What types of initiatives does Greater Texas Foundation (GTF) support?
GTF supports initiatives that increase rates of postsecondary enrollment and completion for all Texas students, with a particular focus on students who may encounter barriers to postsecondary success. The foundation is guided by a five-year plan focused on specific goals and strategies to optimize our impact on students. To learn more, please visit the Strategy page.
What types of initiatives does GTF not support?
GTF does not award grants for the following:
- Initiatives unrelated to our mission, vision, and strategy;
- Lobbying, political activities, or attempts to influence action on specific legislation;
- Direct donations or grants to individuals;
- Operating expenses, past operating deficits, or debt requirements;
- Capital construction projects;
- Athletic teams or athletic-related activities to include grants used to support intercollegiate athletics, including grants applied to athletic scholarships and grants applied to physical facilities that are used for intercollegiate athletics;
- Medical research;
- Unrestricted funding for media productions (radio, television, web);
- Museum operations;
- Religious programs; or
- Balls, events, or galas benefiting charitable organizations.
Does GTF fund individual scholarships?
No. The foundation does not provide individual scholarships; rather, some GTF grants support scholarship programs housed at institutions of higher education in which the schools control the selection of recipients.
What types of organizations are eligible to receive funding from GTF?
GTF makes grants to organizations that:
- are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or are an accredited college or university;
- support the mission of the foundation through Texas-based or Texas-focused work; and
- support or provide specific programs targeting education in furtherance of Greater Texas Foundation’s exempt purposes, mission, and vision.
What is the average size of GTF’s grants?
Our grants typically range between $150,000 and $300,000. However, grant size is dependent on a number of factors. Please see our active grants list for examples of funded requests.
Does GTF fund multi-year grants?
Yes, the foundation supports multi-year grants. Generally, grant length is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the scope, scale, and complexity of the project.
How can my organization apply for a grant from GTF?
Before contacting GTF about applying for a grant, all potential applicants should review the foundation’s strategy and become familiar with its current goals and intended impacts. GTF’s grant application and review process consists of Concept and Proposal stages. More details on this process are available on the Grant Application & Review page.
Does GTF accept grant applications via email or as hard copies?
GTF uses an online grants management system. Unless otherwise directed by GTF staff, all grant applications and attachments should be submitted through the online grantee portal.
How frequently can an organization submit a grant application to GTF?
In most cases, the foundation will consider only one application from an organization (or unit/department, in the case of a college or university) within a twelve-month period. Generally, no proposal from an organization previously funded by the foundation will be considered unless a full and timely report of expenditure of the previous grant has been submitted.
Does GTF set a maximum indirect cost rate for grant budgets?
Yes. GTF allows applicants to budget indirect costs at a maximum of 15% of eligible direct costs. More details on the foundation’s indirect cost policy can be found here.
