Navigating the grant landscape in Texas can be complex, especially when seeking funding for community development projects.

State agencies are a primary source of this funding, offering grants that support everything from rural infrastructure and public services to cultural enrichment and outdoor recreation.

This article provides a verified overview of key community development grants available from Texas state agencies in 2026, designed to help nonprofits and local governments identify and apply for relevant funding.

Each grant listed includes its administering agency, a summary of its purpose, core eligibility requirements, funding levels, and a direct link to the official application source.

Use this information to determine which opportunities align with your organization's mission and projects.

Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)

The TDA manages federal pass-through funds, such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), to support economic development and public facilities in smaller, non-metropolitan areas across the state.

Texas Community Development Fund (CDF)

  • Program Goal: The Community Development Fund is a core component of the Texas CDBG program, designed to help eligible cities and counties finance public infrastructure projects.

Common projects include improvements to water/wastewater systems, streets, drainage, and public facilities like community centers.

  • Eligibility at a Glance: Open to non-entitlement cities (population under 50,000) and counties (population under 200,000) that are not part of an urban entitlement area.

Projects must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)

TPWD offers grants that connect communities with the outdoors, supporting local parks, recreation programs, and educational initiatives that improve quality of life and foster environmental stewardship.

Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) Grant

  • Program Goal: The CO-OP Grant aims to introduce underserved populations to environmental education, conservation, and outdoor recreation activities.

The program supports community-based organizations that conduct programming focused on fishing, camping, hiking, birding, and other nature-oriented experiences.

  • Eligibility at a Glance: Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local government entities (cities, counties, school districts), and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply.
  • Funding Amount: Up to $50,000.
  • 2026 Deadline: November 1, 2026
  • Official Application Link: https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/grants/co-op-grants/

Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA)

The TCA supports a wide range of arts and cultural activities that enhance the vitality of Texas communities.

Its grant programs provide foundational support for arts organizations that offer public programming and contribute to local economies.

Arts Create Grant Program

  • Program Goal: This program provides operational support to established arts organizations, enabling them to create and present high-quality artistic programming for the public.

Funding is intended to support an organization's core activities for an entire fiscal year, contributing to community cultural development.

  • Eligibility at a Glance: Applicants must be Texas-based 501(c)(3) arts organizations with a primary mission to create, perform, or exhibit art.

Organizations must have a history of at least three years of professional arts programming.

Preparing Your State Grant Application

Applying for state agency grants requires careful preparation.

Before starting an application, follow these essential steps to position your organization for success:

  1. Verify Your Eligibility: Thoroughly read the full Request for Applications (RFA) or program guidelines.

Pay close attention to organizational requirements (e.g., nonprofit status, years of operation) and project requirements (e.g., serving LMI populations, geographic restrictions).

  1. Gather Standard Documents: Have your organization's key documents ready.

This typically includes your IRS Letter of Determination (for 501(c)(3) status), a list of your board of directors, current operating budget, and recent financial statements or audits.

  1. Understand State Portals: Some state agencies require registration in a central system like the eGrants portal.

Complete this registration well before the deadline, as verification can take several days.

  1. Align Your Project with Agency Goals: Clearly explain how your proposed project directly addresses the grant program's stated goals.

Use data and specific examples to demonstrate the community need and the impact your project will have.

By focusing on grants that are a strong fit and submitting a well-prepared application, you significantly increase your chances of securing funding to support your community development work in Texas.