Since its inception in 2003, the Quality of Life Grants program has been a cornerstone of BCIC’s efforts to enhance Brownsville, Texas’s appeal as a vibrant place to live, work, invest, and visit. The program aims to support a broad range of local organizations by offering grants for projects that will create conditions and opportunities for our community members to live fulfilling lives. BCIC has invested in over 270 projects, totaling 60.2 million dollars through grants and self-directed projects. These projects have improved public parks and open spaces and supported entertainment, museums, tourism, and infrastructure development.
All projects must foster economic development within the Brownsville city limits. After board approval, a 60-day public comment period is triggered, which ultimately results in the City Commission’s approval.
Quality of Life Projects are initiatives that significantly enhance the well-being of Brownsville’s residents and visitors by enriching the community’s cultural, recreational, and aesthetic attributes. These projects aim to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable environment where people can live, work, play, and invest with improved health, happiness, and satisfaction. These projects are characterized by their potential to make a substantial and lasting impact on the area’s socio-economic development, fostering a sense of pride and enhancing the overall living conditions for a wide range of demographics in Brownsville.
5:00 PM, December 1, 2025
Application Deadline
Grant funding is subject to BCIC Board approval and may be less than the amount requested. Awards are based on project scope, community impact, evaluation criteria, and any other factors the Board determines.
Applicants must provide a 20% match toward project costs (or 50% for planning and feasibility grants, up to $25,000). Matches may include:
Funding from the applicant
Other grants or external funding sources
In-kind donations and land value are not eligible as match contributions.
Multi-phase projects will be considered only if each phase is independently usable and fundable.
To qualify, projects must:
Be located within Brownsville city limits and open to the public.
Align with BCIC’s mission and the Texas Local Government Code §501.101.
Serve a broad portion of Brownsville residents or visitors.
Demonstrate sustainability and clear plans for long-term maintenance.
Be shovel-ready, with completed plans, pricing, and timelines.
