Texas Local Grants

This program provides funding to Austin-based nonprofit organizations to improve digital access, skills, and technology adoption for local residents, helping to bridge the digital divide.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and eligible entities in Abilene and Taylor County, Texas, to implement projects that address community needs and improve local quality of life.

This program provides financial assistance to commercial businesses in Liberty for exterior improvements that enhance the aesthetic appeal and promote business development within the city.

This program provides financial assistance to local business and property owners in Seguin, Texas, for improving and beautifying their commercial properties to boost economic development.

This program provides financial assistance to commercial property owners and business tenants in designated areas of Amarillo to improve the exterior appearance and structural compatibility of their buildings.

This initiative provides financial support to local businesses and organizations in the South Dallas/Fair Park area to promote economic growth and improve community services, focusing on job creation, education, and public safety.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Amarillo to develop projects that address homelessness through housing stability and supportive services.

The City of Athens is soliciting proposals from eligible organizations to fund activities that serve a public purpose, acting as a reimbursing grant program. This initiative aligns with the City's mission to support its residents, businesses, and visitors by leveraging the services of local organizations. By providing targeted financial support, the City aims to achieve its objectives more efficiently, particularly when these organizations address public purposes not met by the City or supplement existing services, thereby reducing the City's operational costs. The program prioritizes activities that assist the City in accomplishing its strategic goals. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are the residents, businesses, and visitors within the Athens city limits. The impact goal is to enhance public services and quality of life within the community by supporting organizations that can effectively deliver these services. The program seeks to empower local entities to address community needs, ensuring that essential services are available and appropriate for the public on an equal basis. Funding priority is given to activities that assist the City in accomplishing its strategic goals. Key priorities include ensuring all funded activities serve a public purpose, are provided by legally capable organizations with sound governance and financial standing, and directly benefit the Athens community. The emphasis is on organizations located within city limits that can demonstrate the availability and appropriateness of their funded activities to the public on an equal basis. Expected outcomes include an improved delivery of public services, increased community well-being, and a more efficient use of public funds through partnerships with local organizations. Measurable results would involve the number of residents, businesses, and visitors served, the types of services provided, and the extent to which these services address identified public needs. The program implicitly operates on a theory of change where targeted financial support to qualified local organizations leads to enhanced public services and community benefits, ultimately contributing to the City's strategic objectives and the overall betterment of Athens.

The City of Kemah's Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Sponsorship Program offers funding to organizations for events that directly enhance and promote tourism, as well as the convention and hotel industry within the city. This initiative is designed to align with the city's mission to stimulate economic growth through increased visitor traffic, ensuring that the local hospitality sector benefits from funded activities. The program's core objective is to utilize Hotel/Motel Tax funds to support endeavors that bring tangible advantages to Kemah's tourism landscape. To be eligible for funding, applications must satisfy a two-part criterion. Firstly, the "heads in beds" test requires that every funded project or event must demonstrably attract overnight tourists to Kemah's hotels and motels, thereby directly bolstering the city's lodging industry. This ensures that the grant funds are utilized in a manner that directly contributes to the program's primary goal of promoting the city's hotel industry. The target beneficiaries are primarily the hotels, motels, and businesses within the tourism sector in Kemah, with the ultimate impact goal of increasing their revenue and overall economic vitality. Secondly, the project or event must fall into one of nine statutorily authorized categories. These categories include convention and visitor centers/registration, advertising the city, promotion of the arts, historical restoration and preservation, sporting events in counties under one million in population, enhancing or upgrading existing sports facilities or fields (in certain cities), tourist transportation systems, and signage directing the public to frequently visited sights and attractions. These categories represent the key priorities and focuses of the grant program, ensuring that diverse aspects of tourism and community enrichment are supported. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the program include a measurable increase in hotel occupancy rates, a rise in the number of overnight tourists, and an enhancement of Kemah's reputation as a tourist destination. By funding projects aligned with these categories, the city aims to create a vibrant tourism ecosystem that benefits both visitors and local businesses. The City of Kemah's strategic priority is to maximize the economic benefits derived from the Hotel/Motel Tax through targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure. The theory of change behind this program is that by providing financial support to events and projects that directly attract overnight visitors and enhance tourist experiences, the city will foster sustainable growth in its tourism and hotel industries.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Temple, Texas, for projects that improve community needs such as employment, housing stability, childcare, food security, and transportation.

The Nexus Grant, offered by the City of Austin, is designed to support new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses in producing creative public projects. With an award of $5,000, the program aims to nurture the creative community by funding activities that enrich the city and its tourists through community-centered arts and collaboration. This aligns with a broader mission to foster cultural vibrancy and accessibility within Austin. The primary beneficiaries of the Nexus Grant are new and emerging applicants within the creative community, including artists, culturally specific groups, LGBTQIA and disability communities, nonprofits, and social advocacy organizations. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting creative public activities, encouraging community engagement, and promoting cultural collaboration. Through these efforts, the grant seeks to strengthen Austin's artistic landscape and provide diverse cultural experiences for both residents and visitors. The program prioritizes applicants who represent, serve, and are accountable to communities at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin, and those that have been historically marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. This includes communities such as Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. Additionally, priority is given to applicants who have not received City of Austin Cultural Funding awards in the last five years, emphasizing support for truly emerging entities. Eligible activities for funding include exhibitions, performances, workshops with a performance or exhibition component, and public art projects accessible to the public. Grant funds can cover various expenses such as administrative and artist payments, space and equipment rentals, supplies, marketing, insurance, and fiscal sponsor fees. The expected outcomes are the successful production of these creative public projects, increased community engagement in the arts, and the empowerment of underrepresented voices within Austin's cultural sector. Measurable results would include the number and type of projects produced, audience reach, and the diversity of communities served, contributing to the city's strategic priorities of cultural equity and inclusion.

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) 2025 Improvement Grant Request for Applications (RFA) aims to enhance indigent defense services across Texas. This initiative aligns with a foundational mission to ensure quality legal representation for indigent defendants, a critical component of a fair justice system. By offering competitive grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, TIDC seeks to foster the development of new programs and processes that address the specific needs and challenges within the state's indigent defense landscape. The grants typically require county matching funds, promoting local investment and commitment to these crucial services. The primary beneficiaries of these grants are Texas counties, law school legal clinics, regional public defenders, and nonprofit corporations that provide indigent defense services. The ultimate impact goal is to improve the quality of representation for indigent defendants and to implement cost-containment initiatives for counties. TIDC prioritizes programs that establish managed indigent defense systems, including public defender and managed assigned counsel programs, as well as specialized services for clients with mental health challenges, regional services, and programs serving rural areas. Additionally, programs that measure the quality of representation and implement process management software are given precedence. The grant program features several categories designed to address various needs. Multi-Year Improvement Grants support ongoing indigent defense representation programs, offering funding over four years with a declining reimbursement rate and requiring a cash match. Rural Regional Public Defender Sustainability Grants focus on regional programs in three or more counties with populations under 100,000, providing significant initial and ongoing sustainability funding. Single-Year Improvement Grants target process improvement and technology projects, while Technical Support Grants fund special projects like research, program assessments, and pilot initiatives to build knowledge and test new processes. Expected outcomes include the establishment of new public defender offices and managed assigned counsel systems, the development of specialized defender offices for mental health or juvenile cases, and the deployment of indigent defense coordinators. These outcomes are designed to create more robust, equitable, and efficient indigent defense systems across Texas. The TIDC's strategic priorities and theory of change center on the belief that by investing in diverse, targeted programs, counties can develop sustainable, high-quality indigent defense services that not only meet legal requirements but also significantly improve the lives of indigent defendants and reduce long-term county operating costs.

The City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods Matching Grant Program seeks to enhance Houston neighborhoods through community-led physical improvement projects. Administered in partnership with City Council Member’s Offices, the program aims to foster strong neighbor relationships, encourage volunteerism, and develop projects that build a sustainable and stronger community. Its overarching mission aligns with improving the quality of life for Houston communities by actively partnering with residents. The program primarily targets neighborhood-based organizations and civic clubs within Houston city limits. Eligible organizations must be incorporated as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations through the State of Texas, or partner with such an entity. Individuals and political organizations are not eligible. The program's impact goals are to improve neighborhood organization and pride, enhance community appearance and beautification, and increase community participation. The program prioritizes physical improvements that are accessible and beneficial to the broader community, involving neighborhood residents, and offering long-standing benefits. Examples of approved projects include street sign toppers, entryway signage and columns, esplanade landscaping and irrigation, park benches, electrical signage, walkways with pavers, and murals. Projects must demonstrate pre-approval from relevant City of Houston departments if required for permitting. The program does not fund ongoing operation or maintenance. Expected outcomes include tangible physical improvements within neighborhoods, increased civic engagement, and a strengthened sense of community pride. Measurable results would involve the number of projects completed, the extent of community participation in these projects, and visible enhancements to public spaces. The program's theory of change posits that by empowering residents to lead and implement physical improvements, it will cultivate volunteerism, build stronger social ties, and ultimately lead to a higher quality of life and a more sustainable community. Funding for the Matching Grants is provided on a reimbursement basis, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Applicants must also identify how their organization will fund and support the project in the future, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the improvements beyond the initial grant. Required documentation includes letters of permission from property owners, proof of ownership, photos of the proposed site, and three letters of support for the project from neighborhood organizations, businesses, or elected officials.

The FY24 CPD Accreditation: Supporting Law Enforcement Agencies in Seeking Accreditation program is administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice. The COPS Office's mission is fundamentally aligned with advancing the practice of community policing among state, local, territorial, and tribal law enforcement agencies. This grant program specifically utilizes Community Policing Development (CPD) funds, which are designed to enhance law enforcement capacity to implement community policing strategies. By supporting accreditation efforts, the program contributes directly to promoting best practices and building knowledgeable, effective police forces, thereby furthering the broader mission of crime prevention and community safety. The target beneficiaries of this program are state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies across the nation. The core impact goal is to enhance the professionalism and operational standards of these agencies by helping them achieve formal law enforcement accreditation from an established entity. Accreditation serves as a recognized measure of quality, accountability, and adherence to professional standards, which is critical for effective community policing and building public trust. The program's priorities and focus are singular: to provide direct financial support to eligible law enforcement agencies to cover the costs associated with obtaining accreditation. This focus aligns with the CPD fund's strategic goal of supporting new, creative approaches and effective practices within law enforcement. The COPS Office’s theory of change, as evidenced by its use of CPD funds, is that by investing in capacity building—such as providing guidance and funding for innovative strategies like accreditation—it will lead to better knowledge and more effective implementation of community policing practices. The expected outcomes and measurable results of this funding include an increased number of state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies achieving accreditation. This accreditation signifies that the agencies have developed and implemented policies and procedures that meet national professional standards. Ultimately, the program is expected to result in a strengthened capacity within these agencies to prevent crime, promote safer communities, and more effectively implement the principles of community policing.

Love Your Block is a City of Pittsburgh program designed to empower neighbors to enhance their communities by addressing blight, fostering community assets, and building resilience. The program's core mission aligns with promoting community development and civic engagement, focusing on tangible improvements at the neighborhood level. Through a grant or reimbursement model, Love Your Block supports local initiatives that directly contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable urban environment. The overarching goal is to cultivate stronger, more connected communities through resident-led action and collaborative efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this program are the residents and neighborhoods within the City of Pittsburgh. The program aims to create a positive impact by improving public spaces, increasing community safety, and fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents. Impact goals include revitalizing neglected areas, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of blocks, and promoting active participation in community upkeep. This program targets communities that are eager to undertake projects ranging from maintaining community gardens and organizing neighborhood clean-ups to planting trees and flowers, directly benefiting those who live and work in these areas. Key priorities for Love Your Block projects include building strong partnerships, leveraging donations, ensuring feasibility, and engaging neighbors. Successful projects are expected to demonstrate collaboration with local businesses, VFW posts, or youth service-learning components. They should also encourage residents to donate resources like plants, compost, or food for volunteer events. The program emphasizes that while creative ideas are encouraged, projects must be realistic and manageable, potentially serving as a first step for larger initiatives. Crucially, the most impactful projects involve volunteers residing within proximity to the project, fostering a sense of local ownership and long-term sustainability. Expected outcomes include a visible reduction in blight, the creation of new or improved community assets, and increased neighborhood resilience. Measurable results could include the number of community gardens maintained, the volume of waste collected during clean-ups, the number of trees and flowers planted, and the level of volunteer participation from within the project's vicinity. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits that by empowering residents with resources and support, communities will be better equipped to address their own needs, leading to sustainable improvements and a stronger social fabric. The maximum award of $2,500, provided through reimbursement after project implementation, underscores a focus on supporting grassroots, community-driven efforts that demonstrate initiative and commitment.

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

Program: Arts Support Grants, Arts Project Grants, Artist Microgrant Program Funder: City of Lewisville Award Details: The City of Lewisville offers three grant opportunities for organizations and individual artists in the arts sector. The Arts Support Grants are awarded annually to local nonprofit arts organizations using Hotel Occupancy Tax money. The Arts Project Grants provide one-time or first-time funding for programs produced by nonprofits that were not considered during the Arts Support Grants review process. The Artist Microgrant program is open to individual artists and provides funding of $1000 for specific projects or programs that benefit the residents of the City of Lewisville and help drive tourism. Eligibility: Nonprofit arts organizations can apply for Arts Support Grants, while nonprofits and individual artists can apply for Arts Project Grants and Artist Microgrants. There may be additional eligibility criteria specified by the funder. Application Process: Applications for all three grant programs are reviewed by the Arts Advisory Board and recommended to the City Council for approval. The application schedule varies depending on the grant program. Contact Information: For more information on the Arts Project Grant Program, interested parties can contact Denise Helbing, the Arts Manager at 972.219.8478 or [email protected].

The City of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability’s (OEQS) Urban Agriculture Division, in partnership with Dallas County Health and Human Services, is implementing an Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Support Program (UAISP). This grant program is designed to strengthen the capabilities of urban growers and farmers within the city of Dallas. The overarching mission alignment is to advance food security, foster healthier communities, and mitigate disparities within the local food system, directly addressing critical community needs through sustainable agricultural practices. The primary beneficiaries of this program are urban growers and farmers in Dallas. The program aims to assist them with the planning, design, and installation of eligible infrastructure, while also simplifying the permitting process. The key impact goals are to enhance the capacity of these growers, ultimately leading to a more robust and equitable local food system, improved access to healthy and safe foods, and a reduction in food-related disparities. The UAISP prioritizes projects focused on power and water infrastructure. Allowable expenditures include project plans/designs, counseling, utility connections (on or off-grid for water, off-grid for energy), contracted labor/installations, greenhouses/hoop houses, versatile high tunnels, cold storage equipment, grow light systems, and bee hives. Projects that directly support the production, aggregation, and/or processing of food through power or water infrastructure will receive preferential consideration during the application evaluation. Expected outcomes include a significant improvement in the infrastructure supporting urban agriculture, leading to increased food production and processing capabilities. Measurable results will likely involve the number of grants awarded, the types of infrastructure implemented (e.g., number of new irrigation systems, cold storage units, greenhouses), and the resulting impact on food security and community health within Dallas. The program's strategic priority is to build resilience in the local food system, with a theory of change that posits that by providing financial and technical support for essential infrastructure, urban growers will be empowered to expand their operations, thereby creating a more accessible, sustainable, and equitable food supply for the community.

The Edwards Aquifer Authority's 2024 Groundwater Conservation Grant Program supports agricultural irrigation efficiency improvements within its jurisdiction, encompassing over 8,000 square miles across eight Texas counties. This initiative aims to incentivize the adoption of water-saving practices among Edwards Aquifer permit holders, enhancing groundwater conservation efforts. Qualified projects that demonstrate potential groundwater savings are eligible for funding. Applicants are required to provide detailed project proposals, including descriptions of current and proposed irrigation methods, equipment to be used, and comprehensive cost estimates.

The Equip Harlingen grant program, offered by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC), is a small business matching grant designed to provide financial assistance of up to $3,000 for new equipment purchases. This program is rooted in the EDC's mission to foster economic development within the City of Harlingen. By supporting businesses in expanding their production capabilities, the grant directly aligns with the foundation's strategic priority of stimulating economic activity and promoting job retention and creation. The underlying theory of change is that direct investment in local businesses' operational capacity will lead to increased production, sales, and ultimately, a more robust local economy with sustained employment opportunities. The primary target beneficiaries of the Equip Harlingen grant are for-profit commercial businesses located within the city limits of Harlingen, TX. Specifically, the program targets businesses that have been operational for at least one full year, occupy commercial space, and have fewer than 20 employees. This focus aims to bolster the small to medium-sized business sector, which is often a significant driver of local economies. National chains or franchises with more than three locations, and establishments with more than two locations, are explicitly excluded to ensure the benefits are concentrated on local, independent businesses. The program's core priorities and focuses revolve around supporting businesses in increasing production, expanding operations, and generating more sales through the acquisition of new equipment. Eligible expenses are strictly defined as new equipment under warranty that will directly enable these growth objectives, such as stoves, ovens, lathes, and tooling machines. The emphasis is on equipment that is essential for the creation of more products, indicating a clear focus on manufacturing, culinary, and other production-oriented businesses. The expected outcomes of the Equip Harlingen grant include the retention and creation of jobs within business enterprises in the City of Harlingen, leading to further economic stimulation. Measurable results are tied to the financial assistance provided, which is 50% of incurred equipment costs, not exceeding $3,000. While not explicitly stated as metrics, the program's success would likely be measured by the number of businesses supported, the direct increase in production capacity reported by recipients, and ultimately, the impact on local employment figures and sales tax generation. The requirement for applicants to generate local sales taxes reinforces the program's aim to contribute to the city's overall economic health.