This monthly newsletter is intended to provide a guide to funding opportunities to ensure our community has the information needed to apply for grants and connect with federal programs to address key priorities in Texas' Seventh Congressional District.  Please note that President Trump’s executive orders have directed federal agencies to pause many grants funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as well as to review, modify, or cancel additional grant programs administered by federal agencies.  These actions have created significant uncertainty around the timing and availability of funding for community health, safety, development, and critical infrastructure projects, potentially disrupting planning and implementation timelines.   

On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published a proposed rule that substantially revises the Guidance for Financial Assistance, or Uniform Guidance.  The rule expands executive oversight of funding awards by subjecting all discretionary award proposals to review by political appointees of the Trump Administration.  The rule would not require agencies to issue awards, even after posting a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), thereby increasing uncertainty for award applicants. 

Additionally, the proposed rule prohibits the use of federal funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related initiatives or for applicants that promote "Anti-American Values," an undefined term.  Members of the public may submit comments on the proposed rule through July 13, 2026, at the following website. Additional information regarding the proposed rule can be found here.

In response, our office is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM CT, featuring representatives of the National Council of Nonprofits, and Lawyers for Good Government.  Attendees will gain insight into the proposed rule and the process for submitting comments.  Registration for the webinar can be found here.

WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants

• Description: This program supports efforts to increase water supply reliability through investments in the development of tools and information that support water management.  It prioritizes projects that support water supply reliability, forecasting skill, flexibility in water operations, water deliveries and drought management activities, and watershed health.  
• Who can apply?
  • State, county, city, township, and special district governments; Other organizations with water or power delivery authority; Public and state institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Nonprofits that have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education;  Federally funded research and development centers acting in agreement with state and local governments or water delivery authorities.
• Deadline: July 8, 2026

WaterSMART Drought Response Program

• Description: This program seeks to improve drought resilience by developing effective water management strategies and drought contingency plans.  Funding under the Drought Response Program supports a range of initiatives including infrastructure improvements for increased water storage and distribution capabilities, water source diversification, decision-making tools for water management, and comprehensive planning to prepare for and respond to drought conditions.
• Who can apply?
  • State, county, city, township, and special district governments; Other organizations with water or power delivery authority; Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with state and local governments or water delivery authorities.
• Deadline: July 8, 2026

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

• Description: This program strengthens national resilience by supporting proactive hazard mitigation and infrastructure modernization, prioritizing projects that reduce risk from natural hazards and shift federal investment away from post-disaster response toward pre-disaster mitigation.  Program goals include advancing infrastructure projects that deliver immediate and measurable risk reduction, promoting the adoption and enforcement of modern building codes to enhance community resilience, and reducing long-term disaster costs and impacts by prioritizing proactive, infrastructure-focused mitigation strategies.
• Who can apply?
  • State, county, city, and township governments; Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized).
• Deadline: July 23, 2026

Other Active Grant Opportunities

NEW American History and Civics National Activities

• Description: This program aims to encourage innovative American history, civics and government, and geography instruction methods for teachers, principles, or other school leaders.  This program seeks to fund evidence-based instruction, strategies, activities and programs that benefit students from low-income backgrounds and other underserved populations and that include strong partnerships with other eligible entities. 
• Who can apply?
  • Public and state institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Nonprofits that do and do not have 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. 
• Deadline: July 13, 2026

Resident Opportunity and Self-Sufficiency Service Coordinator (ROSS-SC)

• Description: This program supports improving educational, professional, and dismantling health-related barriers to economic stability through service coordinators.  The program assesses resident needs and connects individuals and families to training, supportive services, and community resources that promote upward mobility and long-term self-sufficiency.
• Who can apply?
  • Nonprofits that do and do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public Housing Authorities/Tribal housing authorities; Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized).
• Deadline: September 26, 2026

Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs (PWEAA)

• Description: This program aims to strengthen regional economies by funding community-driven projects that enhance infrastructure, support workforce and business development, and improve economic resilience.  Investments in construction of critical public facilities, technical assistance, and workforce initiatives help communities advance locally led strategies for growth and competitiveness. 
• Who can apply?
  • State, county, city, township, and special district governments; Nonprofits that do and do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; Native American Tribal governments (Federally recognized).
• Deadline: Rolling Applications