Texas Workforce Development Grants

This program provides $40 million in funding over three years to support projects that improve environmental health and resilience in historically marginalized communities across EPA Region 6.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Topfer Family Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations within the program areas of Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment, Youth Enrichment, Children’s Health, Aging In Place, and Job Training & Support. Eligible applicants must be exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. The foundation primarily invests in communities where the family resides, including the greater Austin, Texas and greater Chicago, Illinois metropolitan areas. Additionally, they have started providing grants to organizations in Denver, CO and Broward County, FL. For more information and to apply for a grant, visit Topfer Family Foundation's website.

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.

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.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Texas nonprofit organizations focused on training workers in safe practices and creating career pathways in high-demand, middle-skill jobs to strengthen the state's workforce and enhance workplace safety.

This funding initiative provides financial assistance to disadvantaged individuals looking to start or grow a business in the beef value chain in Texas or Oklahoma.

This grant provides financial support to veteran women entrepreneurs in Texas to help them grow and strengthen their small businesses through innovative projects.

This program provides funding to public and non-profit organizations in Texas to support sustainable community forestry initiatives that promote healthy urban and community forests.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits that empower women and girls of Asian heritage in North Texas, focusing on community upliftment and gender equity.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and grassroots initiatives in rural Central Texas to improve workforce engagement and educational access by addressing barriers such as mental health services, childcare, and transportation.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in Texas that focus on improving early childhood education and postsecondary success for low-income or at-risk students.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Central Texas that focus on improving early childhood education, health and wellness, job skills and entrepreneurship, and leadership development for Latino families.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that offer hands-on STEAM training and paid summer internships for teens aged 16-19 from low-income areas, in partnership with Best Buy Teen Tech Centers.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that develop innovative resources and services to help adults in the middle or late stages of their careers with reskilling, upskilling, and career navigation, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed.

This grant provides funding for community-led projects in the Greater Houston area that promote electric transportation solutions and enhance access to clean mobility options for underserved populations.