Texas Workforce Development Grants

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 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 program provides financial support and mentorship to diverse-led small businesses in Texas, promoting job creation and growth among underrepresented groups.

This funding opportunity supports public junior colleges, technical institutions, and non-profits in Texas to create workforce training programs that help individuals transition to stable, well-paying jobs in high-demand fields.

Equip Harlingen is a small business matching grant program offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation that provides up to Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) for new equipment purchases for businesses that are looking to expand their production capabilities. Donor Name: Harlingen Economic Development Corporation State: Texas City: Harlingen Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant encourages the retention and creation of jobs for business enterprises in the City of Harlingen to stimulate further economic activity. Applicants must have been in business at least one full year prior to the application date. Funding Information Financial assistance to eligible commercial businesses for equipment purchases is fifty percent (50%) of the incurred costs, not to exceed Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000). Eligible Expenses New equipment that will allow the business to increase production to expand its operations or generate more sales. Equipment must be under warranty when purchased. Such equipment may include: stoves, ovens, refrigerators, lathes, table saws, tooling machines, plastic injection molding machines, etc. Equipment essential for the creation of more products. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible businesses must be for-profit entities occupying commercial space. Applicants must demonstrate that they have been in business within a commercial space for the previous 12 months of the application date. Applicants must be a commercial property owner and/ or an existing for-profit business (tenant) within the city limits of Harlingen, TX with fewer than 20 employees. National chains (more than three) or franchises are not eligible. Establishments with more than two locations are not eligible. Only one business per person will be considered. All existing business owner applicants must possess a current City of Harlingen Business Tax Receipt, and must generate local sales taxes. The business or owner must not be currently recipients of Harlingen EDC  incentives or must not have received a Harlingen EDC incentive as of December 31, 2021 including a Revitalize Harlingen Grant. All applicants (business and/ property owner) must not have outstanding code enforcement violations or liens (unless related to a change of use). All applicants must be current on rental, mortgage and all tax payments if applicable. For more information, visit Harlingen EDC.

The Community Driven Change open call is focused on elevating organizations engaging community members in decision making and leadership to foster healthier communities in the Central Texas region of Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties. Donor Name: St. David’s Foundation 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) 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The one-time grants awarded as part of this open call will support the community to achieve their health priorities. This call is centered in the Foundation’s belief that addressing social and environmental conditions for generational change in historically marginalized communities requires work to mobilize those closest to the problem. Community-led, community-focused organizations with demonstrated impact in engaging community members in decision making and leadership to foster healthy communities operating within the 5-county region are invited to apply. They believe a healthy community includes access to quality healthcare and health services, stable and affordable housing, pathways to healthcare employment, navigation and coordination of related services, and social networks. Funding Information Awarding up to $10M through this open call, grant recipients will receive an unrestricted, one-time operating grant based on organization size, with funding expected to be distributed in October 2024. Organization Annual Budget Size/Maximum Grant Amount: $250,000 – $500K: $250,000. Over $500K: $500,000. Eligibility Criteria  Located and operating in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, or Williamson counties.  Classified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Annual operating budget of at least $250,000.  Evidence of work engaging community members in decision making and leadership to foster healthier communities. For more information, visit St. David’s Foundation.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Texas Rural Woman Grant. Donor Name: Texas Woman’s University State: Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose is to create greater economic development activity in rural Texas by encouraging and enabling rural woman-owned, small businesses to undertake new and innovative projects. Funding Information A total of ten $5,000 grants for a total of $50,000 are available for this round of funding. What can the funds be used for? Purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology. Farm implements or machinery. Addition or acquisition of new inventory or raw materials. Purchase and installation of fixtures or display units. Property improvements that will result in increased sales and revenue. Marketing or advertising campaigns. Any other business-related activity that CWE deems is aligned with the stated purpose of this program. Who can apply? Eligible businesses must satisfy all of the following conditions: Existing rural, woman-owned businesses (at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens). The business owner must reside in Texas. The business must currently be set up as a legal business entity. The business must be a for-profit corporation, partnership, LLP or LLC, or sole proprietorship. Not-for-profit corporations or similar nonprofit entities are not eligible. If the business or business owner owns the premises where the business operates, all property taxes must be current. All sales, payroll, and other taxes must be current. The business must be located and operated within an eligible Texas County. The business, business owner and the applicant must not be involved in any pending or current litigation. The business owner must not have any felonies or convictions for a crime of dishonesty or breach of trust. Previous grant winners cannot apply. The business must be in one of the eligible rural counties in Texas. The business, business owner and applicant are operating with all required permits and licenses and are conforming to all required laws. Grant Requirements  The successful applicant will receive two installments of the award: $2,500 after signing the grant agreement, a photo release and all required paperwork for payment. $2,500 following completion of a small business training course hosted by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs, 3 hours of small business advising/mentoring and submission and approval of a completed business plan with three years of financials. Additionally, itemized receipts or proof of purchases made with initial grant funds of $2,500 (costs must have been incurred after receiving grant funding) must be provided to CWE to receive the remaining $2,500. You need to meet with CWE staff to talk over the grant specifics and ask any questions you have. Use the spreadsheet that the CWE provides for documentation. The University will send winners a 1099 for the grant funds received. Ineligible applicants Any business that is not on the rural county list. TWU faculty/staff (or any immediate family member of the applicant’s family, including spouse, child, parent), trustee, and advisory committee member. TWU Students are not eligible to apply. Prior grant winners. Applicants who have taken part in any CWE program in the last year including AccelerateHER, TechFW or NTEEC awardees. For more information, visit TWU.

The Hispanic Impact Fund a signature program at Austin Community Foundation works to bridge the racial wealth divide and advance economic opportunity for Latino families in Central Texas. Donor Name: Austin Community Foundation State: Texas County: Bastrop County (TX), Burnet County (TX), Caldwell County (TX), Hays County (TX), Travis County (TX), Williamson County (TX) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Focus Areas This grants cycle, the Hispanic Impact Fund will be awarding funding to organizations and programs that fit into one of the following strategy areas: Early Childhood Education: The Fund will invest in organizations that provide access to affordable, high-quality Pre-K and early childhood education starting at age 3, building the pipeline from cradle to career for Latino families. Health & Wellness: The Fund will invest in organizations that provide preventative, culturally competent health education and access to quality mental and physical health services. Job Skills & Entrepreneurship: The Fund will invest in organizations that assist Latino entrepreneurs in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to expand their businesses. Leadership Development: The Fund will invest in organizations advancing Latino leadership and creating pipelines of youth, emerging, and established Latino talent, which are critical to building a thriving Central Texas. Funding Information Winning Finalist: $50,000 total; a multi-year grant over two years — $30,000 in 2024 and $20,000 in 2025. Runner-up Finalist: $35,000 total; a multi-year grant over two years — $20,000 in 2024 and $15,000 in 2025. Two Semifinalists: $20,000 in 2024. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations working in the 6 county Central Texas region, which includes: Travis, Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays, and Williamson counties Organizations must be tax-exempt under Sections 501(c)3 or 170(b)(1)(a)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code and/or be a unit of government Proposals will be considered from organizations that engage in non-lobbying advocacy work. Organizations doing systems change level work such as educating the public about issues, community organizing, policy research and other non-lobbying advocacy activities may apply Proposals will be considered from religious organizations that engage in non-religious programming. Religious organizations will need to demonstrate that their work aligning with the Program Funds’ strategies is secular in nature and does not discriminate against any employees or clients based on religion. Ineligibility Endowment funds Scholarships Religious organizations for religious purposes Fundraising activities or events Umbrella funding organizations that intend to distribute funds at their own discretion Individuals Organizations with discriminatory hiring practices based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. For more information, visit ACF.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Texas that promote financial literacy and consumer credit education, helping communities improve their financial stability at little or no cost.

This initiative provides financial support to Texas public universities to attract world-renowned researchers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine, boosting the state's academic and economic growth.

The Texas Farm Bureau's Ag Mechanics Grant Program is designed to support agricultural mechanical and metal technologies educators by providing additional resources. This grant aims to enhance the skills of students in Agricultural Mechanics and Metal Technology through the education of 9th to 12th grade teachers. These teachers must be addressing Agriculture Mechanics and Metal Technologies, Agriculture Structures Design and Fabrication, Agriculture Equipment Design and Fabrication, and/or Agricultural Power Systems as per TEKS standards in a public or accredited non-public secondary educational institution.

This grant provides financial incentives to companies that are considering new projects in Texas, helping them compete against out-of-state locations by supporting significant job creation and capital investment.