Port Houston Community Grants Program

Port Houston's Community Grants Program is a strategic community outreach initiative dedicated to investing resources into meaningful projects that enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of local communities within the Port Houston region. Launched in 2020, the program has contributed over $2 million to a wide range of local programs and initiatives. It operates under the broader goal of strengthening regional prosperity by targeting projects that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and measurable community impact. The program underscores Port Houston's commitment to being a responsible and engaged neighbor through funding efforts that align with its defined outreach priorities. The 2026 grant cycle of the Community Grants Program will open on February 1, 2026. Port Houston employs a structured two-stage application process using the Foundant Grant Platform. In the first stage, eligible nonprofit organizations are invited to submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) outlining their proposed project and the amount of funding requested. Those proposals that best reflect Port Houston’s funding focus will be selected to advance to the full application phase. While submitting a full proposal is by invitation only and does not guarantee funding, this approach ensures that final applicants have been carefully screened for alignment with Port Houston’s strategic goals. Funding priorities fall into three core categories: Community Outreach, Economic and Workforce Development, and Environmental Stewardship. Community Outreach projects are those that revitalize parks, greenspaces, and neighborhoods within three miles of the Houston Ship Channel. In the area of Economic and Workforce Development, the program supports initiatives connected to maritime and logistics sectors, with specific attention to trucking, STEAM education, environmental sciences, and professional development. Environmental Stewardship funds are directed toward education and programs aimed at improving local waterways, reducing pollution, and addressing health disparities. Projects that leverage partnerships, adopt evaluation tools to track impact, and propose scalable or evidence-based solutions are particularly encouraged. All applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofit organizations in good standing with the IRS. Additional eligibility requirements include sound financial management, evidence of board governance, and the capacity to implement and sustain the proposed program. Port Houston will not fund for-profit entities, individuals, political campaigns, sectarian organizations, or associations that do not align with its mission. Furthermore, funding is not automatically renewable, and previously supported organizations must reapply in subsequent cycles. The 2026 application cycle follows a clear timeline: the LOI window is open from February 1 through February 28, 2026. Selected applicants will be notified by March 9, 2026, and invited to submit a full proposal by March 31, 2026. Final grant recipients will be announced on June 23, 2026. In support of this process, Port Houston will host public workshops to guide applicants—these include both in-person and online sessions on February 5, February 10, and February 19, 2026. To assist applicants, the Foundant platform provides centralized access to the LOI form, login page, and supporting documentation. All submissions must be made through this platform to ensure compliance and standardization across the evaluation process. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Port Houston at [email protected].

Programs with measurable impact, scalability, and innovative community engagement are prioritized.