Texas Science and Technology Grants

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) have announced the opening of applications for the Department of Energy's (DOE) grant program aimed at enhancing the resilience of electric grids against disruptive events. The program is designed to allocate competitive grants to improve infrastructure and reduce the likelihood and impact of such events on the electrical grid. The grant supports weatherization, fire-resistant technologies, monitoring and control systems, vegetation management, adaptive protections, and advanced modeling technologies. This grant opportunity is now active with a closing deadline of June 28, 2024.

This award mechanism seeks to support the delivery of evidence-based clinical services to screen for cancer and pre-cancer in underserved populations who do not have adequate access to cancer early detection interventions and health care, bringing together networks of public health and community partners to carry out programs tailored for their communities. Projects should identify cancers that cause the most burden in the community, have nationally recommended screening methods, and use evidence-based methods to screen for these cancers. Award: Maximum of $1M for new projects and $2.5M for expansion projects Duration: Maximum 5 years

Funding available through this RFA supports company formation, as well as early research and development of novel oncology therapeutics, devices, treatment-oriented information technology products, diagnostics, or tools. The objective of the SEED Award program is to start with an interesting technology and to progress it toward a commercially viable business opportunity, i.e., make it more attractive to private funding agents. Typically, applicants have completed the following activities: Identified a novel therapeutic, diagnostic technology, or clinical tool and shown a biological effect Conducted preliminary safety and toxicology testing (in the case of therapeutic agents) Shown the product can be manufactured at small scale or as a prototype Assessed the business opportunity and organized a business plan that begins to address key issues (clinical utility, target market, financial plan, IP strategy, technical challenges, etc.) and lays out a preliminary development plan (formulation, toxicology, scale up, IND-enabling studies, phase 1 clinical trials, regulatory pathway, etc.). Established a company

Funding available through this RFA supports the ongoing research and development of innovative products, services, and infrastructure with significant potential impact on patient care. Generally, at this stage, the company has identified and characterized a lead compound; demonstrated efficacy in multiple translationally relevant animal models; completed pilot/dose ranging toxicology studies; determined the feasibility of a scalable, GMP compliant manufacturing process, including release assays; and identified a prototype formulation suitable for further development. The applicant is typically within one year from filing an IND/IDE or already in Phase 1. With appropriate justification, companies may use CPRIT funds to support the following: Studies that establish preclinical proof of concept (safety and efficacy) CMC/manufacturing development GLP safety studies to support INDs Phase 1 in humans to establish safety and a recommended dose for phase 2 Phase 2 studies to determine safety and efficacy in initial targeted patient population

Funding available through this RFA supports the ongoing research and development of new and emerging technologies for the detection, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, or treatment of cancer. CPRIT created this RFA to fund new and emerging technology projects that do not easily fit into any of the three other CPRIT Product Development Research RFAs. Proposals may include, but are not limited to, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, production of radionuclides or their precursors, manufacture of cell-based therapies, processes to improve the quality of the samples used for cancer research or clinical care, and biomanufacturing of therapeutics. With appropriate justification, companies may use CPRIT funds to support studies that establish preclinical proof of concept, product validation, design, production, manufacturing and development, and clinical studies demonstrating safety and efficacy.

Funding available through this RFA supports the ongoing research and development of diagnostic tests and devices to treat, detect, diagnose, monitor, and assist in the treatment of cancer. Relevant areas include: Devices and assays for cancer detection, diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, treatment and prediction of response or resistance to treatment Markers for cancer prevention and control, companion diagnostic to a therapy Development of diagnostic tests to distinguish high-risk early lesions Generally, at the time that an applicant applies to CPRIT pursuant to this RFA, the company has developed a commercial prototype of the device or a pictorial representation of the functional components/elements of the device. With respect to diagnostics, the company has developed assays that work on human samples and whose importance is well justified for development into clinical assays. The applicant should be working toward submitting an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) or a 510(k) or Premarketing Approval (PMA) and is typically within one year from filing an IDE (or later stage work.) Potential applicants that are not at or near this stage of product development should consider applying for a Texas Seed Company Award. With appropriate justification, companies may use CPRIT funds to support studies that establish preclinical proof of concept, product validation, design, production, manufacturing and development, and clinical studies demonstrating safety and efficacy.

Supports applications that propose innovative cancer clinical studies in adults or children and adolescents that are hypothesis driven and involve patients enrolled prospectively on a clinical trial. Areas of interest include clinical studies of new or repurposed drugs, hormonal therapies, immune therapies, surgery, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, combinations of interventions, or therapeutic devices. Clinical trial must be planned to begin when contract is awarded.

Supports applications for innovative mathematical and/or computational research projects addressing questions that will advance current knowledge in the (a) mechanisms that tie altered gene expression and downstream molecular mechanisms to functional cancer phenotypes and/or (b) mechanisms that tie tumor morphology to functional cancer phenotypes and/or mechanisms that tie treatment sequence and combination to evolving functional cancer phenotypes (that emerge as a result of treatment selection).

Supports applications which propose clinical and population-based projects designed to develop effective prevention and early detection interventions to reduce cancer risk, mortality, and morbidity among Texans. Projects that propose such research collaborations with existing CPRIT Prevention Program awardees including the CPRIT funded Texas Collaborative Center for Hepatocellular Cancer (https://www.bcm.edu/research/labs-and-centers/research-centers/texas-collaborative-center-for-hepatocellular-cancer) are strongly encouraged.

Supports applications for innovative research projects addressing questions that will advance knowledge of the causes, prevention, progression, detection, or treatment of cancer in children and adolescents. Laboratory, clinical, or population-based studies are all acceptable. CPRIT expects the outcome of the research to reduce the incidence, morbidity, or mortality from cancer in children and/or adolescents in the near- or long-term.

Supports applications for innovative research projects addressing critically important questions that will significantly advance knowledge of the causes, prevention, and/or treatment of cancer. • Applicants may request a maximum of $300,000 per year for a 3-year period. • Multi-Principal Investigators (MIs) are allowed under this Request for Applications (RFA). See the Information for Applicants (IFA) document for definition and eligibility of MIs. See application limitations for Principal Investigators (PIs)/MIs, regardless of whether the MI is from the prime institution or a subcontracted institution. • Note that CPRIT does not allow the use of the term Co-PI. • Minimum effort for the PI and/or MIs throughout the project period is required. • A PI and/or MI may not submit more than one application for this RFA (defined as either a new application, resubmission application, or *competitive renewal application). • *Renewal applications are limited to one competitive renewal under this RFA, regardless of the year of the funded parent IIRA award. • The FY25 salary cap is $225,000 per year.

Supports applications for innovative research projects addressing critically important questions that will significantly advance knowledge of the causes, risk factors, molecular and clinical characteristics, prevention, and/or treatment of early-onset cancers. • Applicants may request a maximum of $300,000 per year for a 3-year period. • Multi-Principal Investigators (MIs) are allowed under this Request for Applications (RFA). See the Information for Applicants (IFA) document for definition and eligibility of MIs. See application limitations for Principal Investigators (PIs)/MIs, regardless of whether the MI is from the primary institution or a subcontracted institution. • Note that CPRIT does not allow the use of the term Co-PI. • Minimum effort for the PI and/or MIs throughout the project period is required. • FY25 salary cap has been set at $225,000 per year.

The goal of this award mechanism is to recruit exceptional faculty to universities and/or cancer research institutions in the State of Texas. This award honors outstanding senior investigators with proven track records of research accomplishments combined with excellence in leadership and teaching. All PIs should be recognized research or clinical investigators, held in the highest esteem by professional colleagues nationally and internationally, whose contributions have had a significant influence on their discipline and, likely, beyond. They must have clearly established themselves as exemplary faculty members with exceptional accomplishments in teaching and advising and/or basic, translational, population-based, or clinical cancer research activities. It is expected that the PI will contribute significantly to and have a major impact on the institution’s overall cancer research initiative. PIs will be leaders capable of initiating and developing creative ideas leading to novel solutions related to cancer prevention and control, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and/or survivorship. They are also expected to maintain and lead a strong research group and have a stellar, high-impact publication portfolio, as well as continue to secure external funding. Furthermore, recipients will lead and inspire undergraduate and graduate students interested in pursuing research careers and will engage in collegial and collaborative relationships with others within and beyond their traditional discipline in an effort to expand the boundaries of cancer research.

The Louis K. Snipes Foundation for Animal Care provides grants to organizations located in Tarrant County, TX that prevent cruelty to animals through animal care services within the State of Texas. Donor Name: The Louis K. Snipes Foundation for Animal Care State: Texas County: Tarrant County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Areas Environment, animals Grantmaking Priorities Preference may be given to requests for the following: Capital improvements such as the construction of shelter facilities. Purchase of equipment, including vehicles needed for animal rescue work and cruelty investigation Types of Support Capital improvements Equipment purchases Program support Funding Information Average grant size: $38,000 Average total giving per year: $38,000 Requirements To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. To be eligible, organizations must be located in Tarrant County, TX. To be eligible, organizations must prevent cruelty to animals through animal care services within the State of Texas, including, but not limited to, spaying, neutering and educational services. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

The Gene Conley Foundation awards grants to support a variety of charitable causes, primarily within north central, Texas. Donor Name: Gene Conley Foundation State: Texas County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Gene Conley Foundation awards grants exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Program Areas Arts, culture, and humanities Education Environment, animals Health Human services Public/society benefit Religion Funding Information Average grant size: $5,000 to $20,000. Average total giving per year: $340,000. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) has issued the 2025 Improvement Grant Request for Applications (RFA) for programs that improve indigent defense services in Texas. Donor Name: Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Improvement Grants help counties develop new programs or processes to improve indigent defense. Improvement Grants are competitive, dependent on available funding, and usually require county matching funds. Priority Program Areas Applications for the following program types shall be given funding priority: Managed indigent defense programs structured to ensure quality representation. This includes, but is not limited to, managed assigned counsel and public defender programs. Specialized indigent defense programs representing clients with mental health challenges. Regional indigent defense services. Programs that serve rural areas. Programs that measure the quality of representation for indigent defendants. Indigent defense process management software systems supporting compliance with indigent defense laws. Other programs that implement cost containment initiatives designed to limit local indigent defense cost increases or reduce county operating costs with respect to indigent defense. Improvement Grant Categories Multi-Year Improvement Grants Funding for programs providing indigent defense representation, including public defender offices, managed assigned counsel programs, and indigent defense coordinator programs. Provides funding over four years. Requires a cash match. Grants typically reimburse up to 80% of total approved project costs for the first year; 60% for the second year; 40% for the third year; and 20% for the fourth year. Awards for multi-year grants are made each fiscal year, with funding of eligible expenses provided on a reimbursement basis. Grantees will be required to submit a brief Continued Multi-Year Improvement Grant application form and submit a new Improvement Grant Resolution for continued funding for each subsequent year of eligibility. Minimum $50,000 project budget per application. Rural Regional Public Defender Sustainability Grants Regional programs must cover three or more counties. Counties with populations less than 100,000 are eligible. (Counties that exceed this threshold may request a variance based on special considerations.) Provides reimbursement of 80% of approved program costs in the initial year, transitioning to ongoing sustainability funding covering 2/3 of eligible costs in subsequent years. May be operated directly by counties or contracted to eligible nonprofit public defender organizations. Single-Year Improvement Grants Funding for indigent defense process improvement projects including technology projects. These projects require a cash match as detailed in Section II below. Minimum program budget of $5,000 per application. Routine equipment replacements or upgrades are not eligible. Technical Support Grants Special projects including indigent defense research, program assessments, or pilot projects that build the knowledge base about indigent defense and test processes that can be applied in other counties. All technical support projects require a project paper that describes the implementation, the benefits the county may have received, a brief commentary from participants, and a brief discussion on implications or suggestions for other similar projects. Continued Multi-Year Improvement Grants Counties with current Multi-Year Improvement Grant awards and Rural Regional Public Defender Sustainability Grants must submit a brief online Continued Multi-Year Improvement Grant form for each subsequent year of eligible funding. A new Commissioners Court or governing board resolution must be submitted with the application each year. Requests for scope changes, amendments or budget adjustments may be submitted with Continued Multi-Year applications. Funding Priorities  Funding priorities include the following: New public defender offices. New managed assigned counsel systems. Mental health, juvenile, or other specialty defender offices. Indigent defense coordinators. Grant Period Period for Funding and Program Operation: October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  The following entities are eligible for Improvement Grants: Texas counties. Counties may apply jointly for funding but must designate one county as the grant recipient. A law school’s legal clinic or program that provides indigent defense services for Texas counties as described in Section 79.037, Texas Gov’t Code. A regional public defender formed under Article 26.044, Code of Criminal Procedure that provides indigent defense services for Texas counties and meets the requirements of Texas Gov’t Code Section 79.037. An entity described by Section 791.013, Texas Gov’t Code that provides to a county administrative services under an interlocal contract entered for the purpose of providing or improving the provision of indigent defense services in the county. A nonprofit corporation that provides indigent defense services or indigent defense support services in a county. Nonprofit applicants must document support from and coordination with the county or counties and courts served. Nonprofit applications should contact TIDC staff early in the application process to provide online grant application account setup and for guidance on documentation of county support and coordination. For more information, visit TIDC.

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) is offering grants to recruit first-time tenure-track faculty members to Texas institutions. This initiative aims to bolster cancer research by supporting promising investigators pursuing their first faculty appointment. The grant offers up to $2,000,000 over 5 years, focusing on academic excellence, innovation, and potential for significant cancer research impact. The program stresses strong institutional support for candidates' career development, exceeding 50% of the CPRIT award.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations focused on reproductive health, civic engagement, human services in the Dallas area, and medical research, with a strong emphasis on promoting racial equity.

This funding opportunity supports water conservation projects in Harris and Galveston Counties, prioritizing initiatives that promote best practices in residential, commercial, and irrigation water use, and is available to local water utilities, non-profits, public entities, and research universities.

This program provides financial support to local businesses in Helotes, Texas, to help them establish or enhance their online sales presence through matching grants for e-commerce marketing initiatives.