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Grant Opportunities

The information provided on grant opportunities available to Texas counties on this page is comprised of links to grants provided by funding agencies and grant finding resources. This is not a comprehensive list. Although monitored and updated, it is provided without warranty of any kind, and should be double-checked against the information directly available from the funding agency.

Please contact Zelma Smith, Financial Analyst, if you wish to share information regarding other, additional grant opportunities available to counties not listed on this web page.

2020 Census

Alcohol/Substance Abuse
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) - Service Members, Veterans and Families (SMVF) Program Grants for community-based programs and agencies that  provide services
that help prevent abuse, neglect, delinquency, and truancy of Texas children (infants to 17 year olds) from military and veterans families. $1.6 million per fiscal year is available; 5-year grant period (9/1/2020 to 8/31/2025). The service delivery area is counties with military installations and counties with a high veteran population. Primary service counties: Bell;Bexar;Collin;Dallas; El Paso; Harris; Tarrant; any county with a military installation. In addition, any counties contiguous to primary service counties are eligible service delivery areas.		 01/29/20 03/9/20 Lauren Contreras, CTCD
Health and Human Services Commission
1100 West 49th Street; Mail Code 2020
Building S
Austin, TX 78756
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program Federal matching grants to provide residential substance abuse treatment within local correctional and detention facilities. ($2.7 million is expected to be available in FY 2021). Eligible organizations: counties or judicial districts that operate secure correctional or detention facilities. Programs may be based in jail or in a residential treatment facility.   12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant Federal grant funds to recruit and train emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in rural areas. Estimated funds available - $5 million; up to $200,000 per grant award. No matching requirement.

Required grant activities include:
*Training to maintain relevant EMS licenses and certifications or meet federal or state licenses and certifications;
*Training EMS personnel on mental and substance use disorders and care for people with such disorders in emergency situations;
*Purchase and train EMS personnel on the use of the opioid overdose antidote, naloxone, in opioid overdose emergency situations.		 02/27/2020 04/30/2020 Corey Sullivan
Office of Financial Resources, Division of Grants Management
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
(240) 276-1213
Rural Healthy Community Collaborative Learning Communities Matching grants to local communities to assist homeless individuals with mental illness or substance use problems achieve recovery and re-integration in their communities. TBD TBD Helen Eisert
(512) 838-4341
Specialty Courts Program Grants for new specialty court programs and existing specialty courts that do not currently receive funds from the Governor's Criminal Justice Division. Specialty courts eligible for funding include: Adult and Family Drug Court(s); Veterans Treatment Court; Mental Health Court; etc.  See Chapters 121-129, Texas Government Code, for more. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Substance Abuse Treatment Services Federal and state funds for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services, Co-occurring Psychiatric Substance Use Disorder services and Youth Recovery Communities in Texas.  Total funding available is $137 million; grant period is for 5 years.  Governmental entities, public or private nonprofit, for-profit entities are eligible to apply. 02/7/20 02/28/20 Fernando Garcia, CTCD, CTCM
1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756
(512)406-2545

Border Security
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Local Border Security Program Grants under the Local Border Security Program (LBSP) for projects that support Operation Border Star during state fiscal year 2021. To be eligible, local law enforcement agencies must be located within one of 6 specific DPS Joint Operations and Intelligence Centers (JOIC) Regions. 01/10/20 03/12/20 Email
(512) 463-1919
Operation Stonegarden The purpose of the Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) grant program, one of three programs within the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), is to enhance cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and local, Tribal, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States' borders. 03/01/19 02/28/21 Email
(512) 463-1919

County Jails
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program Affordable funding to acquire, construct or improve essential community facilities in rural areas (population of 20,000 or less). Examples of essential community facilities: fire and police facilities; jails; community centers; hospitals; vehicles; daycare centers

To qualify for disaster assistance, the community must be designated for FEMA public assistance.		 Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Contact US Department of Agriculture
Elizabeth Sherrod
(254) 742-9788
Mental Health Grant for Justice-Involved Individuals Matching grants to county-based community collaboratives to reduce rates of recidivism, arrests, and incarcerations amongst individuals with mental illness and to also reduce wait times for individuals with mental illness placed on forensic commitment to a state hospital. TBD Current grants to be renewed through FY 2021 Courtney Seals
Prisoner Safety Grants for cost of purchasing and installing systems for monitoring at-risk cells. 08/23/19 Until funds are exhausted. Bobby Ratra,
Jason Ross

Criminal Justice
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
County Essential Service Program Financial assistance to counties, primarily for reimbursement of extraordinary costs incurred for the investigation or prosecution of a capital murder or  crimes committed because of bias or prejudice as defined in Article 104.004 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 06/25/19 08/31/20 Andrew Friedrichs
(512) 463-1919
Criminal Justice Program Federal grants (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program) for criminal justice projects.  Eligible costs include additional personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for any one or more of the following: law enforcement; prosecution; crime prevention; corrections and community corrections; reentry; behavioral health; crime prevention. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
(512) 463-1919
Crime Stoppers Assistance Program Provides grants to local certified Texas Crime Stoppers organizations.  State funding for these projects is authorized under Article 102.013, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. It is anticipated that up to $500,000 will be available for these grants. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
(512) 463-1919
First Responder Mental Health Program Federal grants (Victims of Crime Act) for services and assistance for peace officers and first responders that address the effects of direct and indirect trauma that occurs during the course of their normal duties. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program Federal grants (Victims of Crime Act and Violence Against Women Act) for direct services and assistance to victims of crime, including crisis services; advocacy and support; forensic interviews; legal assistance; etc.. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Juvenile Justice & Truancy Prevention Grant Program Grant funds for projects that prevent violence in and around schools; and,  improve the juvenile justice system by providing mental health services, truancy prevention and intervention through community-based and school programs. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919

For information regarding the federal Title II Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program, contact the Criminal Justice Planner at your regional Council of Government.
Local Border Security Program Grants under the Local Border Security Program (LBSP) for projects that support Operation Border Star during state fiscal year 2021. To be eligible, local law enforcement agencies must be located within one of 6 specific DPS Joint Operations and Intelligence Centers (JOIC) Regions. 01/10/20 03/12/20 Email
(512) 463-1919
Mental Health Grant for Justice-Involved Individuals Matching grants to county-based community collaboratives to reduce rates of recidivism, arrests, and incarcerations amongst individuals with mental illness and to also reduce wait times for individuals with mental illness placed on forensic commitment to a state hospital. TBD Current grants to be renewed through FY 2021 Courtney Seals
Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) - Service Members, Veterans and Families (SMVF) Program Grants for community-based programs and agencies that  provide services
that help prevent abuse, neglect, delinquency, and truancy of Texas children (infants to 17 year olds) from military and veterans families. $1.6 million per fiscal year is available; 5-year grant period (9/1/2020 to 8/31/2025). The service delivery area is counties with military installations and counties with a high veteran population. Primary service counties: Bell;Bexar;Collin;Dallas; El Paso; Harris; Tarrant; any county with a military installation. In addition, any counties contiguous to primary service counties are eligible service delivery areas.		 01/29/20 03/9/20 Lauren Contreras, CTCD
Health and Human Services Commission
1100 West 49th Street; Mail Code 2020
Building S
Austin, TX 78756
Prisoner Safety Grants for cost of purchasing and installing systems for monitoring at-risk cells. 08/23/19 Until funds are exhausted. Bobby Ratra,
Jason Ross
Project Safe Neighborhoods Program Federal block grant program for projects intended to create and foster safer neighborhoods as measured by a sustained reduction in violent crime. Program design should address targeted and prioritized enforcement; local prevention and reentry programs for at-risk populations; and, data collection for measuring results. 
FYI: 30% of funds allocated for Gang Task Forces in areas experiencing a significant or increased gang presence in violent crime, human or drug trafficking.		 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Residential and Community-Based Services for Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Federal matching grants for services to victims including: capacity for emergency and/or long-term residential placement; victim advocates; and, drop-in center/non-residential assessment services. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
Child Sex Trafficking Team
(512) 463-1919
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program Federal matching grants to provide residential substance abuse treatment within local correctional and detention facilities. ($2.7 million is expected to be available in FY 2021). Eligible organizations: counties or judicial districts that operate secure correctional or detention facilities. Programs may be based in jail or in a residential treatment facility.   12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Rifle-Resistant Body Armor Grant Grants to local law enforcement agencies to equip peace officers with rifle-resistant body armor. ($6 million in funds available for FY 2021) 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Program Grants to law enforcement agencies for costs associated with the forensic analysis of physical evidence in relation to sexual assault or other sex offenses. ($1 million in funds available for FY 2021)
Applicants may only use accredited laboratories that comply with Texas Forensic Science Commission regulations and rules for accreditation, including forensic analyst licensing for mandatory disciplines. 		 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Specialty Courts Program Grants for new specialty court programs and existing specialty courts that do not currently receive funds from the Governor's Criminal Justice Division. Specialty courts eligible for funding include: Adult and Family Drug Court(s); Veterans Treatment Court; Mental Health Court; etc.  See Chapters 121-129, Texas Government Code, for more. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Program Grants for preselected projects that support regional, multidisciplinary approaches to combat gang violence through the coordination of gang prevention, intervention, and suppression activities.

Only the following entities are eligible to apply:
City of El Paso, City of McAllen, City of North Richland Hills, City of Waco, Harris County, Lubbock County, Smith County, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.		 01/10/20 03/12/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program Federal grants for projects that improve the justice system's response to violent crimes against women.  Eligible projects include training of law enforcement, judges,  prosecutors and sexual assault forensic medical personnel to more effectively respond to violent crimes against women. All applicants must meet federal requirements for legal advocacy. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919

All eligible applications to be prioritized by the regional Council of Government criminal justice advisory committee based on State priorities, identified community priorities, cost and program effectiveness.

Disaster Relief/Flood Mitigation
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program Affordable funding to acquire, construct or improve essential community facilities in rural areas (population of 20,000 or less). Examples of essential community facilities: fire and police facilities; jails; community centers; hospitals; vehicles; daycare centers

To qualify for disaster assistance, the community must be designated for FEMA public assistance.		 Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Contact US Department of Agriculture
Elizabeth Sherrod
(254) 742-9788
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants This program helps low-income rural communities (population of 10,000 or less, income less than statewide median income) prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. (Event driven - must apply within 2 years of emergency event, e.g., drought; flood; tornado; hurricane; disease outbreak; chemical spill, leak or seepage)  Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Contact US Department of Agriculture
Connie Petru
(254) 742-9789
Flood Mitigation Financial Assistance Program State financial assistance in the form of 0% interest loans or grants for flood mitigation projects. Eligible projects fall into 4 categories: Flood Protection Planning for Watersheds; Planning, Acquisition, Design, Construction, Rehabilitation; Federal Award Matching Funds; and, Measures Immediately Effective in Protecting Life and Property.

All projects seeking funding are subject to specific Minimum Standards, described in detail in the Flood Intended Use Plan. (insert hyperlink to attached Flood Intended Use Plan)		 3/16/2020 5/14/2020 For assistance with the application or any questions related to your project, please look up contact information for your Water Development Board Regional Team.
Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program Grants for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in small (population of 10,000 or less), financially distressed rural communities.  

To qualify for disaster assistance, the community must be designated for FEMA public assistance.

Also, see Texas Water Development Board Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP)		 Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Elizabeth Sherrod
US Department of Agriculture
(254) 742-9788

Emergency Services
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program Affordable funding to acquire, construct or improve essential community facilities in rural areas (population of 20,000 or less). Examples of essential community facilities: fire and police facilities; jails; community centers; hospitals; vehicles; daycare centers

To qualify for disaster assistance, the community must be designated for FEMA public assistance.		 Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Contact US Department of Agriculture
Elizabeth Sherrod
(254) 742-9788
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants This program helps low-income rural communities (population of 10,000 or less, income less than statewide median income) prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. (Event driven - must apply within 2 years of emergency event, e.g., drought; flood; tornado; hurricane; disease outbreak; chemical spill, leak or seepage)  Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Contact US Department of Agriculture
Connie Petru
(254) 742-9789
Fire, Ambulance and Service Truck (FAST) Fund - Texas CDBG Grants for eligible vehicles that provide emergency response and special services to rural communities. Min./Max. Grant Amount - $50,000/$500,000
Eligible applicants: cities and counties whose populations are less than 50,000 and 200,000,respectively, and not designated as eligible for the entitlement portion of the federal CDBG.		 3/6/2020 7/15/2020 Michelle Phares
512-936-6702
Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant Federal grant funds to recruit and train emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in rural areas. Estimated funds available - $5 million; up to $200,000 per grant award. No matching requirement.

Required grant activities include:
*Training to maintain relevant EMS licenses and certifications or meet federal or state licenses and certifications;
*Training EMS personnel on mental and substance use disorders and care for people with such disorders in emergency situations;
*Purchase and train EMS personnel on the use of the opioid overdose antidote, naloxone, in opioid overdose emergency situations.		 02/27/2020 04/30/2020 Corey Sullivan
Office of Financial Resources, Division of Grants Management
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
(240) 276-1213
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program (HB 2604) Program assists volunteer fire departments with purchase of equipment and training. Typically, $17 million in grant funds are available each year.

HB 3070, 86th Legislature, 2019, allocates 10% of available funding for emergency grants to VFDs for equipment lost or damaged while responding to a declared disaster.		 30 days prior to a funding meeting (at least 3 per year) All unfunded applications are rolled forward to next funding meeting - 3/19/2020 Email
979-458-6505
Texas Forest Service
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Program (HB 3667) Program reimburses volunteer fire departments for insurance coverage purchased from Texas insurance companies for firefighters (workers' compensation, accidental death and dismemberment, group term life, accident and sickness, and/or cancer-related insurance).  Program reimburses 100% of the actual cost of  insurance coverage up to a maximum of $175 per fire department member. 11/1/2019 7/31/2020 Email
979-458-6505
Texas Forest Service

Enrollment period:  November 2019-July 2020
Statewide Emergency Radio Infrastructure Grants for projects that support state and regional efforts to improve or sustain interoperable emergency radio infrastructure.  

Eligible entities: Regional Councils of Government, state agencies		 01/10/2020 03/12/2020 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Grant Assistance Program Reimbursement grants to career fire department and fire departments participating in the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Assistance System (TIFMAS). Typically, $1 million in grant funds each year, with $800,000 for TIFMAS vehicles, and $200,000 for Training Tuition.   Oct. of each year (vehicles only) Call: (979) 458-6505
Fax: (979) 845-6160
Email

Historic Preservation
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Courthouse Preservation Provides grants for the preservation and restoration of historic county courthouses. 10/28/19 3/2/2020
[Master Plans & Construction Documents Due]
4/21/2020
[Grant Application Due]		 Olivia Hillmer
(512) 463-8821
Sharon Fleming
(512) 463-6268

2020-21 Grant Cycle Timeline

Homeland Security
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) - Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA) Federal grants to support state, local and tribal preparedness activities that build law enforcement capabilities to prevent terrorist attacks. Projects must be consistent with capability targets set in Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA) process and gaps in the State Preparedness Report.  Applicants must contact their regional council of government regarding their application. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) - Regular Projects Federal grants to support state, local and tribal preparedness activities that address high-priority preparedness gaps to terrorism attacks. Projects must support the achievement of target capabilities related to preventing, preparing for, protecting against, or responding to acts of terrorism. Applicants must contact their regional council of government regarding their application. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919

Homeless Services
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Rural Healthy Community Collaborative Learning Communities Matching grants to local communities to assist homeless individuals with mental illness or substance use problems achieve recovery and re-integration in their communities. TBD TBD Helen Eisert
(512) 838-4341

Housing
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Colonia Fund - Construction - Texas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grants for eligible counties and certain cities to fund water and wastewater improvements, housing rehabilitation for income-eligible households, assessments levied against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income, and other improvements including street paving and drainage. Min./Max. Amount - $150,000/$1 million

Eligible counties are those with areas meeting the definition of a Colonia that are located within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico  border.

2020 Colonia Construction Fund Application Guide		 3/6/2020 6/2/2020 Aubrey-Ann Gilmore
512-936-7894

Indigent Defense
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Indigent Defense Improvement Grants Discretionary grants that assists counties in developing new, innovative programs or processes to improve the delivery of indigent defense services. Funding priorities include projects to ensure quality representation, regional indigent defense services, specialized indigent defense services (mentally ill or juvenile defendants), programs that serve rural areas, online indigent defense management systems, and cost containment initiatives.

Applicants are encouraged to submit an Intent to Submit Application (ISA) online form prior to developing a new grant application.  ISA allows TIDC to provide initial feedback on whether the proposal is within the scope of the grant program. Due date for ISAs, which are optional, is 3/31/2020.		 January 2020 05/11/2020 Edwin Colfax
(512) 463-2508
Indigent Defense Improvement Grants: Mental Health Public Defender Improvement Grant Grants to create or expand mental health defender
programs in existing public defender offices.  $5 million allocated in 2020-21 budget , $2.5 million each fiscal year, for such grants.

Only Texas counties are eligible for Mental Health Public Defender Improvement Grants. Counties
may apply jointly for funding for regional programs but must designate one county as the grant
recipient.		 Sept. 2019 11/15/2019
Applications submitted after 11/15/2019 will be considered if funds are available		 Edwin Colfax
Grants Administrator
Texas Indigent Defense Commission
(512) 463-2508

Scott Elhers
Director
Public Defense Improvement

Kathleen Casey-Gamez
Policy Analyst
(512) 936-7551
Indigent Defense: Extraordinary Disbursement Grants Discretionary grants to reimburse counties for extraordinary indigent defense expenses causing a financial hardship for the county. Usually these are death penalty cases. Participation in the Regional Public Defender for Capital Cases (if county is eligible) is a factor considered with these requests. TBD Rolling Edwin Colfax
(512) 463-2508
Indigent Defense: Compliance Assistance Grants Discretionary grants to assist counties that are in non-compliance with the Texas Fair Defense Act achieve compliance. TBD Rolling Edwin Colfax
(512) 463-2508
Indigent Defense: Technical Support Grants Discretionary grants to increase knowledge regarding indigent defense or to establish a process or procedure that may be duplicated by other jurisdictions. TBD Rolling Edwin Colfax
(512) 463-2508

Indigent Health Care

Library Services

Mental/Behavioral Health
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
First Responder Mental Health Program Federal grants (Victims of Crime Act) for services and assistance for peace officers and first responders that address the effects of direct and indirect trauma that occurs during the course of their normal duties. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Juvenile Justice & Truancy Prevention Grant Program Grant funds for projects that prevent violence in and around schools; and,  improve the juvenile justice system by providing mental health services, truancy prevention and intervention through community-based and school programs. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919

For information regarding the federal Title II Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program, contact the Criminal Justice Planner at your regional Council of Government.
Mental Health Grant for Justice-Involved Individuals Matching grants to county-based community collaboratives to reduce rates of recidivism, arrests, and incarcerations amongst individuals with mental illness and to also reduce wait times for individuals with mental illness placed on forensic commitment to a state hospital. TBD Current grants to be renewed through FY 2021 Courtney Seals
Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) - Service Members, Veterans and Families (SMVF) Program Grants for community-based programs and agencies that  provide services
that help prevent abuse, neglect, delinquency, and truancy of Texas children (infants to 17 year olds) from military and veterans families. $1.6 million per fiscal year is available; 5-year grant period (9/1/2020 to 8/31/2025). The service delivery area is counties with military installations and counties with a high veteran population. Primary service counties: Bell;Bexar;Collin;Dallas; El Paso; Harris; Tarrant; any county with a military installation. In addition, any counties contiguous to primary service counties are eligible service delivery areas.		 01/29/20 03/9/20 Lauren Contreras, CTCD
Health and Human Services Commission
1100 West 49th Street; Mail Code 2020
Building S
Austin, TX 78756
Prisoner Safety Grants for cost of purchasing and installing systems for monitoring at-risk cells. 08/23/19 Until funds are exhausted. Bobby Ratra,
Jason Ross
Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant Federal grant funds to recruit and train emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in rural areas. Estimated funds available - $5 million; up to $200,000 per grant award. No matching requirement.

Required grant activities include:
*Training to maintain relevant EMS licenses and certifications or meet federal or state licenses and certifications;
*Training EMS personnel on mental and substance use disorders and care for people with such disorders in emergency situations;
*Purchase and train EMS personnel on the use of the opioid overdose antidote, naloxone, in opioid overdose emergency situations.		 02/27/2020 04/30/2020 Corey Sullivan
Office of Financial Resources, Division of Grants Management
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
(240) 276-1213
Rural Healthy Community Collaborative Learning Communities Matching grants to local communities to assist homeless individuals with mental illness or substance use problems achieve recovery and re-integration in their communities. TBD TBD Helen Eisert
(512) 838-4341
Specialty Courts Program Grants for new specialty court programs and existing specialty courts that do not currently receive funds from the Governor's Criminal Justice Division. Specialty courts eligible for funding include: Adult and Family Drug Court(s); Veterans Treatment Court; Mental Health Court; etc.  See Chapters 121-129, Texas Government Code, for more. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Substance Abuse Treatment Services Federal and state funds for Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services, Co-occurring Psychiatric Substance Use Disorder services and Youth Recovery Communities in Texas.  Total funding available is $137 million; grant period is for 5 years.  Governmental entities, public or private nonprofit, for-profit entities are eligible to apply. 02/7/20 02/28/20 Fernando Garcia, CTCD, CTCM
1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756
(512)406-2545
Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program Matching grants to local communities to expand the availability of, increase access to and enhance delivery of mental health treatment and services to veterans and their families. TBD Current grants to be renewed through FY2021 Email

Nutrition Services

Property Tax Exemptions
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Local Government Relief for Disabled Veterans Exemption Cities and counties adjacent to or containing US military installations receive payments to offset loss of property tax revenue due to disabled veteran homestead exemption.   Feb 1. - Apr. 1 each year Comptroller's Property Tax Assistance Division
(800) 252-9121
Email

Rural Development
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Colonia Fund - Construction - Texas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grants for eligible counties and certain cities to fund water and wastewater improvements, housing rehabilitation for income-eligible households, assessments levied against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income, and other improvements including street paving and drainage. Min./Max. Amount - $150,000/$1 million

Eligible counties are those with areas meeting the definition of a Colonia that are located within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico  border.

2020 Colonia Construction Fund Application Guide		 3/6/2020 6/2/2020 Aubrey-Ann Gilmore
512-936-7894
Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program Affordable funding to acquire, construct or improve essential community facilities in rural areas (population of 20,000 or less). Examples of essential community facilities: fire and police facilities; jails; community centers; hospitals; vehicles; daycare centers

To qualify for disaster assistance, the community must be designated for FEMA public assistance.		 Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Contact US Department of Agriculture
Elizabeth Sherrod
254-742-9788
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants This program helps low-income rural communities (population of 10,000 or less, income less than statewide median income) prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. (Event driven - must apply within 2 years of emergency event, e.g., drought; flood; tornado; hurricane; disease outbreak; chemical spill, leak or seepage)  Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Contact US Department of Agriculture
Connie Petru
254-742-9789
Fire, Ambulance and Service Truck (FAST) Fund - Texas CDBG Grants for eligible vehicles that provide emergency response and special services to rural communities. Min./Max. Grant Amount - $50,000/$500,000
Eligible applicants: cities and counties whose populations are less than 50,000 and 200,000,respectively, and not designated as eligible for the entitlement portion of the federal CDBG.		 3/6/2020 7/15/2020 Michelle Phares
512-936-6702

Planning and Capacity Building Fund - Texas CDB

 Financial assistance for comprehensive planning activities which address land use, housing, drainage/water/wastewater systems, subdivision regulation, and/or other eligible activities outlined in the federal  Housing and Community Development Act.
Eligible applicants: cities and counties whose populations are less than 50,000 and 200,000,respectively, and not designated as eligible for the entitlement portion of the federal CDBG.		 3/6/2020 7/15/2020 Joe Midura
512-936-7880
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program (HB 2604) Program assists volunteer fire departments with purchase of equipment and training. Typically, $17 million in grant funds are available each year.

HB 3070, 86th Legislature, 2019, allocates 10% of available funding for emergency grants to VFDs for equipment lost or damaged while responding to a declared disaster.		 30 days prior to a funding meeting (at least 3 per year) All unfunded applications are rolled forward to next funding meeting - 3/19/2020 Email
979-458-6505
Texas Forest Service
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Insurance Program (HB 3667) Program reimburses volunteer fire departments for insurance coverage purchased from Texas insurance companies for firefighters (workers' compensation, accidental death and dismemberment, group term life, accident and sickness, and/or cancer-related insurance).  Program reimburses 100% of the actual cost of  insurance coverage up to a maximum of $175 per fire department member. 11/1/2019 7/31/2020 Email
979-458-6505
Texas Forest Service

Enrollment period:  November 2019-July 2020
Texas Capital Fund: Real Estate & Infrastructure Program - Texas CDBG Grants for public infrastructure or real estate development  to assist a business that commits to create and/or retain permanent jobs, primarily for low and moderate income persons.
Eligible applicants: cities and counties whose populations are less than 50,000 and 200,000,respectively, and not designated as eligible for the entitlement portion of the federal CDBG.		 3/6/2020 4/15/2020 Aubrey-Ann Gilmore
512-936-7894

Sexual Assault
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Sexual Assault Evidence Testing Program Grants to law enforcement agencies for costs associated with the forensic analysis of physical evidence in relation to sexual assault or other sex offenses. ($1 million in funds available for FY 2021)
Applicants may only use accredited laboratories that comply with Texas Forensic Science Commission regulations and rules for accreditation, including forensic analyst licensing for mandatory disciplines. 		 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919

Specialty Courts
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Specialty Courts Program Grants for new specialty court programs and existing specialty courts that do not currently receive funds from the Governor's Criminal Justice Division. Specialty courts eligible for funding include: Adult and Family Drug Court(s); Veterans Treatment Court; Mental Health Court; etc.  See Chapters 121-129, Texas Government Code, for more. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919

Transportation/Infrastructure
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
County Transportation Infrastructure Fund Program Grants for county transportation infrastructure projects in areas of the state affected by increased oil and gas production. 3/27/20 4/27/20-5/27/20 Email
Public Transportation Grants Funding call for various categories of public transportation projects, including: Statewide Planning Assistance; Rural Transportation Assistance; Intercity Bus; Rural Discretionary; and Fleet Replacement.  All projects are funded through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), but project selection administered by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Instructions for public transportation project funding call		 11/15/19 02/14/20 Email
Texas Department of Transporation
Texas Capital Fund: Real Estate & Infrastructure Program - Texas CDBG Grants for public infrastructure or real estate development  to assist a business that commits to create and/or retain permanent jobs, primarily for low and moderate income persons.
Eligible applicants: cities and counties whose populations are less than 50,000 and 200,000,respectively, and not designated as eligible for the entitlement portion of the federal CDBG.		 3/6/2020 4/15/2020 Aubrey-Ann Gilmore
512-936-7894
Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP)  ̶ Texas Natural Gas Vehicle Grant Program Grants to encourage eligible entities to repower or replace a heavy-duty or medium-duty motor vehicle they own or operate with a natural gas engine or vehicle. At least 75% of the annual use of the grant-funded vehicle must occur in counties located in the Clean Transportation Zone. 10/15/19 02/26/21 Contact Ron Hieser,
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ),
(512) 239-0244
TERP ̶ Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive Program Provides rebates for purchases or leases of eligible light-duty motor vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or hydrogen fuel cells or other electric drives (plug-in or plug-in hybrid). Vehicles must be purchased or leased in Texas on or after 9/1/2019. 09/03/19 01/07/21 Email
TCEQ or call
(800) 919-8377
Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP)  ̶  Alternative Fueling Facilities Program (AFFP) Grants for the construction or expansion of natural gas and other alternative fuel fueling stations within the Clean Transportation Zone. 11/22/19 3/18/20 Email
(800) 919-8377
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for more information.

TCEQ has scheduled several AFFP grant application workshops across the state, and  a webinar on 12/3/2019. To participate in the webinar, RSVP here.
Traffic Safety Program Assists local entities in reducing the number and severity of traffic accidents. Annual: Program call and application deadline varies   Terry Pence
(512) 416-3167

Jim Hollis
(512) 416-3168

Texas Department of Transportation

Veterans Services
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) - Service Members, Veterans and Families (SMVF) Program Grants for community-based programs and agencies that  provide services
that help prevent abuse, neglect, delinquency, and truancy of Texas children (infants to 17 year olds) from military and veterans families. $1.6 million per fiscal year is available; 5-year grant period (9/1/2020 to 8/31/2025). The service delivery area is counties with military installations and counties with a high veteran population. Primary service counties: Bell;Bexar;Collin;Dallas; El Paso; Harris; Tarrant; any county with a military installation. In addition, any counties contiguous to primary service counties are eligible service delivery areas.		 01/29/20 03/9/20 Lauren Contreras, CTCD
Health and Human Services Commission
1100 West 49th Street; Mail Code 2020
Building S
Austin, TX 78756
Specialty Courts Program Grants for new specialty court programs and existing specialty courts that do not currently receive funds from the Governor's Criminal Justice Division. Specialty courts eligible for funding include: Adult and Family Drug Court(s); Veterans Treatment Court; Mental Health Court; etc.  See Chapters 121-129, Texas Government Code, for more. 12/13/19 02/27/20 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program Matching grants to local communities to expand the availability of, increase access to and enhance delivery of mental health treatment and services to veterans and their families. TBD Current grants to be renewed through FY2021 Email

Water Supply/Water Quality
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Colonia Fund - Construction - Texas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grants for eligible counties and certain cities to fund water and wastewater improvements, housing rehabilitation for income-eligible households, assessments levied against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income, and other improvements including street paving and drainage. Min./Max. Amount - $150,000/$1 million

Eligible counties are those with areas meeting the definition of a Colonia that are located within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico  border.

2020 Colonia Construction Fund Application Guide		 3/6/2020 6/2/2020 Aubrey-Ann Gilmore
512-936-7894
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants This program helps low-income rural communities (population of 10,000 or less, income less than statewide median income) prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. (Event driven - must apply within 2 years of emergency event, e.g., drought; flood; tornado; hurricane; disease outbreak; chemical spill, leak or seepage)  Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Contact US Department of Agriculture
Connie Petru
(254) 742-9789
State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) The 2020 funding cycle for the SWIFT program is now open.  The SWIFT program provides state financial assistance for projects in the State Water Plan. SWIFT assists communities in developing and optimizing their water supplies on a cost-effective basis through low-interest loans, payment deferrals, and interest rate subsidies for rural and agricultural projects. SWIFT eligible projects include:  conservation and reuse; desalination, both groundwater and seawater; building new pipelines; water rights purchases; and, developing reservoirs and well fields. 12/02/19 02/03/20 Email
(512) 463-7277
Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program Grants for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in small (population of 10,000 or less), financially distressed rural communities.  

To qualify for disaster assistance, the community must be designated for FEMA public assistance.

Also, see Texas Water Development Board Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP)		 Year-round (October 1-September 30) Until funds are exhausted Elizabeth Sherrod
US Department of Agriculture
(254) 742-9788

Archive (Past Due Grant Opportunities)
Title Description Date Available Date Due Funding Agency Contact
Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research Soliciting jurisdictions interested in improving their pretrial practices and implementing the Public Safety Assessment to participate in an innovative 12-month pilot project. Jurisdictions will receive technical assistance, peer support and robust online learning resources to improve pretrial outcomes in their community. Nov. 2019

11/20/2019 - Information Webinar		 12/20/19 Alison Shames
Co-Director, Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research,
Center for Effective Public Policy
Border Zone Fire Departments Grants for professional fire departments in the Texas-Mexico border region for specialized equipment, maintenance, and medical supplies to support emergency services associated with the execution of border security activities associated with deterring crimes along the Texas-Mexico border. [Limited to applicants in certain counties; other eligibility restrictions apply. Read announcement] 10/01/19 12/01/19 Email
(512) 463-1919
Community Mental Health Program Matching grants to support community mental health programs providing services and treatment to individuals experiencing mental illness; and, to coordinate mental health services with other transition support services. 11/1/19 12/9/19 Carolyn R. DeBoer
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
(512) 406-2447 

The Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute is available to assist any entity interested in applying for the grant.
Melissa Rowan
County Innovations to Prevent Commercial Sexual Exploitation Grant assistance (up to $2.5 million for state FY 2020) to counties for innovative projects that prevent, investigate, and/or prosecute the commercial sexual exploitation of people in Texas.  Note: Applicants seeking to operate a Commercially Sexually Exploited Persons (CSEP) Specialty Court should refer to funding opportunities specific to a specialty court program. 11/15/19 1/14/20 Email
(512) 463-1919
Office of the Governor
County Jail Medication - Assisted Treatment (MAT) Grant Program Grants for pilot projects which provide inmates in a county jail facility access to Federal Drug Administration-approved, evidence-based MAT for alcohol and opioid dependence. Treatment may be administered while the inmate is confined, and when participating in outpatient care upon release. (Available funds - $1 million one-time appropriation) 10/01/19 12/31/19 Email
(512) 463-1919
District Attorney Testing of Forensic Evidence Grants to district attorney offices for costs associated with forensic analysis of physical evidence. 10/01/19 12/02/19 Email
(512) 463-1919
FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program Grants for planning flood mitigation and for projects to reduce flood losses. 10/01/19 11/22/19 Ivan Ortiz
(512) 463-8184
Indigent Defense: Formula Grants Program assists counties in meeting constitutional and statutory requirements for indigent purpose and complying with standards adopted by the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. 09/01/19 11/15/19 Edwin Colfax
(512) 463-2508
Library Technology Academy A training grant program targeted to meet the needs of small and rural Texas library staff. Libraries with populations of 30,000 or fewer are eligible to apply. No restrictions if you have previously received a grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). 10/03/19 10/20/19 Cindy Fisher, TSLAC
(800) 252-9386
Opioid Antagonist Grant Program Grants to provide opioid antagonists to peace officers, evidence technicians, and related personnel who, in the course of performing their duties, are likely to come into contact with opioids or encounter persons suffering from an apparent opioid-related drug overdose. 10/01/19 12/02/19 Email
(512) 463-1919
Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)-Ready Facilities Program Grants to maintain or achieve a SAFE-Ready faciility designation pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 323. 10/01/19 12/31/19 Email
Office of the Governor
(512) 463-1919
Sexual Assault Prevention and Crisis Services (SAPCS) Grants to prevent sexual violence using a public health approach, best available evidence, and that align with the state action plan or other Office of the Attorney General (OAG) guidance documents.  [Eligibility limited to current SAPCS-State grantees or the State Sexual Assault Coalition.] 10/25/19 11/22/19 Email
(512) 936-0792
State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT) The 2020 funding cycle for the SWIFT program is now open.  The SWIFT program provides state financial assistance for projects in the State Water Plan. SWIFT assists communities in developing and optimizing their water supplies on a cost-effective basis through low-interest loans, payment deferrals, and interest rate subsidies for rural and agricultural projects. SWIFT eligible projects include:  conservation and reuse; desalination, both groundwater and seawater; building new pipelines; water rights purchases; and, developing reservoirs and well fields. 12/02/19 02/03/20 Email
(512) 463-7277
Strategies to Improve Health Outcomes and to Reduce Disparities in Rural Populations Federal grants to encourage research to promote a greater understanding of the challenges faced by rural population groups, for the development (or adoption/adaptation) of evidence-based interventions that can reduce health risks faced by rural Americans.  Counties are encouraged to apply.  
[FYI, $2.5 million in funds committed to fund four awards in federal fiscal year 2020.]		 10/11/19

11/13/2019
Letter of intent due		 12/13/19 Email
National Institute of Health
(301) 945-7573
Texas Communities Count Grants for direct, local, on-the-ground complete count efforts, as well as statewide coordination of local efforts that support complete count efforts in Texas for the 2020 U.S. Census in Texas. [Total Funds Available = $2 million] 08/23/19 09/23/19 Email
Teleconference for Applicants - September 11, 2019, 10AM to 11AM (CDT)
Texas Counts Pooled Fund Grants to support organizations engaged in collaborative get-out-the-count activities targeting hard-to-count (HTC) populations in Texas, ensuring a complete and accurate count. Grants range from $15,000 to $100,000.  For a map of HTC areas of Texas, click here. Nov. 2019 Rolling through 1/31/2020 Angela Broyles
Communities Foundation of Texas
(214) 346-5530
Texans Feeding Texans - Home-Delivered Meal Grant Program Provides support to supplement and extend current home-delivered meal programs for seniors and/or disabled Texans. 09/01/19 11/01/19 Email
(512) 463-7448
Veteran County Service Office There is a 5% set-aside in statute for Veteran County Service Office (VCSO) funding in General Assistance, Housing 4 Texas Heroes and Veterans Mental Health grant applications. The VCS Officer would  be listed as the Project Coordinator in such grant applications.[Texas Government Code, §434.017, Sub-section (c-3)]. 10/01/19 10/25/19 Email with any questions until 10/16/2019, at 5:00 pm. 

All questions and their written answers will be posted on the TVC GovGrants portal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab.

2020-21 Request for Application Webinar
Veterans: General Assistance Grant Program Grants for services to veterans for various services, with priority given to financial assistance, supportive services, and Pro Bono legal services. 10/01/19 10/25/19 Email with any questions until 10/16/2019, at 5:00 pm. 

All questions and their written answers will be posted on the TVC GovGrants portal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab.

2020-21 Request for Application Webinar
Veterans: Housing 4 Texas Heroes Grants Grants to assist Texas veterans and their families in obtaining, maintaining or improving housing. 10/01/19 10/25/19 Email with any questions until 10/16/2019, at 5:00 pm. 

All questions and their written answers will be posted on the TVC GovGrants portal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab.

2020-21 Request for Application Webinar
Veterans Mental Health Grants Grants to assist Texas veterans and their families with their mental health needs via direct services, including: clinical counseling; peer delivered services; and non-clinical support services. 10/01/19 10/25/19 Email with any questions until 10/16/2019, at 5:00 pm. 

All questions and their written answers will be posted on the TVC GovGrants portal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab.

2020-21 Request for Application Webinar
Veterans Treatment Court Grants Grants to assist Texas veterans and their families in obtaining services through Veterans Treatment Court programs. 10/01/19 10/25/19 Email with any questions until 10/16/2019, at 5:00 pm. 

All questions and their written answers will be posted on the TVC GovGrants portal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) tab.

2020-21 Request for Application Webinar

Success Stories

Commissioner, collaboration credited for disaster aid award

The Monitor, Feb. 23, 2020

A local congressman is crediting one Hidalgo County commissioner’s efforts to bring together local, state and federal officials for the success of a nine-figure federal disaster relief funding award announcement...

Bastrop County awarded $2 million grant to build emergency shelter

Austin American-Statesman, Oct. 10, 2019

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded Bastrop County a $2 million grant for its proposed emergency shelter, Sen. John Cornyn announced Tuesday. The money will help...

Courthouse receives facelift

Navasota Examiner, Oct. 16, 2019

The historic Grimes County Courthouse in Anderson celebrated its 125th birthday this year, and now it will receive renovations to help extend the life of the staple in Grimes County. Grimes County building maintenance ...

Grant Resources

State Grant Opportunities:

Federal Grant Opportunities:


Additional Resources

Texas Conference of Urban Counties – Contact Windy Johnson, Program Manager

Councils of Government

Grant Finding Resources

Disaster-related Assistance

Additional Funding Agency Grant Pages

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