Partnering with State Agencies
Partnering with state agencies can be a mysterious and frustrating process for many faith-based and community organizations. Some individuals may want to support citizens in need by volunteering through a state agency. Finding the right entry point to state programs that need volunteers is often a challenge. Other organizations may wish to provide services through a memorandum of understanding or a memorandum of agreement with no exchange of funds. And many choose to answer a request for proposals (RFP) to compete for state funding to provide services to citizens in need.
State agencies are funded through legislation that is tied to specific services (for example Summer Food Programs or Domestic Violence Services). The state budget through the legislative process allocates funding to each agency so they can provide those specific services. State agencies often contract with or enter into both monetary and non-monetary agreements with nonprofit and for-profit entities to get this work accomplished on the state’s behalf. State agencies seldom accept unsolicited proposals no matter how innovative or passionate you may be about your desire to serve your community.
If you are not sure working with the state is right for your ministry or organization you can find some guidance here about protections for the state, for the clients you serve and for your ministry.
To learn more about business opportunities with the state please read the Contracting with the State Frequently Asked Questions.
Click on the links below to explore opportunities for partnering with the state:
Texas eGrants
The eGrants website can be a one-stop solution for any organization or individual seeking information related to grants offered by state agencies and local governments.
Department of Agriculture
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities
Department of Family and Protective Services
Prevention and Early Intervention
Emergency Resource Rooms
Rainbow Rooms
Department of Information Resources
Department of State Health Services
DSHS Funding Information Center
Health and Human Services Commission
2-1-1 Texas Information and Referral Network
Community Resource Coordination Groups
Community Resource Coordination Groups
Twogether in Texas Healthy Marriage Program
Office of Secretary of State
Office of State-Federal Relations
Office of the Attorney General
Institution of Higher Education
Office of the Comptroller
Texas SmartBuy Membership Program
Office of the Governor
Public Utility Commission of Texas
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) was established by the Texas Legislature in 1975 and given regulatory oversight over electric and telecommunications utilities in the state. The mission of the PUC is to protect customers, foster competition, and promote high quality infrastructure. The governing legislation for the PUC is the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) (Utilities Code, Title 2). Changes to PURA have resulted in significant restructuring of the electric and telecommunications markets in Texas, particularly during the last decade. Since these changes can make it confusing for customers to navigate the deregulated market, the PUC is dedicated to offering educational materials to the public. We have fact sheets on a variety of topics available on the agency’s main website as well as educational handouts about our Powertochoose.org website.
Additionally, PUC staff is available to teach train-the-trainer workshops for faith based and community organizations who serve clients of all socio-economic backgrounds living in deregulated parts of the state. Please contact henry.garza@puc.texas.gov for further information or to request materials or schedule a train-the-trainer session.
Texas State Commission on National and Community Service
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
Notices of Funding Availability
Texas Department of Insurance
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Juvenile Justice Department
Volunteering & Partnering with TJJD: For information about becoming a volunteer or offering a special volunteer program, contact Tammy Holland at (512) 490-7090 or visit here.
Contracting with TJJD: To see posted opportunities for contracting with TJJD, visit here. Unsolicited contract proposals can be emailed to William Walk at William.Walk@tjjd.texas.gov with a full description of your organization and your interest in contracting services. You can also contact William directly at (512) 490-7265.
Texas Veterans Commission
Veteran Benefits Certification – University of Texas at Arlington
Veterans Mental Health Department
Texas Workforce Commission
Opportunities to partner with Texas Workforce, OneStar Foundation & Federal Level
Doing Business with Texas Workforce
Workforce Solutions Marketplace Web page
Faith-based and community organizations may partner with Workforce Development Boards or the Texas Workforce Commission to provide employment-related services. Procurement opportunities are listed on the Workforce Solutions Marketplace web page. These are frequently updated. Visit Workforce Solutions Marketplace often to learn about current procurement opportunities.
