pier, commercial marina, and wastewater treatment plant construction are not eligible. CMP GOMESA projects can focus on non-construction/earth-moving activities but, in these situations, the work proposed should be large-scale and regional in nature. Most non-construction work will be funded with NOAA money.

Beginning this year, construction/earth-moving CMP GOMESA projects should be submitted in phases instead of in their entirety. This change will ensure timely completion of project goals without the need for contract time extensions and to accommodate extended permitting timelines often seen with coastal construction projects. Construction/earth-moving CMP GOMESA projects should be applied for in accordance with the following phases, as applicable:

• Phase 1 – feasibility study, alternatives analysis, preliminary design
• Phase 2 – permitting and final design
• Phase 3 – construction, closeout
• Phase 4 – monitoring, as needed

The Qlarant Foundation Grant supports grassroots organizations aiming to enhance healthcare access and improve health outcomes for under-served populations. With funding of up to $50,000, the foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable impacts in areas such as patient safety and health education. Established in 2003, the grant is available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in select states, fostering initiatives that address health equity and improve quality of life for individuals and communities.

The Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support programs benefiting children in Texas, focusing on growth, self-esteem, and innovation. Grants usually do not exceed $10,000 for program funding and can reach up to $50,000 for capital needs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and serve children within Texas. The foundation encourages collaborative projects and may request site visits to evaluate grant proposals effectively.

The Pangburn Foundation Grant supports charitable, religious, educational, or scientific organizations in Texas. This private foundation, administered by JPMorgan, funds only nonprofit organizations recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS tax code. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this grant. For more information about the application process, please visit the foundation's finder link provided by JPMorgan.

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 Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Texas support eligible rural communities in preparing for or recovering from emergencies that jeopardize safe drinking water. Events qualifying as emergencies include droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. The grants can fund water transmission lines and new water sources, with funding up to $1,000,000. These efforts aim to restore access to clean water and enhance local environments, ultimately benefiting rural households and businesses.

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.

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. 

Governance Interventions Field Service Support

Program Description

This project supports Commissioner-initiated interventions and the delivery of intensive educational assistance aimed at ensuring students perform at grade level by reimbursing school systems for costs associated with an appointed external field agent. 

The State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) Program provides affordable financial assistance for projects outlined in the state water plan. Managed by the Texas Water Development Board, it offers low-interest loans and flexible repayment options to support water management strategies. Eligible projects include conservation, desalination, and infrastructure development. The program aims to optimize water supplies efficiently and effectively, particularly benefiting rural communities and agricultural water conservation efforts.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) provides low-cost financing for water projects that ensure compliance with drinking water standards. With year-round funding, eligible applicants such as public and nonprofit water systems can secure assistance for planning, design, and construction of water infrastructure. For FY 2024, $435 million is available, including $95 million in principal forgiveness. Applications open in December and close in March, requiring submission of a Project Information Form.

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. 

Local Accountability Plan Technical Assistance Grant

Program Description

The scope of the work will include providing technical assistance for school systems as they develop their Local Accountability System plan.

The Target Range Grant Program, offered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, aims to enhance public shooting facilities aligned with hunter education and shooting sports. This initiative not only promotes responsible firearm use but also supports regional development through partnerships and recreational opportunities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and local agencies, with grants covering up to 90% of project costs. A minimum request of $150,000 is required, ensuring significant investment in community-focused shooting practices.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

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 Community Forestry Grants Program by Texas A&M Forest Service aims to foster sustainable urban forestry initiatives, enhancing community resilience against climate change while promoting health equity. Each grant, worth $50,000, supports projects that develop diverse tree cover and improve public access to green spaces, particularly in historically disadvantaged areas. Eligible entities include public and non-profit organizations, focusing on innovative solutions that integrate urban forestry into community planning and wellness strategies.

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.