Vaccines Defend What Matters is TMA’s integrated, multimedia public health education and advocacy effort to overcome vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination rates in Texas.
At a time when the public is hearing mixed messages about the safety of vaccines, Vaccines Defend What Matters sends a strong message from trusted physician leaders that choosing to be immunized against infectious disease safeguards public health, jobs, schools, and the Texas economy.
As part of this effort, TMA Foundation (TMAF) offers grants of up to $3,500 to fund vaccination activities, educational resources, and community outreach events. County medical societies, TMA Alliance chapters, medical student chapters, and TMA member-physician practices/clinics can apply.
Eligible applicants are expected to be involved in programs or events that either directly provide vaccinations or promote vaccine education. Grants are not limited to but can fund shot clinics to vaccinate underserved and uninsured children, adolescents, and adults, events that educate the public about vaccinations, and/or outreach initiatives that address vaccine hesitancy.
Applicants whose focus is in areas of greatest need will receive priority funding. These include Texas counties with low immunization rates and high rates of conscientious exemptions.
Apply for a Grant
| |
Round 1
|
Round 2
|
Round 3
|
| Grants Portal Opens
|
Dec. 3, 2025
|
Mar. 18, 2026
|
Jun. 24, 2026
|
| Application Deadline
|
Feb. 13, 2026
|
May 22, 2026
|
Aug. 21, 2026
|
| Decision Notification
|
Mar. 20, 2026
|
Jun. 26, 2026
|
Sept. 25, 2026
|
A log-in is required for the TMA Foundation grant portal*. After creating an account through the grant portal you will be able to access the application. Applicants only need to apply once per grant cycle. If you have not previously applied for a grant, you may need to create an account. This portal is different from your TMA website login.
Funding cannot be used to reimburse for previously held events or activities, applicants should apply in advance of program or event start date (if program or event is grant dependent). Funds will be released upon completion of the grant agreement and grantees have up to 12 months from receipt to use all awarded funds.
Submission of a final grant report is required upon completion of the program or event. The grant report is used for both evaluation of the program or event’s measurable outcomes, and an opportunity for grant recipients to provide additional accomplishments toward local impact.
Examples of the application and final grant report questions are provided to assist in your responses.
Questions? Email us for more information. You may also call our office at (512) 370-1412 and leave a message. Additional TMA Foundation Grants
THANK YOU to All 2026 Grant Recipients
Round One
UTMB TMA Medical Student Chapter (Galveston County)
The UTMB TMA Medical Student Chapter will provide free Tdap and flu vaccinations to individuals who are uninsured and medically underserved in the Galveston community through a student-run clinic. The initiative the initiative will also provide vaccine education through culturally appropriate materials, workshops, and digital outreach. The program is designed to improve immunization rates, increase preventive health knowledge, and reduce disparities in vaccine access across underserved communities in southeast Texas.
Spring Branch Community Health Center (Harris County)
The SBCHC will provide vaccinations and school supplies to children who are uninsured, enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP, and of low income in the Houston Metro Area through its annual Back-to-School Vaccine Drives. Partnering with community organizations, the SBCHC aims to increase immunization rates and support school readiness.
Bell County Medical Society
BCMS will provide free flu vaccinations to adults who are uninsured, and underserved, and of low income in Bell County through its annual flu-shot clinic. In addition to the flu clinics, the project will offer bilingual educational materials in English and Spanish to increase vaccine awareness and reduce the spread of the flu.
People’s Community Clinic (Travis County)
People’s Community Clinic will provide free flu vaccinations to adults who are uninsured during two fall vaccine drives in Austin to prevent the flu and resulting complications. The mission of People’s Community Clinic is to improve the health of the medically underserved and uninsured in Central Texas by providing high quality, affordable healthcare with dignity and respect.
Vaccines Defend What Matters Information
Donate to Vaccines Defend What Matters