The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is accepting applications for the Appropriation Year 2027 Nursing, Allied Health, and Other Health-Related Education Grant Program, RFA #1828, issued October 22, 2026. This is a competitive state-funded financial-assistance grant for qualified Texas registered-nursing education programs, not a procurement contract or a general grant for all healthcare providers.
Funding and award period
THECB anticipates approximately 32 individual grants averaging an estimated $150,000 per award, contingent on available appropriations. $150,000 is an estimate, not a published firm applicant-level maximum; the RFA does not identify an enforceable maximum award or explicitly state the total funding pool. The grant period begins after execution of the Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) or January 15, 2027, whichever is later, and ends January 15, 2029. Award announcements are anticipated in January 2027.
Who may apply
Eligible applicants generally are Texas public or independent/private institutions of higher education offering a prelicensure registered-nurse education program with the required Texas Board of Nursing (BON) initial and full approval. Two-year institutions, four-year teaching institutions and qualified nursing-resource programs may be eligible. Institutions or components eligible for funding under Texas Education Code Chapter 63, Subchapters A or B are excluded from this specific competition. Applicants must verify their exact status under Section 3.1 of the RFA. One application is allowed per eligible applicant; no Notice of Intent to Apply is required.
Eligible projects and spending
Projects must address the shortage of registered nurses or qualified nursing faculty through innovative education, recruitment, or retention initiatives, including expanded programs and new projects that comply with BON rules. A full-time educator or qualified institutional administrator must serve as project director. Reasonable, necessary and approved costs may include directly involved personnel, curriculum and teaching resources, faculty development, student recruitment and support, project-related travel, specified equipment/software, and limited facility adaptation. Equipment above $10,000 per unit must be delivered by October 15, 2027; funded qualifying renovations must be completed by January 15, 2028.
Restrictions, cost sharing and payment
Prohibited costs include indirect costs, salaries unrelated to the project, foreign travel, entertainment, food and beverages, real estate, structural construction or major renovations, and other exclusions specified in Section 6.2.2. Grant funds may not supplant existing funds. The RFA does not state a mandatory cost-sharing percentage; having local funds to share project costs can earn points under the competitive selection rubric. After an executed NOGA, 25% of awarded funds is advanced after the grant start; the remaining 75% is reimbursed following approved expense and financial reports. Required performance and financial reporting continues through the award term.
Application deadline and requirements
Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time through THECB’s official Grants Management System (GMS). THECB does not accept applications by email, postal mail, hand delivery or fax. Submission must be completed by an authorized institutional representative and include the RFA-required application materials and budget. Any necessary BON waiver must be approved and submitted with the application. Confirm successful electronic receipt in GMS. Applicants should read the full 45-page controlling RFA, including the budget rules, selection criteria, grants assurances, appendix calendar and any subsequently posted addenda before applying.
Official controlling source: THECB RFA #1828, AY2027 (45-page PDF). Official program contact: NAHP@highered.texas.gov. Details checked against the controlling solicitation on October 23, 2026. Follow the official source for any amendments.