Texas Grants

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.

Texas Mutual is offering a grant program designed to create generational impact and build a stronger, safer Texas for working families. This initiative aligns directly with their mission to support the well-being of the state's workforce and their dependents. The grant's duration is one year, with funding requests encouraged between $25,000 and $100,000, though the overall size of the grant can range from $10,000 to $100,000. The primary beneficiaries of this funding cycle are Texas workers and their families, with a focus on improving health and wellness, and expanding access to quality early childhood education. The grant also targets clients who require holistic wraparound support in addition to case management to overcome multiple barriers and seize opportunities. The overarching impact goals are to enhance health outcomes, improve educational access for young children, and provide comprehensive support systems for families in need. The program's priorities and focuses for this grant cycle include organizations dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Texas workers and their families by ensuring access to quality care and health education. Another key area is strengthening the early childhood education system, specifically by equipping child care providers with the necessary resources to deliver affordable, quality education. Finally, the grant seeks to support nonprofits that provide or coordinate integrated care, addressing various barriers through holistic wraparound support and case management. Texas Mutual's strategic priorities are centered on long-term societal improvement through targeted investments. Their theory of change appears to be that by investing in health, education, and comprehensive family support, they can create a ripple effect that leads to a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Texas for working families across generations. This involves ensuring that organizations are actively delivering technical assistance and services within Texas communities. Expected outcomes include increased access to quality healthcare and health education for Texas workers, an enhanced early childhood education system with more accessible and affordable options, and improved stability and opportunity for families through integrated support services. While specific measurable results are not detailed, the focus on "generational impact" suggests long-term, sustainable improvements in the well-being and socio-economic conditions of Texas working families as a result of these initiatives.

The United Way of Central Louisiana (UWCL) is offering 2024 Venture grants, designed to support smaller and rural nonprofits. This grant program directly aligns with UWCL's overarching mission to empower community members by improving access to education, health, and financial empowerment. The Venture grants specifically cater to organizations with an operating budget of less than $250,000, ensuring that crucial support reaches grassroots initiatives that might otherwise struggle to secure funding. The target beneficiaries for these Venture grants are the residents within UWCL's eight-parish service area, which includes Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn Parishes in Louisiana. The grants aim to improve the lives of individuals in these communities through projects focused on education, health, and financial empowerment. By investing in these key areas, UWCL seeks to foster stronger, more self-sufficient communities. The priorities and focuses of the Venture grants are clearly defined: supporting smaller, rural nonprofits with specific needs. The grant limit of $1,000 per request emphasizes a micro-grant approach, allowing for a broader distribution of funds to numerous organizations tackling local challenges. This strategy reflects UWCL's commitment to addressing diverse community needs across its service region, with an emphasis on tangible, localized impact. Expected outcomes include enhanced access to educational resources, improved health outcomes, and increased financial stability for individuals within the targeted parishes. Measurable results would likely be tied to the specific projects funded by the grants, such as the number of individuals participating in educational programs, health screenings conducted, or individuals receiving financial literacy training. The foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in the belief that by addressing these fundamental pillars of well-being, they can create lasting positive change. Their theory of change posits that by empowering local nonprofits with limited funding, they can catalyze significant improvements in the lives of community members, thereby strengthening the entire region.

The Muessel-Ellison Memorial Trust Foundation provides grants to support a variety of charitable and public purposes, specifically benefiting residents of South Bend, Indiana, and St. Joseph County, Indiana. The foundation's mission is aligned with enhancing the well-being and public good within these specific geographic areas through targeted funding. The grants are designed to support organizations working across several key program areas, including arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animal welfare; health; human services; and public/society benefit. The target beneficiaries are the residents of South Bend and St. Joseph County, with impact goals centered around improving quality of life, fostering community development, and addressing critical needs within these sectors. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly focused on these defined program areas, aiming to create positive and measurable changes within the community. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on diverse program areas suggests an overarching goal of comprehensive community improvement. The average grant size ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, with an average total giving of $150,000 per year, indicating a consistent investment in local initiatives. To be eligible for funding, organizations must qualify as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The application process requires submission through an online grant application form, emphasizing a structured approach to funding. While the theory of change is not explicitly stated, the foundation's consistent support for a broad range of charitable and public purposes in a defined geographic area suggests a belief that focused investment in these sectors will lead to a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community for its residents.

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.

Local First Arizona’s We Rise business accelerator is a new, no-fee, six-month program designed to provide comprehensive and practical business skills to Black entrepreneurs in Arizona. This initiative aligns with Local First Arizona's mission to strengthen the local economy by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, specifically targeting a demographic that may face unique challenges in starting and growing businesses. The program aims to foster economic empowerment and success within the Black entrepreneurial community in Arizona. The primary target beneficiaries are Black American entrepreneurs aged 18 and older, who have some existing experience in running a business but require assistance with fundamental components of entrepreneurship. This includes individuals who need support in areas such as creating a business plan, registering their business, and other essential building blocks for establishing or growing a successful venture. The program prioritizes addressing these foundational gaps to ensure participants can build robust and sustainable businesses within Arizona's economy. The program's core focus is on providing classroom instruction and mentorship through remote learning, with bi-weekly meetings. The mentorship is provided by experienced Black entrepreneurs, offering firsthand insights and expertise. This approach ensures that participants receive relevant and practical guidance tailored to their specific needs. A key priority is the rigorous engagement of participants, with a strict attendance policy allowing only one absence, underscoring the commitment expected from those enrolled. Expected outcomes include equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully establish, operate, or expand their businesses. Measurable results would likely include the number of businesses registered, business plans created, and overall growth or sustainability metrics of participating enterprises. The program's theory of change posits that by providing targeted training and mentorship to Black entrepreneurs, Local First Arizona can directly contribute to closing economic opportunity gaps, stimulating local economic growth, and building a more inclusive and prosperous business landscape in Arizona.

This program provides funding to small rural cities and counties in Texas to improve housing, public facilities, and economic opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents.

The Arts Create-2 grant is part of the Texas Arts Plan aimed at fostering the creative economy by supporting established Arts Organizations of Color in Texas. This competitive grant program offers multi-year operational support to organizations with annual budgets over $50,000. Grant applicants are required to submit for one-year operational support, with a potential renewal for a second year based on performance and fund availability. This program requires a dollar-for-dollar match and accepts one application per organization during odd numbered years.

This program provides financial support to organizations in Texas that offer mortgage education and counseling to help individuals achieve and maintain homeownership.

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.

The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) aims to restore and preserve Texas courthouses, enhancing their historical and architectural significance. The Full Restoration Grant facilitates comprehensive projects, including the removal of non-historic alterations, reconstruction of period features, and compliance upgrades for safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Eligible courthouses must be at least 50 years old, have served or currently serve as a county courthouse, and have an approved master plan.

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.

The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) offers Emergency Grants to address urgent courthouse needs. The grants assist counties facing catastrophic events, unforeseen conditions threatening courthouse integrity, or damage due to deferred maintenance. Emergency Grants prioritize critical issues and funding availability, supporting courthouses and their occupants. For previously restored courthouses, remedial action is emphasized, with applicants expected to seek insurance claims or administrative remedies for construction defects. Any recovery through legal settlements can lead to grant recapture.

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.

This program provides funding to organizations and local governments in Texas to develop and implement strategies that reduce pollution from diffuse sources, helping to protect and restore water quality in various watersheds.

This program provides funding to state entities, higher education institutions, and private businesses in Texas to support new and expanded semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing projects.

This funding opportunity provides multi-year operational support to established arts organizations and college arts institutions in Texas with annual budgets between $50,000 and $1 million, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match and allowing for one application per organization in odd-numbered years.

The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) offers Planning Grants to counties for producing 95% complete construction plans and specifications for full courthouse restoration projects. The grant aims to restore courthouses to their historic period while also meeting current standards for safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Eligible counties can use these documents to apply for future restoration funding, gaining up to 10 additional points for being "shovel ready."Counties with approved plans are encouraged to apply for restoration funding in subsequent cycles, maximizing preservation efforts.

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 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