Texas Local Grants

This program provides financial support to commercial property owners and business tenants in Boyd to improve the exterior appearance and accessibility of their properties through renovations and enhancements.

The City of San Antonio's Small Business Construction Support Grant Program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible micro and small business owners whose enterprises are negatively affected by city-initiated construction projects. This initiative, funded by the City of San Antonio and managed by LiftFund, allocates $1,459,168 to support for-profit small businesses, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. The program's core objective is to mitigate the financial hardship experienced by businesses due to construction-related disruptions, thereby fostering economic stability and continuity within impacted commercial zones. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are micro and small retail or service businesses that rely on customer foot traffic for their operations and are situated within designated construction zones. To be eligible, businesses must have generated a minimum of $10,000 in gross sales in 2022, meet the SBA Size standard for small businesses based on their NAICS code, and demonstrate a net profit/loss in 2022 that is at least $5,000 greater than in 2023. This focus ensures that the support reaches businesses that are actively contributing to the local economy and have experienced a measurable decline in profitability due to construction. The program specifically excludes non-profits, gambling/gaming businesses, franchisors, sexually oriented businesses, payday & auto loan providers, liquor stores, and businesses with a City employee or officer having a financial interest, ensuring the funds are directed towards a specific segment of the business community. The program prioritizes businesses that are currently operational, have not filed for bankruptcy, and are committed to remaining in their eligible construction zone for at least one year from the grant award date. This ensures the grants support resilient businesses that are integral to the community and will continue to operate in the affected areas. A key focus is on demonstrating financial impact, requiring applicants to show a significant difference in net profit/loss between 2022 and 2023, directly linking the need for support to the construction-related challenges. Expected outcomes include the sustained operation of small businesses within construction-impacted areas, job retention, and the overall economic recovery of affected commercial corridors. Measurable results will likely include the number of businesses receiving grants, the total amount of grant funds distributed, and potentially, tracking the survival rate of these businesses post-grant. The program's success will be measured by its ability to alleviate financial stress on small businesses, allowing them to weather construction periods without significant long-term negative impacts, and contributing to the vibrancy of San Antonio's local economy.

The City of Irving is offering a Neighborhood Association Grant Program, providing funds between $1000 to $10,000 for projects that foster community spirit, such as communication initiatives, neighborhood identity enhancements, physical improvements, special events, and participation in the Great Flag Caper initiative, with applications due by October 23, 2024.

This program provides financial assistance to property owners in Seguin's Downtown Historic District for exterior improvements that enhance the historic character and aesthetic of their buildings.

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 City of Killeen Small Business Relief Program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, provides financial assistance to small businesses in Killeen that experienced financial hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic. The program aims to stabilize these businesses and mitigate additional adverse economic impacts. Small businesses can request up to $10,000. Applications opened on February 1, 2022, and will remain open until funds are fully allocated. Eligible businesses must be operational prior to March 2020, operate from a retail storefront within Killeen, have 50 or fewer employees, and have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19.

The Water Resources Preservation Grant Program, funded by the Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA), provides cost-share funding to support the design and construction of stormwater management practices. These practices, referred to as Best Management Practices (BMPs), include Low Impact Development (LID), nature-based solutions, and Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI). The goal is to reduce, infiltrate, filter, and delay stormwater runoff, thus protecting the health of waterways in Kerr County. Eligible projects can apply for rebates that cover a portion of the costs associated with these practices, with the aim of reducing pollutants like Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Bacteria by significant percentages. The program supports new constructions or retrofits, emphasizes distributed and centralized treatment methods, and requires adherence to specific design guidelines.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and informal arts and culture groups for public arts and culture events and programs in Georgetown.

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.

The Town of Trophy Club's Thrive Business Grant Program offers matching grants to local businesses for improvement projects such as façade enhancements, interior renovations, and equipment purchases, aiming to boost economic growth and community prosperity, with the application deadline set for September 30, 2024.

The City of Marfa in Texas is offering an Advertising Reimbursement Grant Program, funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax, to groups and businesses that promote tourism and the hotel industry by advertising their events outside the local area, with a maximum award of $3,500, prioritizing those that generate overnight visitors and rent local facilities for their events.

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 Athens is offering the 2025 Tourism Development Grant, a program specifically designed to promote tourism and attract overnight visitors to Athens. The primary mission of this grant aligns directly with the city's strategic priority to enhance and grow its tourism, convention, and hotel industry. The program is open to eligible organizations or events located within the Athens city limits, with a core focus on projects that are demonstrably effective in drawing visitors from outside the city. This initiative reflects the City of Athens' theory of change, which posits that targeted financial support for tourism-enhancing projects will lead to increased economic activity and the overall development of the local hospitality sector. The target beneficiaries of this grant are organizations and events that contribute to the tourism ecosystem within Athens, ultimately aiming to benefit local hotels, businesses, and the general economy through increased visitor traffic. The impact goal is to substantially increase the number of overnight visitors and, consequently, boost economic activity in Athens. This is achieved by ensuring that funded projects directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. The grant has specific priorities, including advertising, promotion of the arts (with a cap of 15% of annual Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax revenues), sporting event promotion, tourist transportation systems, and signage directing tourists to local attractions. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in hotel occupancy rates, greater attendance at local events, and an overall rise in tourist-related spending within the city. The program emphasizes that projects must be specifically designed to attract overnight visitors, ensuring that the allocated funds directly contribute to this key objective. While the City of Athens is not obligated to allocate collected Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenues unless a funding contract is in place, the council's final decision on fund allocation ensures that projects are vetted for their potential impact and alignment with strategic goals. To ensure accountability and effective use of public funds, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements. These include demonstrating good financial standing and having safeguards in place to protect public funds. Applicants must also be legal entities capable of entering into contracts, governed by a board of directors or similar structure, and demonstrate public accessibility for their programs or events. The focus on direct benefit, where funds must enhance tourism by attracting visitors from outside Athens, serves as a measurable result, ensuring that the grant achieves its core objective of promoting the city as a desirable tourist destination.

The City of Austin's Thrive Grant Program is designed to provide intentional investment in arts organizations and cultural institutions that serve communities at risk of cultural erasure and displacement, or those that have been institutionally marginalized and under-funded. This initiative aligns with the city's broader mission to support and develop Austin's diverse cultural landscape, ensuring that various cultures are visible and accessible. By providing sustained funding, peer leadership, and networking opportunities, the program seeks to bolster organizations deeply rooted in and reflective of these communities, fostering their growth and cultural preservation. The program primarily targets arts organizations and cultural institutions that are community-centered and responsive to the social and cultural needs of Austin's diverse communities. This specifically includes, but is not limited to, organizations serving Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities. The goal is to address historical underfunding and systemic barriers, supporting entities that demonstrate a critical need for meaningful investment and are prepared for long-term sustainability. The impact goals are to counter cultural erasure and displacement, promote equity in cultural representation, and enhance the overall visibility and accessibility of diverse cultures within Austin. Key priorities for the Thrive Grant Program include funding organizations that are accountable to and invested in their communities, with intersectionality in proposals being encouraged. The program also focuses on supporting organizations in obtaining cultural institution status through a cohort experience that includes peer leadership and networking opportunities. Organization improvement goals, such as expanding public programming and audiences, establishing reliable spaces for work, and diversifying revenue sources, become part of the contract deliverables. All activities funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue must be open and advertised to Austin residents and tourists, promote Austin as a cultural destination, and occur within Austin or its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The expected outcomes of the Thrive Grant Program include the long-term sustainability and growth of recipient organizations, increased public programming and audience engagement, and the establishment of more stable operational foundations. Measurable results will be tied to the organization improvement goals outlined in the contracts, such as the expansion of public events like exhibitions, performances, and workshops, as well as the successful implementation of new revenue strategies. The program's strategic priorities are rooted in a theory of change that posits direct investment in marginalized and underfunded cultural organizations, coupled with capacity-building support, will lead to greater cultural equity, community resilience, and a more vibrant and inclusive cultural arts sector for the City of Austin.

The City of Victoria offers grant funding to local non-profit organizations for programs focused on child safety, child abuse intervention/prevention, and drug and alcohol abuse intervention/prevention for children. This initiative directly aligns with the city's mission to enhance the welfare and safety of its youngest residents. Funding is generated from a $1.50 child safety fee assessed during vehicle registration in Victoria County, specifically designated for child safety and welfare services as defined by state law. This funding mechanism demonstrates a clear strategic priority to leverage local resources for community benefit, with a direct link between vehicle registration fees and child welfare programs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are children within Victoria County, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as foster care, at-risk youth, or those coping with the effects of abuse. The program targets specific needs, aiming to bridge gaps in services, provide essential after-school support, and offer critical training for caregivers and mentors. The impact goals are broad, encompassing physical and mental health, safety education, and the prevention of substance abuse among children. The City of Victoria's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on prevention, intervention, and support services for children. In fiscal year 2024, the City of Victoria prioritized various programs. These included "Bridging the Gap" for foster children (A World for Children), after-school programs for different age groups (Boys & Girls Club of Victoria, Mid-Coast Family Services), supplies and training for CPR/first aid and mental health (Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas), staff funding and occupancy expenses (Golden Crescent CASA, The Gabriel Project of the Golden Crescent), and part-time therapy for abused children and families (Hope of South Texas). These examples highlight a multi-faceted approach, addressing both immediate needs and long-term developmental support. The expected outcomes of these programs include improved child safety, reduced instances of child abuse, increased access to supportive after-school environments, enhanced mental and physical health for children, and decreased rates of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth. Measurable results could include the number of children served, participation rates in after-school programs, the number of individuals receiving training, and indicators of improved well-being among program participants. The City of Victoria's theory of change appears to be that by investing in local non-profits and their specialized programs, they can create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for the children of Victoria.

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.

The City of Marfa in Texas offers Arts & Culture Grants, funded by the Hotel Occupancy Tax, to organizations promoting tourism and the hotel/convention industry through arts, historical restoration, and preservation projects, with priority given to those generating overnight visitors and renting local facilities for their events.

This grant provides funding for innovative projects that enhance the quality of life, tourism, and economic vitality in Baytown, targeting nonprofits, businesses, and entrepreneurs looking to make a significant community impact.

The Town of Flower Mound's Community Support program offers annual funding to non-profit organizations. This program aims to support activities, programs, and services that directly benefit Flower Mound residents. The Town's mission, though not explicitly detailed as a "foundation mission," aligns with fostering community well-being by empowering local organizations to address social services and cultural arts needs within its jurisdiction. This grant mechanism serves as a strategic priority to leverage community partnerships for local development and resident support, embodying a theory of change that by funding local initiatives, the overall quality of life for its citizens will improve. Target beneficiaries of this grant are the residents of Flower Mound, who will receive direct services through the funded organizations. The impact goals include enhancing social services and cultural arts offerings within the community. The program prioritizes organizations that can demonstrate a clear benefit to the Town, aiming to improve various aspects of community life. For example, social service programs could lead to improved access to essential resources, while cultural arts initiatives could enrich community engagement and appreciation for the arts. The program focuses on organizations that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities, have been in operation for at least three years, and meet specific financial criteria, including not relying on the Town's funding for more than 25% of their operating budget and generally having no more than six months of operating expenses in reserve. These requirements ensure that funding goes to stable and well-managed organizations capable of delivering sustained impact. Exceptions for reserve requirements are considered with a clear explanation, demonstrating the Town's flexibility while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Expected outcomes and measurable results are tied to the information required in the application. Applicants must specify the funding amount requested, anticipated benefits to the Town, and statistics on service levels (both actual and as a percentage of total services). They also need to describe the intended use of funds, provide an organizational overview, detail goals from the most recent fiscal year, set goals and objectives for the proposed year, and explain any funding request increases. These requirements ensure accountability and allow the Town to assess the tangible benefits and reach of the funded programs, demonstrating a commitment to data-driven decision-making and measurable impact.