Texas Safety Grants

Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ("IIJA"), the Department of Energy (DOE) provides formula grants to states and Indian Tribes for projects aimed at improving the resilience of the electric grid against disruptions caused by extreme weather, wildfires, or natural disasters. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) manages the application process, expense reviews, and reimbursements for eligible entities, with funding provided on a reimbursement basis. The program partners with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to establish program objectives and metrics for resilience investments. The DOE will allocate $459 million annually over five years, with Texas expecting approximately $150 million. Eligible entities include electric grid operators, electricity storage operators, electricity generators, transmission owners or operators, distribution providers, and fuel suppliers. Preferred resilience measures include weatherization technologies, fire-resistant technologies, monitoring and control technologies, vegetation management, and adaptive protection technologies. The application period is open until July 31, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST.

This program provides $40 million in funding over three years to support projects that improve environmental health and resilience in historically marginalized communities across EPA Region 6.

City of San Marcos Minority Business Stabilization Fund (Texas) - The City of San Marcos is offering minority entrepreneurs and small business owners within corporate city limits the opportunity to apply for the Minority Business Stabilization Fund Program. This one-time grant assistance program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), provides direct aid to minority-owned businesses in San Marcos. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000 based on the number of full-time employees and can be used for eligible expenses such as physical improvements, equipment, e-commerce expansion costs, rent, payroll, and operating expenses. To be eligible, businesses must have been in operation in San Marcos for at least 12 months, employ 1 to 25 full-time employees, and be at least 51% unconditionally owned by a socially disadvantaged individual. Only one grant may be awarded per business with multiple locations in San Marcos. For more information and to apply, visit City of San Marcos website.

The City of Victoria offers grant funding to local non-profit organizations for programs focused on child safety, child abuse intervention/prevention, and drug and alcohol abuse intervention/prevention for children. This initiative directly aligns with the city's mission to enhance the welfare and safety of its youngest residents. Funding is generated from a $1.50 child safety fee assessed during vehicle registration in Victoria County, specifically designated for child safety and welfare services as defined by state law. This funding mechanism demonstrates a clear strategic priority to leverage local resources for community benefit, with a direct link between vehicle registration fees and child welfare programs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are children within Victoria County, particularly those in vulnerable situations such as foster care, at-risk youth, or those coping with the effects of abuse. The program targets specific needs, aiming to bridge gaps in services, provide essential after-school support, and offer critical training for caregivers and mentors. The impact goals are broad, encompassing physical and mental health, safety education, and the prevention of substance abuse among children. The City of Victoria's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on prevention, intervention, and support services for children. In fiscal year 2024, the City of Victoria prioritized various programs. These included "Bridging the Gap" for foster children (A World for Children), after-school programs for different age groups (Boys & Girls Club of Victoria, Mid-Coast Family Services), supplies and training for CPR/first aid and mental health (Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas), staff funding and occupancy expenses (Golden Crescent CASA, The Gabriel Project of the Golden Crescent), and part-time therapy for abused children and families (Hope of South Texas). These examples highlight a multi-faceted approach, addressing both immediate needs and long-term developmental support. The expected outcomes of these programs include improved child safety, reduced instances of child abuse, increased access to supportive after-school environments, enhanced mental and physical health for children, and decreased rates of drug and alcohol abuse among the youth. Measurable results could include the number of children served, participation rates in after-school programs, the number of individuals receiving training, and indicators of improved well-being among program participants. The City of Victoria's theory of change appears to be that by investing in local non-profits and their specialized programs, they can create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment for the children of Victoria.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Texas and New Mexico that are focused on community and church-centered initiatives, encouraging collaboration and measurable impact.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Texas nonprofit organizations focused on training workers in safe practices and creating career pathways in high-demand, middle-skill jobs to strengthen the state's workforce and enhance workplace safety.

This grant provides funding to cities and townships served by CenterPoint Energy for purchasing safety equipment and implementing safety-related projects to enhance community safety.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

This funding opportunity is designed to support state sexual assault coalitions in providing essential services to victims of sexual assault across Texas.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government units in West Ellis County, Texas, to support programs that improve community health, youth opportunities, financial security, and overall community resilience.

This program provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations in Aransas County, Texas, to enhance their projects and operations that benefit the community's social and economic wellbeing.

This program provides financial support for capital improvement projects that enhance community infrastructure and services in rural and economically challenged areas of Texas.

This program provides funding for public-oriented projects that enhance cultural, recreational, and economic vitality in Brownsville, Texas, targeting nonprofits, businesses, and public entities that have been operating in the area for at least two years.

This grant provides funding to registered neighborhood associations in Waco, Texas, to implement community projects that enhance local spirit, safety, and aesthetics through beautification, cultural activities, and events.

This program provides funding to essential facilities in Texas, such as hospitals and nursing homes, to install backup power systems that ensure they can operate during extreme weather or power outages.

This program provides funding to state governments to enhance their ability to detect and manage unmanned aircraft systems, particularly in areas hosting significant national events.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to law enforcement agencies in Texas for the installation of bullet-resistant components in their vehicles to enhance officer safety.

This program provides financial assistance to sheriff’s departments, constable’s offices, and eligible prosecutor’s offices in rural Texas counties to improve salaries and enhance public safety and legal services.

This funding opportunity provides up to $50,000 to support community improvements and emergency responder equipment for nonprofits, local governments, and civic organizations.