Texas Arts Grants

Applications are now being accepted for the Najim Charitable Foundation Grants. Donor Name: The Najim Charitable Foundation State: Texas County: Atascosa County (TX), Bandera County (TX), Bexar County (TX), Comal County (TX), Guadalupe County (TX), Kendall County (TX), Kerr County (TX), Medina County (TX), Wilson County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Priorities The specific focus of the Foundation is to assist children in the Greater San Antonio area with Food, Shelter, Clothing, Child Abuse/Neglect, Developmental Disabilities, Education (PreK – 12) (Out of School) (Post-Secondary), Foster Care, Homelessness, Mental Health, Medical Treatment, Substance Abuse, and other children’s charitable purposes. Eligibility Criteria Only Section 501(c)(3) organizations who have been operating for 3 or more years may apply for grants from the Foundation. In addition, the organization must be qualified as 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) and such designation must appear on the IRS Determination letter. If the organization is a 509(a)(3), a legal opinion must be attached. Applications from other organizations or individuals will not be considered. Grants will only be awarded for the purposes stated above. Only 501(c)(3) organizations located and serving children in the following counties will be considered for funding from the Najim Charitable Foundation – Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, and Wilson. The Najim Charitable Foundation does not provide funding to higher education organizations, individuals, capital campaigns/expenditures, multi-year requests, adult populations, sponsorships, galas, or events. The Foundation will not consider more than one grant request per calendar year from an organization. If an organization has not expended their awarded funds from the prior year grant, they are not allowed to apply for additional funding until the prior grant funds have been fully expended and a final report has been submitted to the Foundation. For more information, visit The Najim Charitable Foundation.

Local non-profit organizations operating within the City of Victoria may be eligible to apply for grant funding for child safety and/or child abuse intervention/prevention programs or drug and alcohol abuse intervention and prevention programs for children. Donor Name: City of Victoria State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding for the program comes from the $1.50 child safety fee that is assessed when residents register their vehicles in Victoria County. This funding must be used for child safety and welfare services as defined by state law. In fiscal year 2024, the City of Victoria used the funds to provide grants for the following programs: A World for Children: “Bridging the Gap” program to help meet the needs of foster children Boys & Girls Club of Victoria: After-school programs for different age groups Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas: Supplies and training materials for CPR/first aid, mental health first aid and youth protection training Golden Crescent CASA: Program staff funding and occupancy expenses Hope of South Texas: Part-time therapist for children and families coping with the effects of abuse Mid-Coast Family Services: After-school programs and other activities for at-risk youth The Gabriel Project of the Golden Crescent: Program staff funding and supplies Categories Child Safety and/or Abuse Intervention/Prevention: Programs designed to enhance child safety and/or intervene and prevent child abuse Drug and/or alcohol abuse and prevention for children: Programs designed to intervene and prevent drug and alcohol abuse with a target audience of children, defined. For more information, visit City of Victoria.

This program provides financial incentives for individuals and organizations to replace or upgrade older locomotives, marine vessels, and equipment in Texas to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

The City of Kemah has opened the application for organizations to apply for a portion of the City’s Hotel/Motel Tax funds. Donor Name: City of Kemah State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through the Hotel Occupancy Tax Sponsorship Program, qualified events can apply for funds from the City of Kemah. The mission of the Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant Program is to provide funding to directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry in Kemah. Applications for a HOT sponsorship must be able to pass a two-part test to be eligible for funding.  The first part is the ‘heads in beds’ test. What this means is that every funded project or event must attract overnight tourists to the city’s hotels and motels, thus promoting the city’s hotel industry.  The second part is that the project or event must fit into one of these nine statutorily authorized categories: convention and visitor centers convention registration.  advertising the city promotion of the arts historical restoration and preservation sporting events in a county under one million in population enhancing or upgrading existing sports facilities or sports fields (only in certain cities tourist transportation systems signage directing the public to sights and attractions that are visited frequently by hotel guests in the city. For more information, visit City of Kemah.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Brown Foundation Grant Program to build, sustain, and enhance organizations that make Houston a stronger, more vibrant community. Donor Name: The Brown Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: As a family-directed foundation, they selectively participate in distinctive grantmaking opportunities across Texas and beyond. Honoring the legacy of the founders, the Foundation values visionary leadership; entrepreneurialism; loyalty; a commitment to excellence; and an orientation toward action and direct service. The Foundation purposefully maintains a low profile, keeping the focus on the mission of the grantees and the communities they serve. Types of Grants The Foundation reviews requests for general operating funds; program support; and capital campaigns/projects.  Geographic focus The Foundation primarily makes grants in Houston and the surrounding areas. As a family-directed foundation, they selectively make grants across Texas and in other parts of the country. They rarely approve unsolicited applications from beyond the greater Houston area. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for a grant from The Brown Foundation, Inc. your organization must be a tax-exempt charitable organization, as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Ineligibility The Foundation does not make grants to: Individuals Individual scholarship funds Endowments or endowment campaigns Debt retirement or to cover past operating deficits Any type of fundraising and/or marketing event Any type of activity intended to support candidates for political office or influence legislation Religious or doctrinal purposes, although faith-based organizations may apply for support for educational or social service programs. For more information, visit The Brown Foundation.

The City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods is seeking applications for its Matching Grant Program to improve Houston neighborhoods. Donor Name: City of Houston State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program is administered in partnership through the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods and the City of Houston Council Member’s Offices. It is designed to build solid relationships among neighbors, cultivate the spirit of volunteerism, and to develop projects that build a sustainable and stronger community. The goal is simple. They want to improve the quality of life for Houston communities and partner with active residents to: Improve neighborhood organization and pride. Improve community appearance and beautification. Enlist and increase community participation. Funding Information  The Matching Grants reimbursement is between $500 to $5,000. Eligible Projects The program helps pay for physical improvements or projects that are accessible and beneficial to the community. The program will not pay for ongoing operation or maintenance such as upkeep of landscaping or a community garden. Proposed projects must meet the following requirements: Improve a neighborhood through a physical improvement. Involve neighborhood residents, have long-standing benefits.  Accessible to the public. Letter of permission from property owners and/or government agencies of the proposed site at the time of submittal. The property owner may be a government agency, the owner of private property, or an association if the property is a common area. Proof of ownership of proposed site (Ex: Copy of Deed, HCAD record, etc.) Photo of proposed site. Three letters of support for your project (Ex: Neighborhood or area organizations, businesses, elected officials, schools, super neighborhood council, etc.) If the proposed projects require approval and/or permitting from a City of Houston department, pre-approval from the appropriate city department is required. (Ex: Pre-approvals must be issued by, Parks & Recreation Department for the Adopt-An-Esplanade Program, Public Works & Engineering Department for Subdivision Markers, etc.) The application is ineligible without the pre-approval from the appropriate city department (s). Examples of approved projects include, but are not limited to, street sign toppers, entryway signage, entryway columns, esplanade landscaping and irrigation, park benches, electrical signage, walkways with pavers, murals, etc. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible organizations must meet the following criteria: Applicants must be a neighborhood-based organization and/or civic club incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) or 501 (c) (4) non-profit organization through the State of Texas. If the applying neighborhood-based organization is not 501 (c) (3) or 501 (c) (4), they must secure a 501 (c) (3) or 501 (c) (4) organization to partner with for this project. Applicant organizations must represent a specific geographic area located in the Houston city limits. Applicants must Identify how the organization will fund and support the project in the future. Political organizations and individuals are not eligible. For more information, visit City of Houston.

The City of Athens is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Tourism Development Grant to promote tourism and attract overnight visitors to Athens. Donor Name: The City of Athens State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/22/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Projects must be specifically designed to attract overnight visitors to Athens. The Tourism Development Grant is open to eligible organizations or events located within the Athens city limits. The primary use of these funds is intended to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry in Athens. The City of Athens is under no obligation to allocate any portion of collected HOT revenues unless the City enters into a funding contract. Award of funds does not guarantee future funding. The City Council shall have the final decision regarding the allocation of funds. Types of Grants There is a two-part test that expenditures of local HOT funds must meet in order to be valid:  Part One: Expenditures must DIRECTLY enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry.  Part Two: Expenditures of HOT funds must clearly fit into one of the following categories for expenditure of HOT revenues, which are defined below:  Advertising: Paying for advertising, solicitations, and promotions that attract tourists and convention delegates to the City or its vicinity.  Promotion of the Arts: Expenditures that promote the arts. The encouragement, promotion, improvement, and application of the arts, including instrumental and vocal music, dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture, design and allied fields of painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, motion pictures, radio, television, tape and sound recording, and other arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of these major art forms. (No more than 15% of annual Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax revenues can be spent on the arts.)  Sporting Event Promotion: Funding certain expenses, including promotional expenses directly related to a sporting event within counties with a population of fewer than one million. (To qualify, the sporting event must be one that would “substantially increase economic activity at hotels and motels within the city or its vicinity.”)  Tourist Transportation System: Funding transportation systems for tourists.  Signage: Signage directing tourists to sights and attractions that are visited frequently by hotel guests in and around the City Eligibility Requirements Tourism Promotion: As required by state law, all projects must encourage and promote the use of hotels and motels within Athens by enhancing and promoting tourism, conventions, and the hotel industry. Governance: The applicant must be an organization or corporation governed by a board of directors or similar governance structure. Location: The event must be located within the Athens city limits. Direct Benefit: The applicant must demonstrate that the funds will directly enhance and promote tourism, conventions, and the hotel industry by attracting visitors from outside of Athens. Legal Entity: The applicant must be a legal entity with the capacity to enter into contracts. Public Accessibility: The applicant must demonstrate that the programs or events are open and appropriate for the general public. Financial Standing: The applicant must demonstrate good financial standing and have financial safeguards in place to protect public funds. See the Financial Information section for more details. For more information, visit City of Athens.

The City of Austin is accepting applications for its Thrive Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Austin State: Texas County: Bastrop County (TX), Caldwell County (TX), Hays County (TX), Travis County (TX), Williamson County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Thrive Grant Program seeks to address a long-term need for intentional investment to support and develop arts organizations and cultural institutions of, by, and for communities that are at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin and/or have been institutionally marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. Through funding, peer leadership, and networking, this program will make Austin’s diverse cultures more widely visible and accessible by providing funds to sustain and grow organizations that are deeply rooted in and reflective of those communities. Key Elements Thrive funds organizations that are community-centered and responsive to current social and cultural needs of Austin’s diverse communities. Applicants who show investment from and into their communities are encouraged to apply. Intersectionality in proposals is encouraged.  Thrive offers a cohort experience to support organizations in obtaining cultural institution status through: peer leadership  networking opportunities  Organization improvement goals will become part of the contract deliverables.  All eligible applicants who apply for Thrive but are not awarded will also be considered for Elevate. Funding Priorities Organizations that serve and are accountable to communities that are at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin. This may include organizations that directly serve Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander communities.  Organizations that are representative of communities that experience other forms of institutional marginalization. This may include organizations that directly serve LGBTQIA+ and/or disability communities. Organizations that embody a commitment to equity through representation in leadership and program development. Applicants that have faced systemic barriers in obtaining institutional assets. Applicants that show a critical need for meaningful investment. Applicants that are ready for investment in long-term sustainability. What Foundation Funds All contracts funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue are required to:  Produce activities that are open and advertised to Austin residents and tourists  Promote and enhance the City of Austin as a cultural destination Occur in Austin or its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) This program will offer additional investment in organization improvement. Examples of organization improvement include: Expanding public programming and audiences Establishing a reliable space for planning and presenting work Establishing new and/or more diversified revenue sources  Cohort participation to advance organization improvement goals Funding Information The Thrive award amounts range from $85,000 – $150,000 per year. Grant Period  2-year contract. Eligible Activities Activities related to the sustainability and growth of the organization. Examples: Expanding public programming and audiences Establishing a reliable space for planning and presenting work Establishing new and/or more diversified revenue sources  Operations related to the production of public events Exhibitions Performances Workshops, classes, and camps that include a performance or exhibition  Public art projects that are installed on public or private property and accessible to the public Eligibility Criteria 501(c) non-profit arts organization whose primary mission and over 50% of their body of work is the production of arts and culture. This includes organizations that provide professional support to creatives. 501(c) status can be new but must be active at the time of application. Minimum of five years of operating history in the Austin metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which includes:  Travis Bastrop,  Caldwell,  Hays,  and Williamson Counties. Over 50% of the applicant’s creative production is within the Austin 10-1 City Council districts or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) Proposed activity meets all program requirements as outlined by the Hotel Occupancy Tax.  All events are open to the public  Occur within Austin or the Austin ETJ Marketed to tourists  Or applicant is an arts service organization Applicants cannot accept more than one Economic Development Department Grant (Thrive, Elevate, Nexus, or Austin Live Music Fund) per City of Austin Fiscal Year (October 1 – September 30 annually). Sponsored Projects do not count towards this limit. City of Austin employees are not eligible to apply for funding. For more information, visit City of Austin Government.

The Elevate grant seeks to provide funding in support of arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and creative businesses that produce culturally vibrant and diverse artistic content for the public. Donor Name: City of Austin State: Texas County: Bastrop County (TX), Caldwell County (TX), Hays County (TX), Travis County (TX), Williamson County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This funding supports the creative, administrative, and operational expenses of creative activities for the people of Austin and its tourists. This investment in Austin’s cultural producers will elevate the City’s diverse arts and culture tourism sector, amplify equity, and prioritize inclusive programming. Key Elements  Minimum of one-year history of producing arts and culture activities in the Austin metro area Must produce over 50% of public arts/culture activities within the Austin 10-1 City Council districts or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) Applicants who prefer to work with a Fiscal Sponsor may do so. Fiscal Sponsorship is not required.  Awards will be based on alignment with Elevate’s funding priorities.  Annual operating budget is not a factor in determining award amounts. Applications will be reviewed and scored by trained outside review panelists. Funding Information Elevate for Non-Profits $40,000-$80,000. Elevate for individuals and creative businesses $15,000-$30,000. Funding Priority Activities that pay local artists and artistic administrators Activities that engage in community-based partnerships Applicants and activities with a commitment to equity  Equity is represented in leadership  Applicants who represent the diverse cultures of Austin, particularly those who are from backgrounds that have been historically under-represented in Austin’s Cultural Funding programs. Applicants that are representative of, serve, and are accountable to communities that are at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin and/or have been institutionally marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. This may include applicants that directly serve Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander communities or LGBTQIA+ and/or disability communities. Eligibility Criteria Applicant Type: 501(c) nonprofit arts organization, An individual aged 18 or older, Creative Business Maximum Annual Expenses: None, $500,000, $500,000 Maximum Request Amount: $80,000, $30,000, $30,000 Your artistic goals or creative mission is the production of arts and culture activities. This includes organizations that provide professional support to creatives. Minimum of one year of operating history in the Austin metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which includes:  Travis Bastrop,  Caldwell,  Hays,  and Williamson Counties. Over 50% of your creative production is within the Austin 10-1 City Council districts or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Proposed activity meets all program requirements as outlined by the Hotel Occupancy Tax.  All events are open to the public  Occur within Austin or the Austin ETJ Marketed to tourists  Or applicant is an arts service organization Applicants cannot accept more than one Cultural Arts Fund Grant (Thrive, Elevate, Nexus, or Austin Live Music Fund) per City of Austin Fiscal Year (October 1 – September 30 annually). Sponsored Projects do not count towards this limit. City of Austin employees are not eligible to apply for funding. For more information, visit City of Austin Government.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations in Texas, particularly in Dallas County, for initiatives in education, health, human services, and scientific research aimed at improving community well-being.

This grant provides funding for capital improvement projects that benefit local communities, including volunteer fire departments, schools, and nonprofit organizations, within specific service areas.

This funding opportunity supports schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations in Texas by providing financial assistance for hiring professional artists to conduct performances or workshops, thereby enriching the local creative economy.

The South Plains Foundation program grants is to encourage the development of programs for charitable purposes in Lubbock County, Texas. Donor Name: The Community Foundation of West Texas State: Texas County: Lubbock County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Grants are typically limited to a maximum of $10,000. Eligibility Criteria  Grants are restricted to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, units of local government (i.e. School district, county, city, etc.) and faith-based organizations that serve the general community. Ineligibility  Annual appeals, endowment funds, membership contributions or fundraising events. Existing obligations, loans or debt retirement. Long-term operating support. Medical, scientific or academic research. Political campaigns or direct lobbying efforts. Operating and construction costs at schools or universities unless there is significant opportunity for community use or collaboration. Projects that focus on the promotion of specific religious beliefs or construction projects of churches and other religious institutions. Out of region travel for individuals, bands, sports teams, classes and similar groups. Grants to individuals or for-profit businesses. For more information, visit Community Foundation of West Texas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations in Texas for projects that preserve and promote the state's rich history and cultural heritage.

The Plainview Area Endowment is seeking applications to improving the quality of life in Plainview. Donor Name: The Plainview Area Endowment State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Endowment | Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Plainview Area Endowment was created in 2010 as a regional affiliate of Community Foundation of West Texas – the Community Foundation for the Texas South Plains. The Plainview Area Endowment provides opportunities for donors to achieve their varied philanthropic goals, invest contributed funds prudently, and serves as a responsible steward for the charitable gifts of individuals, families and organizations. Grantmaking policy and grant award recommendations are made by the Plainview Area Endowment Advisory Board. Grants may be made for start-up funding, general operating support, program support and demonstration programs. The Endowment does not make grants to individuals, for political purposes, to retire indebtedness or for payment of interest or taxes. Funding Information Grant amounts may vary depending on the type of fund from which resources are provided, but can not exceed $5,000. Criteria The Endowment restricts its support to organizations serving the Plainview area which are 501(c)(3) or the government equivalent. For more information, visit The Plainview Area Endowment.

The Thelma Braun & Bocklett Family Foundation is currently accepting applications to support and promote quality education, cultural, human services and health care programming for underserved populations Donor Name: Thelma Braun & Bocklett Family Foundation State: Texas County: Grayson County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Program Types Arts, Culture, & Humanities  Education  Health  Human Services Project Period The majority of grants from the Braun & Bocklett Family Foundation are 1 year in duration. Criteria Special consideration is given to charitable organizations that serve the people of Grayson County, Texas, especially in the area of arts and education. For more information, visit Bank of America.

The Leland Fikes Foundation is accepting grant applications until October 9, 2024. The Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in areas including reproductive health, civic engagement, and human services in the Dallas area. Their funding priorities include improving access to reproductive healthcare, strengthening democratic processes through public policy and advocacy, and addressing local community needs such as housing and health. The Foundation focuses on national, state-level (Texas), and local Dallas initiatives. Grants are not available for individuals or politically partisan groups. For more information, visit the Leland Fikes Foundation.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Tarrant County, Texas, that assist children with physical or mental disabilities through treatment, education, and supportive services.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Coleman County to address urgent community needs across various sectors such as education, health, and social services.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Coleman County to address pressing community needs across various sectors, including education, health, and youth development.