Texas Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

This grant provides financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations in Calhoun County to enhance their community programs and initiatives.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) seeks proposals to voluntarily conserve aquatic habitat in southeastern United States and Texas. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The priorities of the Southeast Aquatics Fund are informed by the aquatic goals and strategies of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan, which was adopted by the NFWF Board of Directors in 2018 (updated 2023). To the extent possible, proposals should describe how activities will advance specific goals and objectives of the Longleaf Forests and Rivers Business Plan and/or other relevant conservation plans. The plan seeks to conserve the extraordinary biodiversity found across the southeast. It prioritizes work in northern Alabama and Georgia due to measurement and monitoring constraints. It utilizes a suite of aquatic species as indicators of healthy aquatic habitat in prioritized watersheds. Because of the priority given to this subregion, funding is available for a wide range of activities in the Conasauga River (GA) and Locust Fork and Middle Coosa (AL) watersheds. Priority will be given to projects that would benefit the following focal species: Conasauga River – Endemic and Native Fishes (Alabama shiner, banded sculpin, blue shiner, bridled darter, Coosa darter, Coosa shiner, Greenbreast darter, tricolor shiner and trispot darter). Middle Coosa – Trispot darter Funding Information Approximately $8.45 million is available in grant funding in 2024. Grant awards are expected to range from $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the overall scale and duration of the project. Project Period Anticipated completion time for funded projects typically will be 24–36 months following finalization of a grant agreement.  Geographic Scope Grants will be made in specific geographies or river basins in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and Texas.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. Applicants must comply with or be exempted from federal single audit requirements. Ineligible applicants include U.S. Federal government agencies, businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. U.S. Federal agencies are encouraged to partner with applicants but are not eligible to apply. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Route 66 Black Experiences Grant Program provides direct grant awards to African-American owned/operated businesses and attractions along Route 66, and funding to support research and programs designed to tell the stories of Black experiences related to Route 66. The program, celebrating the Route 66 Centennial, aims to help Black-owned businesses and attractions stay in operation, reopen, and expand, while also supporting research and storytelling efforts related to Black experiences on Route 66. Eligible applicants include Black-owned/operated businesses located along Route 66 with fewer than 20 employees. The 2024 grant round offers a total of $50,000 in awards, with applications due by July 14, 2024, and awards announced the week of August 5, 2024.

The Texas Pride Impact Funds is accepting applications for its 2024 Community Grants. Donor Name: Texas Pride Impact Funds State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Communities and Populations In the effort to drive support and build capacity in LGBTQ+ communities that have been historically disadvantaged, TPIF has identified Focus Communities and Populations to guide its work and establish funding priorities. While they will continue to fund a full range of organizations, projects, and leaders, (particularly through the donor advised funds) they will prioritize funding within the general and special grant cycles for the Focus Communities and Populations. They embrace organizations and projects that address the current and direct needs of communities while also seeking to correct the systemic injustices that unfairly burden people living within these identities and at their intersections. Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression: While using the acronym of LGBTQ+ serves the full spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions. These include but are not limited to: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Queer Asexual, Aromantic Questioning Transgender, Two-Spirit, Transexual, Non-Binary, Gender Non-Conforming, Agender Intersex TPIF places a focus on supporting the safety, rights, health, and well-being of Texas’ people of transgender experience. Geography: While TPIF funds groups that work statewide and in local communities, for the next five years it will seek to build capacity in these geographic areas: Rural underserved areas Border communities Towns and small cities Under-resourced areas and neighborhoods within urban centers Race and Ethnicity: TPIF focuses on building the capacity of organizations, projects, and leaders serving communities of color including: Black and/or African American Native and Indigenous Peoples Hispanic/Latino(a)/Latinx Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Desi, and Arab (APIDA) Age: TPIF recognizes the difficulties of being LGBTQ+ at each end of the age spectrum and maintains a focus on essential services and social supports for: Senior and elderly people Youth particularly those who are unhoused Young adults 18 – 25 Displaced People: TPIF recognizes the complications to living of displaced people and will concentrate on: Immigrants Homeless Youth Undocumented Persons Refugees Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Persons People living with and at higher risk for HIV/AIDS: TPIF maintains a focus on organizations and projects that serve PLWHA and communities at higher risk to HIV/AIDS. People living with Disabilities: TPIF maintains a focus on organizations and projects that serve people with disabilities. Eligibility Criteria  The grantmaking to non-profit organizations and organizations with fiscal sponsorship is intentionally broad for initiatives providing direct support to LGBTQ+ persons and communities in Texas. Community Grants award funds for general operating support; applications are not required to identify projects or submit project plans. Ineligibility Applications from individuals. National organizations or their local affiliates, except for programs developed at the local level to meet local needs in Texas. Initiatives outside the State of Texas. Endowment funds. Annual campaigns, capital campaigns, donor recognition events, event sponsorships. Applications from government agencies. Organizations that do not support transformational change and inclusivity of all LGBTQ+ individuals as well as racial equity in Texas. More than one application per organization per year. Academic research. Organizations that are not 501(c)3 or do not have a Fiscal Sponsor. For more information, visit TPIF.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Central Texas that aim to improve economic stability and health equity by expanding access to sustainable healthcare careers for individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds.

This grant provides financial support to female visual artists in the Houston area to help fund their creative projects in contemporary art.

This program provides financial support and resources to underserved entrepreneurs in Texas, helping them grow their businesses through training, mentorship, and access to capital.

This grant provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Georgetown, Texas, to address health needs and promote health equity for residents facing economic and social challenges.

This grant provides financial support to public agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations for the preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the Route 66 corridor, with a focus on underrepresented communities.

This grant provides financial support to tax-exempt organizations to engage under-served populations in outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education across Texas.

The City of Austin's Equity Office is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 to support community-driven initiatives, particularly grassroots organizations, that address immigrant inclusion, solidarity with unhoused people, and anti-displacement efforts in the Austin-Travis County area, with priority given to applicants with annual operating budgets not exceeding $500,000.

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.

City of San Marcos Minority Business Stabilization Fund (Texas) - The City of San Marcos is offering minority entrepreneurs and small business owners within corporate city limits the opportunity to apply for the Minority Business Stabilization Fund Program. This one-time grant assistance program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), provides direct aid to minority-owned businesses in San Marcos. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000 based on the number of full-time employees and can be used for eligible expenses such as physical improvements, equipment, e-commerce expansion costs, rent, payroll, and operating expenses. To be eligible, businesses must have been in operation in San Marcos for at least 12 months, employ 1 to 25 full-time employees, and be at least 51% unconditionally owned by a socially disadvantaged individual. Only one grant may be awarded per business with multiple locations in San Marcos. For more information and to apply, visit City of San Marcos website.

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.

Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program Our Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program extends our mission by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations that actively work towards improving and preserving outdoor environments. The grants focus on: Community Gardens: Creating, rehabilitating, and enhancing community gardens that provide educational opportunities and serve community needs. Neighborhood and School Beautification: Beautifying and enriching outdoor environments in economically disadvantaged areas, particularly around neighborhoods and schools. Parks and Greenspaces: Revitalizing parks and public greenspaces through planting and the addition or upgrading of efficient irrigation systems. Sustainable Impact: Projects that align with Toro's purpose of enriching the beauty, productivity, and sustainability of the land, impacting beautification, and increasing the utilization of public greenspaces. Community Engagement: Encouraging broad community involvement in project design and implementation, ensuring tangible and sustainable results. Eligibility Location: The benefiting organization must be located within 40 miles of a Toro Company location in the following cities: Arkansas: Batesville California: El Cajon, Riverside Florida: Sanford Michigan: Iron Mountain Nebraska: Beatrice Texas: El Paso, Abilene Wisconsin: Lake Mills The grant program seeks to empower communities to create and maintain beautiful, sustainable, and functional outdoor spaces, emphasizing those in need. Through these grants, The Toro Company continues to build on its long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities where our employees live and work.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofit organizations in the Concho Valley that provide essential health, education, and financial stability services to address critical community needs.

The Dallas Foundation’s Summer Grant Cycle consists of disbursements from The Dallas Foundation’s Community Impact Fund, which focuses on the strategic priorities to ensure a Strong & Healthy Start and Community & Economic Resilience, as well as several Field of Interest Funds, which are endowed funds customized to align with a donor’s interest in a specific cause. Donor Name: The Dallas Foundation State: Texas County: Dallas County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas  The Summer Grant Cycle is open to proposals from nonprofit organizations working in Dallas County and focused on the following areas: Strong & Healthy Start Support for projects that build a strong & healthy start for children with an emphasis on prenatal to three care, family homelessness, and child and youth mental health. Critical Needs Support to provide the necessities of life, including food, clothing, emergency and transitional shelter, and healthcare to children and families who are low-income, indigent, homeless, or ill. Community & Economic Resilience Support for education & workforce development, including Pre-K12, out of school time programs, and post-secondary access; Support for economic empowerment, including entrepreneurship and employment; and Support for housing and neighborhood infrastructure, including affordable housing and property support, transportation, infrastructure (i.e., broadband, utility access, sidewalks, etc.), and access to parks and recreation. Children with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities and Older Adults Support for disabled, blind, and deaf children; Support for the education of intellectually and developmentally disabled children to enable them to lead productive lives; and Support for older adults, including low-income older adults. Grant Restrictions  Funds are generally not available for: Programs or services that do not serve Dallas County residents Annual Fund campaigns, underwriting of fundraising events, and marketing campaigns Religious purposes (although they do support educational and social service programs offered by faith-based organizations) Endowments Individuals. For more information, visit The Dallas Foundation.

This grant provides financial support for projects and events that boost community development, tourism, and economic growth in McKinney, Texas.

This grant provides $50,000 each to three nonprofit organizations in Central Texas that promote inclusion and support underrepresented communities through education, job skills, and health and wellness initiatives.