Best Earth Science Grants in Texas

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary program support that demonstrates clear community need and measurable outcomes. Grants from Costco Foundation help organizations, including those with earth science-related education or youth programming, that collaborate locally and maintain a broad base of financial support and sustainable project budgets.

Early-stage nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling urgent social or environmental challenges in Texas and beyond can access funding and support through the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, with awards up to US $300,000. Grants from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation help scalable, impact-first ventures grow solutions that benefit underserved communities and integrate with existing systems.

Texas cultural nonprofits with strong arts or science programming can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with audited expenses over $2 million, especially museums, performing arts institutions, and STEAM-focused education programs, may be competitive for awards over US $100,000.

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.

Organizations such as nonprofits, schools, governments, and social enterprises in Texas working on education or family economic stability for urban low-income children can apply for Michael & Susan Dell Foundation grants of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible projects must be located in the U.S. and request at least $50,000.

Focused on oceanography research, National Science Foundation invites Texas earth science researchers and institutions to apply for the Ocean Drilling Grant, with awards up to US $9,000,000. Funding supports pre- and post-expedition drilling-related studies, small projects during expedition moratorium periods, critical instrumentation, data synthesis, and related planning and educational activities for U.S. scientists.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, housing, jobs, hunger, environment, or arts and culture can seek sponsorship support to strengthen local communities. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit organizations whose earth science or environmental programming contributes to preserving neighborhoods and promoting vibrant, healthy communities.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities supporting education, entrepreneurship, environment, or community enrichment near Georgia-Pacific facilities can apply for Georgia-Pacific Foundation’s grants. Eligible organizations must be located within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community and serve those communities through programs that improve long-term well-being and sustainability.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs can seek US $5,000 - US $10,000 in unrestricted support. With a mission to back environmental and human services causes, Lawrence Foundation provides flexible operating or project funding that may benefit earth science initiatives based in Texas.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation provides Texas nonprofits with US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs, schools and hospitals, environmental and wildlife protection, and community services. IRS-qualified organizations working in areas like earth science, youth, seniors, disabilities, or job readiness may be eligible.

Focused on community development and basic needs, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for funding that strengthens hunger relief, housing stability, adult self-sufficiency, and cultural enrichment. Texas organizations working on community vitality or volunteer-driven causes, especially where Ameriprise employees or advisors are actively engaged, may be strong candidates.

K–8 earth science teachers in Texas who are full-time U.S. classroom educators may be eligible for this award supporting innovative earth science instruction. With a mission to strengthen geoscience education, American Geosciences Institute provides recognition and up to US $4,000 for a prize and conference travel to the NSTA National Conference.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Texas 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can apply for Dr Scholl Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Dr Scholl Foundation help Texas earth science and related organizations fund one year of project-based work rather than general operating support.

Declared earth-science majors at Texas universities can receive $2,500 to help cover college educational costs and support involvement in the American Institute of Professional Geologists. Focused on geology and astrogeology, this graduate-level Gene M. Shoemaker Scholarship especially benefits students likely to make significant contributions in earth science fields.

Undergraduate geology and earth science students attending four-year accredited colleges or universities in Texas can apply for the Ted H. Foss Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 toward educational costs. Offered by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, applicants must be at least sophomores and AIPG student members or have applied for student membership.

Undergraduate natural science majors of Polish descent studying full-time in the U.S., including those in earth science programs in Texas, can compete for a US $5,000 Drs. James and Wanda Trefil Science Scholarship. Kosciuszko Foundation supports eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents with strong academic records (3.5 GPA or higher).

High school seniors and college students in Texas’s Region 14 intending to study geology, earth science, hydrology, or environmental science can receive $500 - $5,000 through the Abilene Geological Society Scholarship. Focused on earth science, the Community Foundation of Abilene supports Big Country students pursuing higher education in these fields.

Focused on storytelling for impact, the Storytelling Grant invites Texas 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profits to fund projects that share their community work across preservation, education, or wellness. Organizations doing wildlife conservation, environmental conservation, historic preservation, outdoor access, or related earth science efforts may be eligible for more than US $50,000 to tell their stories.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in Texas can seek project, general operating, or capital support focused on economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S. community-based groups, including those with earth science–related programs that address basic needs or disaster impacts, strengthen underserved populations.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, environmental sustainability, community vitality, or workforce development can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards of US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily benefit Texas communities served by Union Pacific and demonstrate strong need, capacity, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Texas environmental nonprofits working on youth, community, or food-related initiatives can access funding through Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may receive US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs in environmental education, stewardship, community gardens, beautification, or related efforts that support underserved young people and their families.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Early-career postdoctoral researchers worldwide pursuing chemistry and related fields can receive US $231,000 in three-year fellowship support to advance their research careers in Texas. The Welch Foundation, in partnership with LSRF, funds work across chemical subfields and allied disciplines, which may include earth science–related chemistry conducted in Texas laboratories.