The Environmental Fund of Texas: Tier 1 - Grassroots / Startup Grant

The Environmental Fund of Texas: Tier 1 - Grassroots / Startup Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Environmental Fund of Texas
Amount: Up to US $2,500
Last Updated: November 19, 2025

Summary

The Environmental Fund of Texas offers Tier 1 grants aimed at grassroots organizations and educational institutions for projects that promote conservation and environmental stewardship. Established in 2017, this fund focuses on initiatives that protect natural water sources, restore habitats, and sustain native wildlife. The fund seeks to collaborate with community volunteers and educators to create impactful, localized projects that contribute to the preservation of Texas's unique ecosystems.

Overview

Our Vision We envision healthy lands, waters, native plants and animals supported with vibrant, thriving ecosystems throughout our beautiful state. We believe great things happen when organizations and funders work together for the highest good. We are a donor-advised fund comprised of a fund director, advisory committee, and fund administrator. Established in 2017 by G.P. “Buzz” Avery, in partnership with the Austin Community Foundation, we support nonprofit organizations whose primary mission is preserving natural habitats, especially those that are critically threatened. The Environmental Fund of Texas: Tier 1 - Grassroots Funds & Classrooms Taking Action Tier 1 grants are intended for grassroots organizations seeking funding for smaller-scale projects or start-up costs, or for teachers/schools to create on- campus native gardens used in learning, such as pocket prairies. Funding Priorities Public Action for the Environment We support projects that engage local communities in conservation action. Projects are undertaken in collaboration with community volunteers, teachers and students, and partnering organizations. These on-the-ground projects focus on priority areas such as: Water Protecting natural water sources—including rivers, aquifers, springs, estuaries, and wetlands—as well as their supporting watersheds. Natural Areas Protection, restoration, and stewardship of natural areas and native habitat. Native wildlife Protecting and sustaining native, at-risk wildlife.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Environmental Fund of Texas provides grants to 501c3 organizations whose primary mission is preserving the natural environment in Texas and doing critical work relating to EFT’s funding priorities.We only make grants to 501c3 organizations in good standing with the IRS and with EFT.We do not fund the same project unless it evolves or expands significantly.Multi-year grants are offered only through our Tier 4 level of funding.

Ineligibility

EFT generally does not fund requests for the following:Ongoing programming & organizational operating expenses/overhead Staff salaries that are not connected to implementation of a specific project Lobbying and political campaigns Endowment funds Projects with arts as the focus Fundraising events Conferences Animal welfare/rehab programs Private foundations Capital projects Educational websites/resources that are not linked to on-the-ground conservation