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Native Plant Society of Texas

San Antonio Chapter

Apply to our Grant Program

NPSOT-SA Grant Program

The Native Plant Society of Texas, San Antonio Chapter (NPSOT-SA) Grant Program supports community projects that promote native plant use, habitat conservation, and restoration through education, outreach, and hands-on examples. It also aims to educate members and the local community on the importance of native plants while encouraging research on their conservation and restoration.

Funded projects will promote awareness and education of Texas native plants to the public or support research that aligns with these goals. Examples of previously awarded grants include native plant gardens at schools and other public spaces, invasive plant management/control efforts, and habitat  restoration projects. Students conducting research or teachers incorporating native plant studies into classroom content are encouraged to apply.

The NPSOT-SA chapter provides financial support, technical guidance, and recognition for projects that meet these goals. Any member is encouraged to develop an idea into a fundable project and submit a grant proposal for consideration.

CURRENT STATUS

  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)
 
  1. 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. 
 
  1. 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)
 
  1. 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. 

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)
 
  1. 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

Complete Grant Application Form
Learn About Past Grant Awardees

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason