Eligibility

K-12 public and private schools located within Austin Energy and Austin Water service areas are eligible. Schools must be planning or expanding a sustainability-focused project that aligns to city environmental goals, including energy conservation, water conservation, urban forestry, or recycling. Schools must be located within the City of Austin utility service area.

Program Goals

The Bright Green Future School Grants program, offered by the City of Austin through Austin Energy and Austin Water, funds hands-on sustainability projects at Austin-area schools. The program helps students learn environmental stewardship by running real projects focused on energy, water, food systems, and green infrastructure. Awards go to schools with strong project plans that will produce measurable environmental outcomes and student learning.

Application and Distribution

Applications are submitted online during the annual grant window, which historically opens in mid-August and closes in mid-September. Award announcements are made in November. Schools must provide a project plan, learning objectives, budget, and expected environmental impact metrics. Funded projects are implemented during the current school year.

Cycle Notes

The program runs annually with an August-September application window. Awards are announced in November for school year implementation. The program is offered through Austin Energy and Austin Water and is limited to schools within those utility service territories. Visit the Austin Energy website or check austintexas.gov in August for the current application link.

Grant Award Amount

Bright Green Future grants award up to $5,000 per school project. Funds must be used for materials, equipment, and supplies directly tied to the approved sustainability project. Administrative costs are not covered.

Allowable Purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Bright Green Future School Grants in Texas?

K-12 public and private schools within Austin Energy and Austin Water service areas are eligible. Projects must align to sustainability goals: energy, water, food systems, recycling, or green infrastructure.

How much funding is available through Bright Green Future School Grants?

Awards are up to $5,000 per school. Funds cover project materials, equipment, and supplies directly tied to the approved sustainability project.

Can Bright Green Future funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. Bright Green Future funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.

How do Texas schools apply for Bright Green Future School Grants?

Apply online through the Austin Energy or City of Austin website during the mid-August to mid-September application window. Include a project plan, learning objectives, budget, and expected environmental impact. Awards are announced in November.

How can Forward Education help with Bright Green Future funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Texas schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes Bright Green Future School Grants fund. Contact us before submitting your application.