Texas is home to more than 100,000 registered nonprofit organizations, ranging from small community groups to major statewide institutions. Whether you run a health clinic, an arts organization, a community development group, or a social services agency, there are federal, state, and local grant programs designed specifically for Texas nonprofits. The challenge is knowing where to look and how to navigate the application landscape.
This guide covers the most important nonprofit grants Texas programs available in 2026, including major federal block grant programs, state agency funding, and regional opportunities.
Federal Block Grant Programs
The largest source of government funding for Texas nonprofits comes through federal block grants — large allocations from federal agencies that are administered by state or local governments, which then distribute funds to eligible organizations.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
CDBG is one of the longest-running and most flexible federal programs for community development. Administered by HUD and distributed through the Texas Department of Agriculture (for non-entitlement communities) and directly to major cities, CDBG funds support a wide range of activities including affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, economic development, and public services.
Nonprofits can access CDBG funds as subrecipients of cities, counties, or the state. Common uses include operating community facilities, providing social services, running job training programs, and supporting microenterprise development. To access CDBG funding, contact your city's community development office or the Texas Department of Agriculture's Community Development division.
HHS Block Grants
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services distributes several major block grants through Texas state agencies:
- Community Services Block Grant (CSBG): Funds community action agencies and nonprofits that provide services to low-income individuals and families. In Texas, CSBG is administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Eligible services include employment assistance, education support, emergency services, nutrition programs, and housing assistance.
- Social Services Block Grant (SSBG): Provides flexible funding for social services including child care, protective services, health-related services, and services for people with disabilities. Texas distributes SSBG funds through the Health and Human Services Commission.
- Maternal and Child Health Block Grant (Title V): Funds maternal and child health services, including prenatal care, well-child visits, and programs for children with special health care needs. Nonprofits providing health services to mothers and children can access these funds through the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant: Funds substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. Texas distributes these funds through the Health and Human Services Commission to treatment providers and prevention organizations across the state.
CPRIT: Cancer Prevention and Research
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) is one of the most significant state-level research funding programs in the country. Texas voters authorized $6 billion in bonds for CPRIT, making it the second-largest cancer research funder in the United States after the National Cancer Institute.
Who Can Apply
CPRIT provides grants to Texas-based research institutions, universities, nonprofits, and companies working on cancer research, prevention, and product development. While much of the funding goes to academic medical centers, nonprofits engaged in cancer prevention programs can also apply.
CPRIT Grant Categories
- Research grants: Fund laboratory and clinical research projects focused on cancer causes, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
- Prevention grants: Fund evidence-based cancer prevention and early detection programs, including screening programs, tobacco cessation initiatives, HPV vaccination outreach, and community education. This category is the most accessible for community-based nonprofits.
- Product development grants: Fund commercialization of cancer-related products including therapeutics, diagnostics, and medical devices.
CPRIT prevention grants are particularly relevant for Texas nonprofits that serve underserved communities, as the program emphasizes reaching populations with limited access to cancer screening and prevention services.
Texas Commission on the Arts
The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) provides grants to arts organizations and artists across the state. TCA funding comes from both state appropriations and federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts.
TCA Grant Programs
- Organizational grants: Multi-year operational support for established arts organizations. These grants support ongoing programming, administrative costs, and organizational capacity building.
- Project grants: Funding for specific arts projects, including performances, exhibitions, festivals, education programs, and community arts initiatives.
- Touring and rural programs: Grants that bring touring arts performances and exhibits to communities across Texas, with particular emphasis on underserved and rural areas.
- Arts education: Funding for arts education programs in schools and community settings, including artist residencies, workshops, and curriculum development.
TCA grants typically require matching funds — the organization must demonstrate other sources of income to complement the state funding. Application cycles are annual, and organizations must be registered with the Texas Secretary of State and have 501(c)(3) status.
Health and Human Services Grants
Beyond block grants, Texas nonprofits serving health and social service missions can access targeted funding from state agencies:
HHSC Competitive Grants
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission periodically releases competitive grant opportunities for nonprofits providing behavioral health services, aging and disability services, early childhood intervention, and family violence prevention. These grants are published on the HHSC website and on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD).
DSHS Public Health Funding
The Texas Department of State Health Services distributes funding for public health initiatives including immunization programs, infectious disease prevention, chronic disease management, and health education. Nonprofits operating as local health departments, community health centers, or public health education organizations can apply for DSHS contracts and grants.
SAMHSA Direct Grants
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers competitive grants directly to organizations (bypassing the state) for mental health and substance abuse programs. Texas nonprofits have been successful recipients of SAMHSA grants for crisis intervention, treatment programs, recovery support, and prevention initiatives.
Housing and Community Development
TDHCA Programs
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs administers several programs that fund nonprofits working in housing and community development:
- HOME Investment Partnerships: Federal funds for affordable housing development, rehabilitation, and tenant-based rental assistance. Nonprofit developers and community housing organizations are eligible applicants.
- Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG): Funds for homeless shelter operations, rapid re-housing, and homelessness prevention. Nonprofits operating shelters or providing homeless services can apply.
- Weatherization Assistance Program: Funds for nonprofits that provide energy efficiency improvements to low-income households, reducing energy costs for vulnerable populations.
- CSBG (through TDHCA): As mentioned above, Community Services Block Grant funds are distributed to community action agencies through TDHCA.
Education and Workforce Grants
Texas Education Agency (TEA) Grants
TEA administers federal and state grants for education-related nonprofits, including afterschool programs (21st Century Community Learning Centers), dropout prevention initiatives, and early childhood education. Nonprofits operating education programs or partnering with school districts can apply through TEA's grant management system.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
TWC funds workforce training programs through community colleges and nonprofits. The Skills Development Fund, while primarily accessed through colleges, can involve nonprofit partners. Additionally, TWC administers child care funding that flows to nonprofit child care providers. Full guide to workforce training grants in Texas.
Federal Agency Direct Grants
Texas nonprofits can apply directly to federal agencies for competitive grants. Key sources include:
- Corporation for National and Community Service: Funds AmeriCorps programs, Senior Corps, and Volunteer Generation Fund grants that support nonprofits with trained volunteers and service members.
- USDA: Rural development grants, food assistance program partnerships, and community facilities grants are available to nonprofits serving rural Texas communities.
- EPA: Environmental justice grants, brownfield assessment and cleanup grants, and environmental education grants are available to Texas nonprofits working on environmental issues.
- FEMA: Pre-disaster mitigation grants, flood mitigation assistance, and emergency management performance grants support nonprofits involved in disaster preparedness and response.
Finding and Applying for Nonprofit Grants
- Register on SAM.gov: All organizations seeking federal grants must be registered in the System for Award Management. Registration is free and is a prerequisite for federal grant applications.
- Monitor Grants.gov: The federal government's grant portal lists all competitive federal grant opportunities. Set up saved searches for your program areas to receive notifications when relevant opportunities open.
- Check the ESBD: The Electronic State Business Daily is the official posting site for Texas state contract and grant opportunities.
- Build relationships with program officers: State agency program officers can provide guidance on application requirements and help you understand whether your organization is a good fit for a particular opportunity.
- Consider capacity building: Many funders, including TCA and CPRIT, require demonstrated organizational capacity. If your nonprofit is newer, start with smaller grants and build a track record before pursuing large federal opportunities.
- Join a nonprofit network: Organizations like the Texas Nonprofit Network, OneStar Foundation, and your local nonprofit association provide training, resources, and networking that strengthen grant applications.
Bottom Line
Nonprofit grants in Texas span federal block grants, state agency programs like CPRIT and TCA, and direct federal agency funding across health, education, arts, community development, and environmental missions. The strongest approach is to build SAM.gov and Grants.gov profiles, develop relationships with state agency program officers, and pursue a mix of federal and state opportunities that align with your organization's mission and capacity.
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