TSCRA Working Grant Program

The TSCRA Leadership Development Foundation's Working Grant Program supports emerging and expanding entrepreneurs in the beef industry, aiming to sustain and enhance the legacy of ranching in Texas and Oklahoma. Established by the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) through its 501(c)(3) arm in spring 2024, the foundation responds to the increasing challenges ranchers face: aging demographics, shrinking land availability, and growing operational and regulatory burdens. By investing directly in individuals dedicated to long-term careers in the beef sector, the foundation supports economic resilience and food security through strategic capital deployment. The Working Grant Program distinguishes itself by providing non-repayable financial support for a wide range of business needs across the beef value chain. From cow-calf operations to meat packing plants, veterinary clinics, and direct-to-consumer beef ventures, eligible applicants may use funds for infrastructure, equipment, livestock, land improvements, and other relevant investments. Notably, previous funding rounds have supported items such as walk-in coolers, fencing materials, barns, chutes, soil testing, water wells, tractors, and livestock purchases, underlining the grant’s broad utility across diverse operational needs. Eligibility requires that applicants operate in economically depressed areas of Texas or Oklahoma and demonstrate difficulty accessing traditional financing. The program is open to individuals across all ages, backgrounds, and business types within the beef sector. By focusing on underserved geographic and financial demographics, the initiative promotes inclusive development and sustainability within the industry. Applications are accepted twice annually, in May and November. For the November 2025 cycle, the application opens on November 1. Once applications close, award notifications—either full, partial, or declined—are issued within 120 days. While no specific funding limits are imposed, grants in the inaugural round averaged just under $65,000, with a total of nearly $200,000 disbursed among three recipients. Applications are submitted online, and the foundation reviews requests on a case-by-case basis. The program does not require cost matching, focusing instead on eliminating financial barriers. For questions or guidance, applicants may contact the program at workinggrant@tscra.org or by phone at 817-916-1795. A PDF FAQ sheet is also available online to help strengthen submissions and business plans. As a recurring grant program, its next expected open cycle is in May 2026, continuing its semiannual cadence aimed at fortifying the future of ranching in the Southwest.

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