1. Standard Grants

Grants of up to $500 are awarded on a rolling basis, subject to board approval and available funds. Standard grants are for public space gardens such as schools, non-profit entities, seed banks, restoration projects, student research and/or classroom projects. 

Eligible Applicants

Applications are accepted from entities located in Bexar County or adjacent counties not served by another NPSOT chapter to include:

• Nonprofit organizations (e.g., schools, churches, and land trusts)
• Nature and conservation-related organizations
• Students and teachers
• Private entities (considered by the board on a case-by-case basis, must be public-facing/engaging)

2. Grower Grants

To expand the availability of native plants, NPSOT-SA offers grants to individuals or small businesses interested in starting or expanding a commercial enterprise (such as a wholesale or retail nursery) that primarily focuses on native plants. Grants of up to $500 are awarded on a rolling basis, subject to board approval and available funds.

Awardees will have the opportunity to consult with local native plant professionals. Funds may be used for costs such as:

• Growing supplies (pots, soil, seeds)
• Fixtures and facilities
• Business licensure (e.g., Texas Department of Agriculture Nursery and Floral License)

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be located in Bexar County or adjacent counties not served by another NPSOT chapter and meet the following criteria:

• Have or be willing to obtain the necessary business licensure (grant funds may be used for this purpose)
• Be a current NPSOT member
• Business enterprise must be a minimum of 90% native plant focused. 

3. Micro-Grants

Individuals may apply for a $50 micro-grant to create a native plant garden at their home, business, or other private/public space. The project must create, improve or increase native habitat in the applicant’s area.

Awardees Will Receive:

• A 30-minute consultation with an NPSOT volunteer
• A $50 voucher redeemable at an NPSOT-SA NICE partner nursery

Eligible Applicants

Micro-grant applications are accepted from individuals in Bexar County or adjacent counties not served by another NPSOT chapter. Priority consideration will be given to:

• NPSOT members
• Teachers
• Projects involving children or underserved populations gaining experience with nature
• Projects with public impact (e.g., front yard vs. backyard gardens)

4. Application Process

To apply, complete the Grant Application Form here.

Applicants must provide contact details and a project description. Including additional details—such as a project budget, other funding sources, maintenance plans, public impact, or research publication plans—will strengthen the application. 

Application Deadlines:
Grant applications are accepted at any time; however, awards will be evaluated twice per year during the March and September NPSOT-SA Board meetings. To be considered in each cycle, applications must be submitted by February 20 and August 20, respectively. This allows time for the Grants Committee to review submissions and make recommendations to the Board.

The following criteria will guide award decisions:

• Clarity of the proposal
• Likelihood of success
• Degree of public engagement/public impact
• Degree of support for new botanist/enthusiasts
• Meets all requirements for funding (see above)

5. Grant Reporting Requirement

All grant recipients must submit a report on their completed project to share with NPSOT-SA membership. This report may include:

• Before-and-after photos
• A short video
• A written summary

Recipients are also encouraged to present their project at an NPSOT-SA monthly meeting.

Contact Information

Have questions? Need assistance? Contact the current Grants Committee Chairperson:
NPSOT-SA Grant Program