The Environmental Fund of Texas: Tier 2 - EFT Priority Projects Grant

The Environmental Fund of Texas: Tier 2 - EFT Priority Projects Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Environmental Fund of Texas
Amount: US $2,501 - US $12,000
Last Updated: February 26, 2026

Summary

The Environmental Fund of Texas offers Tier 2 grants aimed at projects that protect natural environments, focusing on water, natural areas, and native wildlife. The fund supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving habitats and engaging the public in conservation efforts. By fostering partnerships and providing funding, the initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable practices across Texas. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 organizations in good standing, with a commitment to environmental protection and community involvement.

Overview

NOTE: The online application process is two-stage with an eligibility quiz (LOI above) and an application, which will only be emailed if you meet our eligibility requirements. 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 2 -EFT Priority Projects Tier 2 grants are for projects that address threats to natural environments in Texas—in our priority areas of water, natural areas, and native wildlife. This also includes projects that empower public engagement and action, and forge meaningful connections with nature. Most of the grants we fund are Tier 2 grants.Funding priorities​: Water:​ We support programs aimed at protecting natural water sources, including rivers, streams, lakes, aquifers, and springs, as well as their supporting watersheds. Examples of programs include:Native vegetation restoration in freshwater habitats, along riparian corridors, and in our bays and estuaries.Creation of rain gardens and water conservation demonstration sites in visible areas that aim to reduce water consumption, provide habitat for wildlife and native plants, and educate the public on the value of green infrastructure.Volunteer oyster gardening and reef monitoring project.Landowner engagement focused on protection and sustainable management of groundwater resources.Natural areas:​ We support the protection and stewardship of ecologically-functional natural areas. Examples of programs include:Protection and restoration of imperiled and native ecosystems and habitats (e.g. BlacklandPrairie, Coastal estuaries, Post Oak Savannah).Removal or reduction of invasive and/or non-native species in conjunction with replanting of native species and continued land/habitat management (e.g. brush removal, prescribed fire). Outreach and technical guidance projects to promote land stewardship and restoration for the benefit of the environment and biodiversity. Collaboration with local landowners and communities to develop compatible use plans and a common vision for natural and cultural landscapes.Native wildlife:​ We support programs which focus on protecting and sustaining native wildlife. Examples of programs include:Implementation of direct actions to help at-risk species and their habitats in Texas (e.g. habitat restoration, threat removal, communications for behavior change or actions needed).Strategic engagement of local communities/audiences in the conservation of threatened and endangered species in Texas.Technical guidance and resource projects for local landowners to conserve at-risk wildlife.Monitoring of threatened or imperiled wildlife species for the purpose of land use planning that facilitates improved habitat quality/connectivity and that demonstrate a direct link to conservation action.Public Engagement:​ We support projects that forge connections with nature and increase public action for the environment.Examples of programs include: Projects that engage volunteers and communities in on-the-ground action for wildlife and habitat.Engaging students/community partners in the creation of pocket prairies/native gardens used in hands-on learning.Field trip to a local natural area to learn about native wildlife and ecology and participate in a stewardship project (e.g. planting trees or wildlife flower seed).Projects that engage local educators on local conservation issues and provide resources and training for how to incorporate in learning settings.Community events that engages local families in a day of wildlife watching or citizen science and includes opportunities to learn how they can help local wildlife.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who We Fund:​ 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.Each organization may apply for grant funding multiple times throughout the year.Public, tax-exempt schools for teacher projects within EFT’s funding priorities, such asthe creation of on-campus pocket prairies..Although the Fund will not directly acquire real property nor undertake legal advocacy, we may consider requests to support land protection through fee simple purchases or the establishment of conservation easements and may support the charitable, conservation advocacy of grantees, consistent with Austin Community Foundation policies and the Fund’s Advisory Committee recommendations.

Ineligibility

EFT generally does not fund requests for the following:Ongoing programming & organizational operating expenses/overheadStaff salaries that are not connected to implementation of a specific projectLobbying and political campaignsEndowment fundsProjects with arts as the focusFundraising eventsConferencesAnimal welfare/rehab programsPrivate foundationsCapital projectsInterpretive signage, websites, or creation of educational materialsWe do not fund the same project unless it evolves or expands significantly.