Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Community Outdoor Outreach Program (CO-OP) grants
A state grant for outdoor recreation, conservation and environmental education programs that reach under-served Texans. A nonprofit school could use it for field trips, gear and supplies.
- Amount
- $5,000 to $100,000 (reimbursement)
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- No: for-profit schools excluded
- Deadline
- Oct 1, 2027 (338 days left)
- Who this fits
- Private school · Microschool · Homeschool co‑opTax-exempt groups running outdoor recreation, conservation or environmental education for under-served people. Fits a nonprofit school or co-op with an outdoor program. Not for a for-profit school.Religious schools: not stated, ask the funder
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- Texas only
- Last checked
- Oct 28, 2026on tpwd.texas.gov
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- Whether religious schools qualify (the current page and FAQ are silent)
- Whether a new school can apply
What to do now
- Step 1: Register on SAM.gov and check Comptroller good standing
- Step 2: Plan an outdoor or environmental education program for under-served students
- Step 3: Get a resolution signed by your board or an authorized official
- Step 4: Submit in TPWD's online grant system by 5:00 pm October 1, 2027
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“Grants are available to tax-exempt organizations such as local government, Universities, school districts and non-profit organizations.”
This is a reimbursement grant: during the award period you buy, then send receipts. It funds programs, not construction, and no indirect costs. The program must engage under-served groups in outdoor, conservation or environmental education activities. Applicants must be non-political, tax-exempt, and in good standing with the Texas Comptroller and SAM.gov. No match is required. One active award per organization.
- Tax-exempt and non-political
- Good standing with the Texas Comptroller and SAM.gov
- Program serves under-served populations
- Resolution signed by the governing board or an authorized official, dated within 1 year
- Purchases happen during the award period, then are reimbursed
- No construction (trails, ponds, benches, gazebos) and no indirect or overhead costs
Timing
Once a year: proposals are due by 5:00 pm on October 1. The 2026 round just closed; the expected next deadline is October 1, 2027 (a recurring yearly date, not a dated 2027 announcement). Awards are announced March 1 and the grant runs 18 months.