Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Texas

Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities

TCDD is governed by a 27-member Council that includes people with developmental disabilities (DD), family members, and representatives from state agencies, university centers for excellence in DD, and other organizations. 

TCDD helps people with developmental disabilities (DD) achieve their potential for independence, productivity, and integration into their communities through the development of a comprehensive system of services and supports.

Conference and Event Stipends

Enhancing opportunities to attend disability-related events.

TCDD has funding available for Conference and Event Stipends to support people with developmental disabilities (DD) and family members attending disability-related events in Texas. Stipends are also available to support disability-related speakers at events.

Funding for these stipends is made available to TCDD through a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.

Stipend Intent

Conference and Event Stipends enable people with DD and their family members to attend established in-state professional or informational events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, or legislative advocacy training sessions. These events should provide participants with information and awareness about best practices in services and supports to people with DD or directly promote self-advocacy and self-determination. TCDD believes that participation in such events enhances opportunities for people with DD to exercise choice and control in their lives and can promote independence, productivity, and community inclusion of people with DD.

The stipends are limited to Texas residents who are not eligible for conference, workshop, or training reimbursement from other organizations of which they are an employee or a member. 

Stipend Requirements

 Applications must: 

• demonstrate that the event has educational or advocacy objectives related to DD issues;
• outline how the stipend will be used consistent with the TCDD mission, philosophical principles, goals, and objectives;
• provide assurance that funds will be used only to support the participation of people with disabilities that meet the federal definition of a developmental disability, or family members of persons who have DD, and who have no other organizational or agency source of funding to attend the event;
• provide assurance that a priority will be given to people who have not previously received TCDD stipend support; and
• describe the potential recipients of the stipend and how recipients will be selected for stipend support.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Humanities Texas offers Mini Grants to support public humanities programs, enhancing educational quality in Texas. These grants, available on a rolling basis, fund projects that engage communities through lectures, exhibitions, and workshops. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations or governmental entities and need a DUNS number. The program emphasizes collaboration with humanities scholars to ensure projects are rooted in inquiry and accessible to diverse audiences. This initiative not only fosters lifelong learning but also strengthens the cultural and civic fabric of Texas.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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 Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Special Project Funding to support innovative initiatives in the arts, particularly in under-resourced areas. This grant encourages collaborative projects that enhance community engagement and education, focusing on art exhibitions and scholarships in the greater Texas Panhandle. By fostering leadership and creativity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact in the fields of art and art history.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Texas provide crucial assistance to small rural businesses, aimed at fostering economic growth in underdeveloped areas. This program targets entities with fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in revenue, prioritizing smaller funding requests. Eligible projects include training, technical assistance, and economic development initiatives, ensuring that funds are effectively utilized to enhance community and business development in rural locations.

The Statewide ESSA Title I, Part A Capacity Building Initiative Grant Program, administered by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance educational opportunities through technical assistance and resources for local educational agencies (LEAs) and education service centers (ESCs). The initiative focuses on compliance with federal regulations and improving student performance in Title I programs. Funding is designated for ESCs to support training, payroll, and necessary supplies, ultimately fostering a collaborative effort to meet educational standards across Texas.

The Community Foundation of Abilene offers community grants to enhance the quality of life in the Abilene area. Established in 1985, it supports local nonprofit organizations through a flexible funding model, addressing various sectors such as health, education, and community development. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, with occasional larger requests considered. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve populations within Taylor County, ensuring impactful community development through strategic funding.

The TCA Texas Arts Respond Performance Support grant aims to enhance Texas's creative economy by investing in arts activities. It provides funding for Texas-based artists and organizations to present performances and workshops in local communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and government units. The grant supports artistic fees for approved companies from the Texas Touring Roster, ensuring that all Texans can enjoy diverse artistic experiences. Applications must be submitted quarterly before the performance date.

The Priddy Foundation, a private funder, is committed to enhancing individual and community development through grants in human services, education, arts, and health. They offer program, operating, capital, and organizational development support grants, prioritizing applications that demonstrate sustainability and effective evaluation. Eligibility requires a 501(c)(3) status and preference for impactful programs in specific Texas and Oklahoma counties. However, they do not fund individuals or certain types of projects, including basic research and endowments.

Humanities Texas offers major grants to support community and media projects that enhance education, culture, and history in Texas. Grants fund various initiatives including lectures, seminars, exhibitions, and media productions, with a focus on engaging the public and involving humanities scholars. Since 1974, over 5,000 grants have been awarded, fostering community development and promoting public humanities programs. The program aims to empower local organizations to create impactful educational experiences, contributing to the cultural richness of Texas.

The Kerr Foundation Inc. offers grants to 501(c)3 organizations, focusing on education, arts, health, and human services. Priority is given to Oklahoma entities, but applications from neighboring states and Washington D.C. are also accepted. The foundation supports various project types, including capital, program, and operating expenses. Note that back-to-back grants are not allowed, enforcing a three-year gap for reapplication after funding. This ensures a broad and impactful reach for community development.

The 2025-2026 ESC IDEA-B Preschool program, administered by the Texas Education Agency, allocates funds to 20 regional education service centers. These funds support local educational agencies in providing free appropriate public education to children with disabilities aged 3-5. The initiative emphasizes professional development, technical assistance, and coordination with the state's Early Learning Initiative, ensuring that every child receives the necessary resources and support for their educational needs.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The Southwest Intervention Fund, managed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, supports preservation efforts of traditional cultures across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, West Texas, and Utah. Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are available for local partners, nonprofits, and government agencies to address emergency threats and promote preservation planning. Eligible projects include archaeological site surveys, public awareness workshops, and legal assistance for cultural resource management, ensuring the protection of vital historic sites.

The 2025-2026 ESC Title III, Part A Basic Supports program, overseen by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance English proficiency and academic success for emergent bilingual students, including immigrant youth. This initiative provides vital technical assistance and professional development to local educational agencies receiving Title III funds, ensuring they effectively support these students in achieving high levels of academic achievement in English. The program is essential for fostering educational equity across Texas.

The Women's Development Initiatives Grant Program, funded by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, focuses on enhancing education and economic opportunities for women in various communities. This initiative aims to empower women through skills training, small business development, and leadership programs, ultimately fostering their participation in economic growth. Eligible organizations must directly serve women and girls in specified locations, demonstrating measurable impacts and sustainability beyond funding.

The Professional Development Partnerships for Early Childhood Education program, managed by the Texas Education Agency, aims to enhance the skills of early childhood trainers and instructional coaches. It offers extensive training and support through professional development opportunities, micro-credentials, and facilitated learning communities. This initiative seeks to ensure high-quality instruction for practicing early childhood educators, ultimately benefiting the educational outcomes of young learners across the state.

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.

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.

Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant

Program Description

The Career and Technical Education Nontraditional Support Grant is to provide services, resources, and professional development to CTE programs across the state to address the promotion and understanding of non-traditional fields and employment activities for students (as defined by Perkins V) as written into the Perkins V State Plan.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees the Texas Mathematics Academies, which provide evidence-based mathematics instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 3. TEA allocates grant funding to Region 11 and Region 13 Education Service Centers to coordinate statewide program operations, content development, and professional learning. This initiative ensures high-quality implementation aligned with TEA’s instructional vision, ultimately aiming to enhance educational outcomes across Texas.

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

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

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.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

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

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.