Below is our hit list — the agencies with the MOST grant money available and the strongest alignment with South Dallas, Oak Cliff, Lancaster, DeSoto, Duncanville, and central Dallas needs.

1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Why:

• TX‑30 has major housing challenges

• HUD has the largest pool of urban grants

• Perfect for affordable housing, homelessness, senior housing, community revitalization

Programs to target:

• Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

• HOME Investment Partnerships

• Choice Neighborhoods

• Homeless Assistance Grants

• Lead & Mold Prevention funds

2. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

Why: TX‑30 has massive needs in mobility, sidewalks, bus stops, DART, and road safety.

Programs to target:

• RAISE Grants (major infrastructure)

• Safe Streets & Roads for All (SS4A)

• Bus & Bus Facility Grants

• Reconnecting Communities

• Highway Safety Improvement Program

3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Includes:
SAMHSA, HRSA, ACF, CDC

Why: Huge opportunities for:

• mental health

• addiction services

• women’s health

• seniors

• children & families

• community clinics

• mobile health buses
  
  

Programs to target:

• Behavioral Health grants (SAMHSA)

• Community Health Centers (HRSA)

• Maternal & Child Health grants

• Mental health crisis response teams

• Disease prevention (CDC)

4. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

Includes COPS, OJP, BJA, OVW

Why: Money for police, violence prevention, and youth programs.

Programs to target:

• COPS Hiring Grants (more officers)

• Byrne Justice Assistance Grants

• Community Violence Intervention (CVI)

• Youth mentorship and reentry

• Domestic violence shelters (OVW)

5. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Why: TX‑30 has one of the highest concentrations of:

• Black-owned businesses

• Latino-owned businesses

• women-owned businesses

• family-run businesses

Programs to target:

• Community Navigator Grants

• Microloan intermediaries

• Small business innovation (SBIR/STTR)

• Disaster preparedness funding

• Entrepreneur mentorship programs

6. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Why: Even though TX‑30 isn’t rural, USDA funds:

• food insecurity

• nutrition programs

• community markets

• food banks

• urban agriculture

Programs to target:

• Community Food Projects

• Urban Agriculture Grants

• Nutrition Assistance

• Grocery access programs

7. Department of Commerce (EDA + NTIA)

Why: Commerce brings jobs and internet expansion.

Programs to target:

• EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance

• Workforce Development Grants

• Broadband Expansion Grants (NTIA)

• Technology hubs & innovation districts

8. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Given your passion for veterans, the VA is essential.

Programs to target:

• Homeless veteran grants

• Veterans mental health clinics

• Veteran entrepreneurship

• VA community partnerships

9. Department of Homeland Security (FEMA)

Why: Money for:

• emergency response

• fire departments

• community resilience

• hazard mitigation

• flood prevention

10. U.S. Department of Education

For schools in Dallas ISD, DeSoto ISD, and Lancaster ISD.

Programs to target:

• Teacher training

• After‑school & summer learning

• Mental health in schools

• Career & technical education

• Youth support services