08 Jan 2026

2026 Scharbauer Foundation Grants: Funding for Midland & Odessa Communities

Community transformation requires sustained investment, trusted partnerships, and a clear focus on long-term impact. In West Texas, the Scharbauer Foundation plays a pivotal role in strengthening nonprofit organizations and public institutions across Midland and Odessa.

Closing out 2025, the Foundation announced it will award more than $16 million in grants, making this one of the largest funding years in its history. While the most recent fall grant cycle highlighted significant investments in Midland-based organizations, the Foundation's overall funding scope serves the broader Midland–Odessa region. With the Spring 2026 grant cycle opening on January 8, 2026, this is a critical opportunity for eligible nonprofits seeking capital or project-based support.

About the Scharbauer Foundation

Established in 2011, the Scharbauer Foundation is a private charitable foundation dedicated to funding projects that create measurable, lasting community impact. Rather than short-term operating support, the Foundation prioritizes initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, expand services, and improve quality of life across its core focus areas.

2026 Scharbauer Foundation Grants

According to Foundation leadership, this historic grant cycle reflects a deep commitment to innovation, leadership, and community resilience in the Midland–Odessa region.

Why These Grants Matter

The Scharbauer Foundation's funding addresses real, local needs, ranging from access to education and workforce development to healthcare capacity, public safety, and affordable housing.

In 2025 alone:

  • $7.1M+ supported education initiatives
  • $4.1M+ strengthened healthcare services
  • $2.4M+ enhanced quality-of-place projects
  • $2.8M+ expanded human services

These investments help organizations move beyond planning and into execution delivering tangible improvements residents can see and experience.

Grant Focus Areas

Eligible projects must align with one or more of the Foundation's four funding priorities:

Education

Projects that expand learning access, workforce readiness, and youth development.

Examples include:

  • Literacy and reading initiatives
  • Workforce and skills training programs
  • Youth enrichment and sports programs

Healthcare

Funding to improve healthcare access, service delivery, and operational capacity.

Examples include:

  • Medical equipment purchases
  • Facility improvements
  • Patient care infrastructure

Quality of Place

Initiatives that enhance civic life, public safety, and community infrastructure.

Examples include:

  • Public media and educational programming
  • Emergency response and public safety equipment
  • Civic facilities and community spaces

Human Services

Programs that address housing stability, safety, and essential community needs.

Examples include:

  • Affordable housing improvements
  • Security and safety upgrades
  • Therapy and support service expansion

By pairing financial support with structured oversight, the Foundation helps nonprofits implement projects that protect natural resources while building community capacity.

Note: Kindly visit the official Scharbauer Foundation impact information page for more detailed information on grant focus areas.

Grant Details at a Glance

  • Total Funding (2025): $16+ million awarded
  • Grant Types: Capital projects (construction, renovation, repairs), Equipment purchase and installation, Program or project expansion
  • Geographic Focus: Midland and Odessa, Texas
  • Consecutive Funding: Non-capital grants are not funded in successive years

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3)
  • Be classified as a public charity under IRS Section 509(a)
  • Provide an IRS determination letter
  • Operate within Midland or Odessa
  • Submit all required progress or final reports from prior grants

Government entities must provide documentation confirming tax-exempt status.

Ineligible Applicants

The Foundation does not fund:

  • Individuals
  • Churches
  • Lobbying organizations
  • Individual PK–12 public or private schools serving the general population

Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the official Scharbauer Foundation grant guidelines before applying to confirm eligibility, funding priorities, and application requirements.

2026 Grant Cycle Deadlines

Spring 2026 Grant Cycle

  • Pre-Application Window: January 8 – January 22, 2026
  • Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (local time)

Fall 2026 Grant Cycle

  • Pre-Application Window: July 30 – August 13, 2026
  • Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (local time)

All applicants, new and returning, must create a new online account to submit a pre-application.

Application Process

Step 1: Review Guidelines

Confirm that your organization, project type, and geographic location align with Scharbauer Foundation priorities.

Step 2: Submit a Pre-Application

Qualified organizations submit a pre-application through the Foundation's online portal during the active grant cycle.

Step 3: Invitation to Apply

Selected organizations will be invited to submit a complete grant application with detailed budgets and project plans.

Step 4: Grant Agreement & Reporting

Approved grantees must sign a grant agreement and complete required reports through the online system.

Note: For detailed, up-to-date information on grant deadlines and the application process, applicants are encouraged to review the Foundation's official application page.

Supporting Coordination and Program Documentation

Large, multi-partner initiatives often require clear coordination, follow-through, and documentation to meet funding and reporting expectations. To support this, organizations may use structured systems to manage tasks, referrals, and stakeholder interactions across teams and partners.

Referral and program-tracking tools such as GridSocial can help document actions from initiation through completion, maintain consistent records, and support transparency, accountability, and reporting throughout the grant lifecycle.

Tips for a Strong Scharbauer Foundation Application

Successful proposals to the Scharbauer Foundation typically demonstrate thoughtful planning, accountability, and long-term community impact. Strong applications focus on how funding will be used effectively to deliver measurable results.

  • Emphasize the capital impact or the scalability of project outcomes.
    Clearly show how the project strengthens infrastructure, expands capacity, or creates lasting value beyond the grant period.
  • Clearly explain community benefit and long-term value.
    Describe who will benefit, how success will be measured, and why the project matters for the Midland and Odessa communities.
  • Present a realistic, well-aligned budget.
    Ensure the budget directly supports project activities and timelines, reflecting responsible stewardship of grant funds.
  • Demonstrate organizational readiness and accountability.
    Highlight leadership capacity, internal controls, and systems in place to manage funds, track progress, and meet reporting requirements.

Conclusion: Investing in the Midland–Odessa Region's Future

The Scharbauer Foundation's 2026 grant cycles represent a significant opportunity for nonprofits and public organizations working to strengthen education, healthcare, infrastructure, and essential services across Midland and Odessa.

With a clear focus on capital investment and measurable outcomes, these grants help turn well-planned initiatives into lasting community improvements. Eligible organizations are encouraged to review the official guidelines and prepare early for the Spring 2026 pre-application window.

Scroll