Texas Parks & Wildlife CO-OP Grants — 2026 Application Cycle

What the funder says

Reimbursement grants of $5,000–$100,000 for tax-exempt organizations engaging underserved populations in TPWD mission-oriented outdoor recreation, conservation and environmental education. Applications August 3–October 1, 2026; awards announced March 1, 2027. No match required, but recipients must pay eligible expenses before reimbursement.

Eligibility

Applicants who are non-political, tax-exempt organizations that are in good standing with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and System of Award Management (SAM) are eligible to apply. Only one active grant award is allowed per organization.

Application requirements

Submit through the online grant management system. Official deadline wording is 5:00pm CST October 1; confirm intended timezone because the date falls during daylight-saving time. Governing-board or authorized-official resolution dated within one year and authorizing submission is required by deadline; otherwise application is ineligible. Reimbursement requires eligible purchases and supporting documentation. Direct project personnel, food/travel, training, participant liability insurance, fees, supplies/equipment may be eligible. No construction, trails, vehicles or indirect/overhead expenses. Hiking/backpacking is eligible, but project must address program priorities and underserved participation. Scoring considers TPWD connections, reach and demographic reporting, impact, budget/timeline and delivery capacity; multiple experiences over time preferred. Qualified staff/resources may be supplied through a partner. Commitment letters are not universally required. Awards announced March 1, 2027 with 18-month performance period; eligible activities and purchases must occur within that period. Review full official terms.