The Environmental Fund of Texas: Tier 4 - Multi-year Grants

The Environmental Fund of Texas: Tier 4 - Multi-year Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Environmental Fund of Texas
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: March 05, 2026

Summary

The Environmental Fund of Texas offers Tier 4 multi-year grants to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving natural habitats and ecosystems in Texas. The fund prioritizes projects focused on water protection, stewardship of natural areas, and conservation of native wildlife. Additionally, it encourages public engagement and environmental education initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing, and grants are awarded based on the alignment with the fund's environmental priorities.

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 4 - Multi-year Grants Grants from Tiers 2 and 3 may extend up to 3-year commitments pending annual evaluation and reporting compliance. Please designate upon applying that your grant request is for Tier 4 funding no matter which Tier each years funding will fall within (2 or 3). 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:Strategic and effective preservation of land and native habitats along key waterwaysRemoval of invasive aquatic species from freshwater systemsNatural 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 habitatsRemoval or reduction of invasive, non-native species posing threats or harm to natural communities in conjunction with replanting of native species and continued managementEnhanced monitoring and enforcement of existing natural areasCollaboration with local landowners and communities to develop compatible use plans and a common vision for natural and cultural landscapesNative 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.Environmental education and awareness:​The Fund supports projects that raise public awareness of environmental issues, inform and engage citizens, and build a future generation of environmental activists. Special attention is given to projects that provide, encourage and support interactive and hands-on experiences out in nature.Public EngagementWe support projects that forge connections with nature and increase public action for the environment.Examples of previously approved projects: 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

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. 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.Multi-year grants are offered only through our new Tier 4 level of funding.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.Any collaborative grants must include a separate application for each organization applying.

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 projectsEducational websites/resources that are not linked to on-the-ground conservation