On November 30, 2021, the Commissioners Court approved a court order to create a fund allocating $200,000 to independent school districts and community colleges in Harris County to conduct disparity studies regarding the utilization of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBEs). The fund’s goal is to encourage the mitigation of racial and gender disparities where they may exist in public procurement practices and decrease barriers often experienced by M/WBEs. 

On April 5, 2022, the Commissioners Court approved the program design for the Disparity Study Fund grant program. On May 24, 2022, the Commissioners Court approved the fund to be increased to $2 million using ARPA FLEX funds.

Currently, Lone Star College, Aldine ISD, Alief ISD and Spring ISD are conducting disparity studies supported by the Disparity Study Fund.

On February 27, 2024, the Commissioners Court approved amending the Disparity Study Fund court order and expanding eligibility for the Disparity Study Fund Grant program to include additional entities.

The purpose of the Disparity Study Fund is to encourage the mitigation of racial and gender disparities where they may exist in public procurement practices, decrease barriers often experienced by M/WBEs in contract procurement, and increase access to economic opportunities. Harris County recently approved the Disparity Study Fund to include independent school districts, community colleges, and entities on which Harris County Commissioners Court places at least one board member and the business within Harris County that have never completed a Disparity Study. Cities with a population of fewer than 200,000 residents are also eligible.

For round two, Harris County has $900,000 available for grant recipients. PLEASE CLICK HERE for Program Requirements.

To see the list of eligible school districts, community colleges, and entities – PLEASE CLICK HERE.

The Letter of Intent will open on Monday, April 15, 2024.

STEP 1: Attend Informational Meeting (optional but highly encouraged) – Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 9 am - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

STEP 2: Eligible entities can submit Letter of Intent via this link by Friday, May 10, 2024

STEP 3: DEEO will send an invitation to complete a full application on Friday, May 17, 2024

STEP 4: Complete Application by Friday, June 14, 2024

STEP 5: Notification of Funding by Friday, June 28, 2024

1. How will we be notified if we are selected as an awardee?

The Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity will email the organizations and notify them that they are selected as awardees of the Disparity Study Fund.

2. Will there be additional funds available after the 2^nd round?

No, further funds have not been allocated to this program.

3. We are not located in Harris County. Can we still apply?

No, applicants must be located in Harris County.

4. How much does a disparity study cost?

Depending on the size of an organization, the length of the study period, and how much data is collected, a disparity study costs in the range of $200,000 to $500,000.

5. How long does it take to complete a disparity study?

The length of a study is determined by the scope of the research, condition and availability of the data, scope of services, and number of entities involved.A comprehensive disparity study takes 12-24 months to complete.