TSCRA Working Grant Program

The TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation’s Working Grant Program is a biannual funding initiative aimed at supporting individuals committed to establishing or expanding a business within the beef value chain in Texas or Oklahoma. This program is specifically designed for disadvantaged individuals and seeks to provide meaningful financial assistance to enable long-term career sustainability within the beef industry. Applicants may request funds for purchasing equipment, covering operational costs, improving infrastructure, or acquiring livestock, among other needs directly related to business growth in the ranching or beef production sectors. To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet at least three of the following four conditions: operate their business in an economically depressed or blighted area in Texas or Oklahoma, be considered disadvantaged (e.g., minority, unemployed, or underemployed), have experienced difficulty securing conventional financing due to deteriorated neighborhood conditions or personal disadvantage, and not be affiliated as an employee or board member (nor have close family ties to one) with the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association . Applicants must supply satisfactory documentation for the first three criteria. Eligible beef businesses are those directly involved in or supporting ranching and the broader beef value chain. Examples include cow-calf operations, custom meat shops, large animal veterinary services, or other related businesses. The term “economically depressed” refers to areas with deteriorating infrastructure, high unemployment, and signs of blight, while “disadvantaged” includes socio-economic hardships often outside the applicant’s control. Importantly, meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee award selection, as grants are awarded competitively and may be partially or fully funded depending on a case-by-case assessment. Applications must be submitted via email to workinggrant@tscra.org during one of the two open periods annually: May 1–31 and November 1–30. Mailed applications will not be accepted. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within 120 days following the close of the application period. If selected, recipients will need to complete a W9 form and will receive an IRS Form 1099 for tax purposes . Required submission materials include a completed application form, resume, two years of tax returns, financial statements (listing assets, liabilities, debts), a budget, business plan, two-year cash flow projection, and relevant appraisals. Applicants must also provide written explanations addressing financial need, challenges accessing financing, how grant funds will be used to support business growth and overcome barriers, and their long-term funding plan without future grant dependence. For additional support, applicants may email workinggrant@tscra.org or call 817-916-1795. There are no restrictions based on race, gender, disability, or other personal factors, ensuring an inclusive application environment for all qualified individuals .