Texas Coastal Frontline Fund

The Texas Coastal Frontline Fund is a new initiative administered by the Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation (JTHF), developed in response to a legal settlement secured by three environmental advocacy organizations. The fund is designed to support resident-led and legal-service nonprofit organizations working to reduce pollution and promote a just transition to clean energy along the Texas Gulf Coast. JTHF is not a financial beneficiary of the settlement and serves solely as a steward to distribute funds through this one-time grant program. The fund is specifically intended for groups operating in the 15 counties along the Texas Gulf Coast: Jefferson, Chambers, Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, San Patricio, Nueces, Kleberg, Kenedy, Willacy, and Cameron. Awards will support general operating expenses and are designed to be flexible in nature. Grants will range from approximately $35,000 to $75,000, with final amounts based on the number of recipients and strength of applications. Preference may be given to organizations based in the Coastal Bend region (Aransas, Kleberg, Nueces, San Patricio). Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities or organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor that are led by residents of and serve at least one of the 15 coastal counties. Organizations must have a clear focus on pollution reduction or the equitable transition to a clean energy economy and demonstrate a justice-centered mission. Legal partner applicants must also be 501(c)(3) public charities or public educational institutions that support resident-led environmental and clean energy efforts in the same region. Applications are due by October 24, 2025, and funding decisions will be announced by February 28, 2026. Prior to accessing the full application form, organizations must complete an eligibility screening. Once confirmed, applicants will be asked to provide organizational mission details, program narrative, financial statements, governance information, and a discussion of how justice is centered in their operations. Fiscally sponsored applicants must submit certification from their fiscal sponsor and provide the sponsor’s financial information as well. Applicants may request complimentary assistance with their proposals, including grant writing and financial document preparation. Access to this support is available via the application portal after eligibility confirmation. Due to potential high demand, applicants are encouraged to request assistance as early as possible. The grant review process will follow a participatory model led by a committee of community leaders with deep regional expertise in environmental justice. Committee members include experts from Texas Southern University, Commission Shift, and Stoic Energy Consulting, among others. They helped shape the Request for Proposals and will participate in reviewing and recommending award recipients. A future convening may be organized for funded organizations to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration. This convening is optional and would be co-designed with grantees based on their interest and input. General inquiries can be directed to Elizabeth Love at the Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation, while technical questions about the application process should be sent to Deborah Mueller.

Applicants must pass an eligibility screening before accessing the application. Free technical and financial assistance is available upon request, depending on demand. Applicants are encouraged to request help early.