Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Author: DFW501c Reporter

  • Catholic Charities Fort Worth to continue Fortress’ legacy of service

    Catholic Charities Fort Worth to continue Fortress’ legacy of service

    Catholic Charities Fort Worth (CCFW) and Fortress Youth Development Center are partnering to ensure that Fortress’s legacy of service continues to shape the future
    of Fort Worth families, transforming a moment of transition into a long-term investment in what comes next.

    Following its closure in September 2025, Fortress made the intentional decision to extend its impact beyond its 20 years of direct service. As part of that vision, a restricted endowment, The Fortress Fund, has been established and will be held and administered by Catholic Charities Fort Worth.

    The Fortress Fund will provide ongoing, sustainable support for programs that help low-income working families build bridges from poverty to promise, continuing the mission that defined Fortress since its founding in 2005.

    “This moment feels like both a closure and a powerful new beginning,” said Stacy Agee Martin, Executive Director of Fortress. “As we entrust this next chapter to Catholic Charities Fort Worth, I do so with deep gratitude and hope. Through our partnership with CCFW – specifically the childcare specialist who connected families to our care – I’ve seen firsthand their commitment to thoughtful, family-centered work. I am confident The Fortress Fund will be stewarded with integrity, ensuring the Fortress legacy continues for generations.”

    In addition to establishing the endowment, Catholic Charities Fort Worth has acquired the former Fortress campus, creating new opportunities to build on what Fortress started and to serve families in new and expanded ways. Planning is already underway to thoughtfully reimagine how the space can best support the evolving needs of the community, with more details to be shared in the months ahead.

    Beginning in March 2027, distributions from The Fortress Fund will directly support families served through CCFW’s programs. These funds will be used to provide critical resources such as childcare assistance for low-income working families, financial support for education and career advancement, and services that strengthen emotional and financial resilience.

    “The Fortress Board of Directors is delighted to partner with Catholic Charities of Fort Worth to preserve the 20-year legacy of Fortress’ service to the Fort Worth community,” said Kirk Lundblade, longtime Fortress board member. “Given CCFW’s strong presence in the community and its like-minded commitment to Fortress’s mission of ‘building bridges from poverty to promise’, we feel this organization is ideally suited to manage the fund and make distributions to deserving recipients.”
    “Investing in children and families at critical moments in their lives is something we have the privilege of sharing in common with Fortress,” said Heather Reynolds, President and CEO of Catholic Charities Fort Worth. “We are excited to continue running this race and cannot wait to share more as we reimagine the space for the future needs of this community.”

    Fortress announced its closure in September 2025 after months of sustained efforts by community partners and donors to maintain operations. Over its 20-year history, the organization served more than 1,700 children and youth, providing high-quality early childhood education and critical support that enabled parents to pursue education and employment.

    Through this partnership, that impact will continue, ensuring that the legacy of Fortress remains an active, evolving force for good in Fort Worth.

    Source: Press release

  • Dwell with Dignity’s The STUDIO raised $145,000 at sold-out premiere party

    Dwell with Dignity’s The STUDIO (formerly Thrift Studio), presented by Amazon, raised $145,000 at its VIP Premiere Party on April 9, drawing more than 300 guests from Dallas’ design, business and philanthropic communities for the kickoff of the organization’s highly anticipated month-long pop-up. Now in its 15th year, The STUDIO is open to the public through May 9 at 1833 E. Levee St. in the Dallas Design District.

    The energy at the Premiere Party reflected what The STUDIO has become over 15 years: one of Dallas’ most celebrated spring events at the intersection of design, community and purpose. Every dollar raised goes directly to Dwell with Dignity’s mission of transforming homes and lives for families after experiencing homelessness and poverty.

    “The STUDIO exists because a well-designed home is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline,” said Teresa Charnock, Executive Director of Dwell with Dignity. “Research confirms that thoughtfully designed spaces measurably reduce stress, support emotional recovery and restore dignity. For families rebuilding after experiencing homelessness and poverty, that changes everything. When you shop The STUDIO, you are part of that transformation.”

    Amazon returns as Presenting Sponsor of The STUDIO, deepening a partnership that has helped generate more than $1.5 million in merchandise sales and supported life-changing home transformations for 72 Dallas families.

    “At Amazon, we invest in organizations that create lasting solutions for families in our community,” said Vickie Yakunin, Amazon’s head of community engagement in Texas. “Through our continued partnership with Dwell with Dignity and The STUDIO, we’re supporting their work to create thoughtfully designed spaces that foster stability and long-term opportunity for families across Dallas.”

    The STUDIO features seven of Dallas’ most sought-after interior designers, each with a distinct aesthetic. Each designer has transformed their space into a fully styled room vignette filled with donated and curated furniture, art, accessories and housewares—all at deeply discounted prices.

    The 2026 designer lineup includes:

    •       Ashleigh Graber Design

    •       Graham + Co Interiors | Sarah Graham

    •       Living Luxury Lab by MxD Interiors

    •       Roco and Xander by Amara Home Designs

    •       Studio 11 Design

    •       Studio Thomas James

    •       Yates Desygn

    The 2026 event is chaired by Jean Liu, Jean Liu Design, with Art Chair Kendall Bardin.


    THE STUDIO IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

    Tuesday–Saturday | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

    Through May 9, 2026

    1833 E. Levee St., Dallas, TX 75207

    Free admission

    Insider tip: Visit on Tuesdays. The STUDIO team spends every Monday refreshing and restocking the space—meaning Tuesday shoppers get a completely renewed experience every week. 100 percent of sales benefit Dwell with Dignity’s mission.

    Source: Press release

  • Levitt Arlington expands Youth Spotlight program

    Levitt Arlington expands Youth Spotlight program

    The Levitt Pavilion’s signature free concert series will once again shine a light on the next generation of performers, as the Levitt Youth Spotlight returns for its third season in 2026 with expanded opportunities for young artists. The program is unique to the downtown Arlington live music destination and remains the only youth-focused initiative of its kind across the national Levitt network of performance venues.

    This year’s Spotlight program will feature more performers, expanding beyond Friday nights to include select Saturday concerts. Youth Spotlight artists perform in the same or a complementary genre as the evening’s headline and opening act, offering an elevated concert experience for audiences while giving young performers a meaningful connection to the mainstage acts.

    The first Youth Spotlight performers will debut during opening weekend April 24-25, ahead of headliners Uncle Lucius (Austin-based alt rock and Americana) and Jay Perez (Tejano hitmaker). Arlington-based singers Mason Engler, 18 and Natalia Vega, 9, will kick off the season, representing Young Stars & Guitars and Destiny Studio, respectively.

    Engler will perform during Friday’s Americana and country evening, while Vega’s set will feature a country selection along with a Spanish-language rendition of “Oh Susana,” reflecting the genre-spanning range of the Levitt’s annual concert calendar.

    Texas Trust Credit Union fuels expansion

    The 2026 program is made possible through support from Texas Trust Credit Union, which joins the program as its inaugural presenting sponsor.

    “We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone expansion of the Youth Spotlight program with the support of Texas Trust, an organization that consistently demonstrates its commitment to community,” said Letatia Teykl, executive director of Levitt Pavilion Arlington. “This program reflects our shared commitment to community, as well as the Levitt’s continued focus on innovation and support for performing arts and artists. It gives young artists a chance to grow, connect with new audiences and gain real-world experience—and you never know, someone in the crowd might one day say, ‘I saw them when they were just a kid at the Levitt.’”

    Jim Minge, CEO of Texas Trust stated, “At Texas Trust, we believe in investing in the bright futures of our local youth and the vibrant culture of the communities we serve. The Levitt Youth Spotlight is a one-of-a-kind platform that gives young performers more than just a stage—it gives them the professional experience and confidence to chase their dreams. We are honored to fuel the expansion of this program and can’t wait to see these talented young artists shine in downtown Arlington this season.”

    More about the program: Levitt Youth Spotlight provides young performers from Arlington, Mansfield, and now other areas of DFW with an opportunity to experience the full arc of a live music engagement—from booking, contract execution, and sound checks to performing on a professional stage. Participants, ages 6-22, are recommended by local music studios and school music teachers and selected through a submission process. Once chosen, artists prepare for and perform a live set ahead of the evening’s opening act.

    “It’s an A-to-Z professional experience, which can be hard to come by for a young performer,” said Sarah Duke, owner of Destiny Studio, a program partner. “We were delighted when the Levitt first approached us about collaborating on this program.”

    In addition to performing, Youth Spotlight artists receive a stipend and a professionally livestreamed recording of their performance, which can be used to promote future opportunities.

    Last season, approximately 17 artists ages 10-20 participated in the program, in genres including country, rock, pop and more. With this year’s expansion, that number is expected to double.

    Community partners for the Youth Spotlight program include: Destiny Studio, Cook Children’s Patient Ambassadors, and Young Stars and Guitars. This year, the program will expand to include outreach to the fine arts programs at Arlington and Mansfield school districts.  

    The Youth Spotlight program is part of Levitt Arlington’s 2026 concert season, which launches April 24 and features a genre diverse lineup of free live music performances through the spring, summer and fall. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Paid concessions are available from the Levitt’s food truck fleet. The Levitt is located at 100 W Abram across from City Hall. For more information about Youth Spotlight, including the artist submission process, visit levittpavilionarlington.org/get-involved/perform. For the 2026 Levitt concert schedule, visit  levittarlington.org.

    Source: Press release

  • On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles

    On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles

    This week: Goodwill North Central Texas, North Texas Community Foundation, DOVIA Tarrant County, Arts Fort Worth, The Women’s Center

    Goodwill North Central Texas announced today its 2026 Board of Directors and officers, led by incoming Board Chair Jerry Thompson, Market President for Tarrant and Denton Counties. Thompson will guide the organization on expanding access to education, job training and employment opportunities while strengthening retail operations and growing the donated goods program that fuels Goodwill’s mission.

    North Texas Community Foundation (NTCF) announces the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors.  Joining the Board of Directors are:

    Amy Knight Brown, Trustee, James & Dorothy Doss Foundation; Director, TexasBank

    Jamie Packer, Executive Director – Wealth Management and Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services

    Candace Sandifer, Estate Planning, Business Representation & Probate Attorney, Harris Cook, LLP

    “As we look to the future, strong leadership is essential to advancing our mission. These new board members bring the expertise, perspective, and commitment needed to help guide our next chapter of impact,” said Rose Bradshaw, President & CEO of North Texas Community Foundation.

    DOVIA Tarrant County is excited to welcome Bryan Partika, MS, MBA as their 2026 Board President! Bryan has represented TCU as a member of DOVIA since 2022.

    Arts Fort Worth introduces their 2026 Board of Directors! From left: Bob Jameson, Glenda Thompson, Lisa Powers Miller, Steve Gordon, Jessica Sangsvang, Whitney McLean, Wesley Kirk, Megan Carroll Henderson, Grant Summers, Shanna Saldaña, Katherine Barr Smith, Blake W. Moorman, Andrew Reynolds, David Colón, and Arts Fort Worth Executive Director Wesley Gentle.

    The Women’s Center is pleased to welcome Brenda Rios as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), a key addition to the organization’s executive leadership team as it continues its mission to empower and inspire women, men and children to overcome violence, crisis and poverty. The newly created role of COO reflects the Center’s commitment to strengthening its organizational foundation to meet community needs for decades to come.

  • Junior Achievement of Dallas celebrates record-breaking 2026 Dallas Business Hall of Fame

    Junior Achievement of Dallas celebrates record-breaking 2026 Dallas Business Hall of Fame

    Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) honored four distinguished business leaders at the 28th annual Dallas Business Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 28, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. The fundraising gala—presented by Ryan, LLC—recognized Susan Adzick, Phillip Huffines, Allen Nye and Steven Williams for their lasting contributions to the Dallas business community and region. 

    The event raised a record-breaking $1.4 million in support of JA Dallas’ mission to inspire and prepare young people for success in a global economy.

    Dallas Cowboys Strength and Conditioning Coach Harold Nash served as emcee, kicking off the program by pondering aloud what exactly a Cowboys strength coach was doing hosting a celebration of Dallas business leaders—before drawing a convincing parallel between his work developing athletes and Junior Achievement’s work preparing students for the real world. Nash set a high-energy tone that carried through the entire evening.

    JaiMarie Bardwell, a senior at Irving High School, was named the 2026 Student of the Year and awarded the Sandi Smith Scholarship—a $15,000 award to support her higher education journey. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, Bardwell was recognized for her leadership, service and commitment to creating opportunity for others, including her mentorship of younger students through the JA High School Heroes program. Casey Mellody, JA Dallas Vice President of Education, presented the award. Stephen Tigh, JA Dallas Board Chair, followed with a champagne toast before dinner.

    When Chris LaTurno, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas, took the stage, he emphasized the lasting impact JA has on students’ trajectories—and why the organization’s hands-on approach is exactly what the future demands.

    “Three in five JA alumni say they started or owned a business because of their JA experience—and 92 percent agree that as automation and AI change jobs and the economy, students who go through JA will be better prepared for the future,” said LaTurno. “Students are not just hearing about economics and personal finance—they are experiencing them.”

    Auctioneer Scott Peterson followed with a competitive live auction featuring exclusive experiences, including trips to the Amalfi Coast, Sonoma Valley and Champagne, France, as well as a Texas Rangers package and a private dinner at Chamberlain’s Steak and Fish.

    The evening took an unforgettable turn during the live appeal, when Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott—in attendance at the invitation of his coach and mentor Harold Nash—took the stage and announced a personal gift of $25,000 to Junior Achievement of Dallas.

    “I am the man that I am, strictly because of the community that was around me when I grew up,” said Prescott. “It takes a village to raise somebody, and everyone in this room is a part of that community. So, I’m giving $25,000 tonight—I challenge each and every one of you to give to the leaders of tomorrow.”

    Prescott then tossed autographed footballs to guests making matching donations throughout the room.

    JA Dallas students introduced each of the evening’s four honorees.

    Susan Adzick, president of McLane Restaurant, leads one of the largest food service systems distribution companies in the country, with 45 distribution centers delivering to more than 34,000 restaurants. She has held executive roles at McLane and previously at PepsiCo Food Systems and has served on boards including the International Foodservice Distributors Association, National Restaurant Association and Women’s Foodservice Forum. She has also been involved with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and the Dallas Arboretum Women’s Council.

    Phillip Huffines, co-founder and co-owner of Huffines Communities, has spent more than four decades transforming the North Texas landscape through real estate development. His firm has developed more than 20,000 single-family homesites and 2,500 multifamily units, generating billions in value and supporting regional growth. A dedicated mentor and philanthropist, he supports STEM education and entrepreneurship through the Huffines Foundation and is a longtime JA Dallas board member—named the organization’s Philanthropist of the Year in 2018.

    Allen Nye, CEO of Oncor, leads Texas’ largest electric delivery company, serving more than 13 million customers. Under his leadership since 2018, Oncor has emphasized safety, reliability and innovation while guiding the company through an era of rapid growth and modernization. He is also active in civic and industry organizations supporting public service, economic development and education.

    Steven Williams, executive vice president and vice chairman of PepsiCo, leads global commercial strategy, stakeholder engagement and growth initiatives across one of the world’s most recognized food and beverage companies. A PepsiCo veteran since 2001, he previously served as CEO of PepsiCo North America and serves on boards including State Farm, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and UT Southwestern.

    The Dallas Business Hall of Fame raises funds to help JA Dallas provide students across North Texas with hands-on learning experiences in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship—equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become the next generation of leaders.

    Special thanks to sponsors, including:

    ·      Presenting Sponsor: Ryan

    ·      Achievement Sponsors: DHD Films, Oncor, PepsiCo

    ·      Elite Sponsors: Hillwood, Huffines Foundation, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated, Inc., McLane Food Service, Turtle Creek Wealth Advisors

    ·      Leadership Sponsors: BravoTECH, The Brierley Group, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Southwest Airlines

    Allen Nye, Steven Williams, Susan Adzick, Phillip Huffines, Chris LaTurno
    Dallas Business Hall of Fame awards
    Jorge Corral Harold Nash, Dak Prescott, Chris LaTurno

    Source: Press release

  • Goodwill North Central Texas launches free reentry GED Program

    Goodwill North Central Texas launches free reentry GED Program

    In recognition of Second Chance Month, Goodwill North Central Texas is launching a free Reentry GED Program to help individuals recently released from incarceration build skills, earn their GED and reconnect to the workforce.

    The program provides GED preparation courses taught by a state-certified instructor and is designed to help participants increase earning potential and pursue further training or college opportunities. Open to eligible residents across Tarrant, Johnson, Hood, Somervell and Erath counties, the program connects participants to the tools and support needed to successfully reenter the workforce.

    April is Second Chance Month, a time to recognize the importance of creating pathways to opportunity for people returning to their communities after incarceration. Each year, approximately 650,000 people are released from state and federal prisons, and an estimated 70–79 million Americans (nearly one in three adults) have a criminal record. When barriers to employment and education are reduced, communities are safer and local economies are stronger.

    Second Chance Month 2026 centers on the theme of opportunity in action, highlighting how employers, nonprofits and communities can work together to expand access to jobs, training and support services that help people rebuild their lives. Goodwill North Central Texas is demonstrating that second chances are not only a matter of fairness, but a practical workforce and public safety solution.

    Recent national research shows that state-level recidivism rates are about 23% lower than in 2008, reflecting the impact of sustained investments in reentry services, job training and community-based supports. These gains underscore what data and lived experience continue to show: access to stable employment is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry.

    “Second chances change lives and strengthen communities,” said Romney Guy, Vice President of Workforce Development for Goodwill North Central Texas. “When people have access to meaningful work and the support they need to succeed, we see lower recidivism, a stronger workforce and safer neighborhoods. Second Chance Month is an opportunity to recognize the progress Goodwill® has made and recommit to expanding opportunity for even more people in 2026 and beyond.”

    During Second Chance Month, leaders and organizations are encouraged to advance policies and practices that remove unnecessary barriers to employment, support reentry services and open doors for people eager to contribute to their families, workplaces and communities.

    For more information about Goodwill’s reentry services and how you can get involved, visit www.goodwillnorthcentraltexas.org/relaunch.

    Source: Press release

  • Boys & Girls Clubs Tarrant completes site purchase for first Denton County club in Lewisville

    Boys & Girls Clubs Tarrant completes site purchase for first Denton County club in Lewisville

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) announced that it has officially completed the purchase of the site for the first brick-and-mortar Boys & Girls Club in the city of Lewisville. The new Club will be located at 195 W. Corporate Drive, in an 8,000-square-foot former fire station generously gifted to the organization by the city of Lewisville.

    The new location will serve as a year-round home for high-quality youth development programs, bringing much-needed resources, mentors, and opportunities to one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.

    “This is a major step forward for Lewisville families,” said Daphne Barlow, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County. “For years, we have served Denton County through mobile and school-based programs. Having a permanent Club location means we can provide stability, consistency, and long-term support that kids and families can count on every single day.”

    The RAO Foundation has stepped forward with a $1 million lead gift for the site’s development and is challenging the entire community to match that funding — so that the first Boys & Girls Club in Lewisville can open its doors by August 2026 for the young people who need it most.

    That gift will support renovations, furnishings, safety upgrades, and programming infrastructure needed to open the building as a fully operational Club.

    “This is an extraordinary act of generosity,” Barlow said. “The RAO Foundation’s investment reflects a deep belief in what young people are capable of, and they are inviting the community to stand with them — so kids in Lewisville will have the same opportunities that kids in other counties have benefited from for decades.”

    Barlow emphasized that the new Club will give the community safe and affordable childcare offerings, as well as a comprehensive youth development organization focused on long-term outcomes.

    The Lewisville Club will deliver academic support, programming to support healthy choices, daily meals, and strong mentorship, along with enrichment in arts, sports, technology, and workforce readiness. Robust summer programs will ensure youth stay safe, fed, and learning year-round.

    “For so many kids, the Boys & Girls Club is a place where they are encouraged, challenged, and believed in,” Barlow said. “It’s more than a safe space; it’s where outcomes change. When young people have access to academic support, mentors who know their name, and meals they can rely on, their whole trajectory shifts.”

    BGCGTC projects that the Lewisville Club, in addition to the organization’s existing mobile operation in Denton County, could serve 6,000 youth annually.

    “We are deeply grateful to the city of Lewisville for understanding the importance of this work,” Barlow said. “Their leadership and willingness to repurpose this building means we can immediately focus on serving young people. This partnership reflects a community that believes in its kids.”

    Barlow added the city of Lewisville’s decision to gift the fire station made the project possible, channeling funds to the land purchase and accelerating the timeline for opening a Club in Denton County. According to the latest U.S. Census, 1 in 17 children in Denton County lives in poverty, and as of 2024, nearly 29% of public-school students in Denton County qualify for free lunch under the National School Lunch Program.

    City leadership noted the building’s ideal location. In proximity to Lewisville High School, three elementary schools, one middle school, and surrounding family neighborhoods, the Club will be positioned at the heart of where youth already live and learn.

    With the site purchase complete, BGCGTC has begun design planning, renovation preparation, and community fundraising to meet the Foundation’s challenge.

    BGCGTC invites the community to support the organization at its groundbreaking event 9 a.m. Friday, April 24, at 195 W. Corporate Drive, Lewisville, TX 75067.

    “This is the community’s Club,” Barlow said. “Every contribution, large or small, helps open the door wider for the next generation. Together, we can ensure that young people in Lewisville have every opportunity to succeed.”

    To support the Lewisville Club project, visit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County’s giving webpage.

    BGC Lewisville rendering
    BGC Lewisville rendering
    BGC Lewisville rendering

    Source: Press release

  • 2026 Fort Worth Women of Distinction honorees announced

    2026 Fort Worth Women of Distinction honorees announced

    Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains announced the 2026 Women of Distinction Award honorees.

    This year’s honorees are:

    • Rising Star – Kara Jakubik, Troop 1288
    • Outstanding Community Partner – H-E-B
    • Man Enough to Be a Girl Scout – Hadley Woerner, Tarrant Region President, Frost Bank
    • Lifetime Achievement – Pat Miller, Girl Scout Alum and Lifetime Member
    • Woman of Distinction – Dr. Victoria A. Farrar-Myers, Founder & Executive Director of Nexus Center for Civic Engagement & Leadership

    Through the Women of Distinction luncheon and awards program, Girl Scouts brings together and recognizes a group of purpose-driven leaders in business, government, education, and philanthropy, who, like our girls, are dedicated to service and leadership. The luncheon is scheduled for Friday, May 1 at The Ashton Depot.

    “We are excited to honor leaders who represent so many groups from the Fort Worth community who believe in the power of girls,” says Becky Burton, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains CEO. “The committee, led by chair Lauren L. Prieur, selected amazing women and men who our Girl Scouts can aspire to be like as they learn to give back to their communities in a positive way.”

    Visit gs-top.org/wod for event information, sponsorships, and tickets.

    A special thanks to all our supporters for making Women of Distinction possible:

    • Atmos Energy – Connect Sponsor
    • Frost Bank – Ambition Sponsor
    • Higginbotham – Photobooth Sponsor
    • Moritz Dealerships – Cookie Sponsor
    • KXAS-TV NBC 5/Telemundo – Media Sponsor
    • Fort Worth Magazine – Media Sponsor

    Source: Press release

  • SPCA of Texas receives $100K grant for adoption prep program

    SPCA of Texas receives $100K grant for adoption prep program

    SPCA of Texas has received a $100K grant from The Dallas Foundation to help prepare more vulnerable pets in North Texas for adoption. Funds will support the organization’s Adoptions Preparation Program, which ensures every shelter pet receives medical treatment, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations and behavioral support, all of which are critical steps that promote the health and welfare of companion animals and get them ready for adoption.

    The Adoptions Preparation Program serves approximately 8,000 unique animals each year, including new intakes and pets already in our care who receive medical and behavioral preparation for adoption. In 2025, 3,600 pets were adopted and more than 2,750 were fostered by SPCA of Texas volunteers. The shelter’s Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit team members rescued 850 animals from untenable situations in North Texas.

    To date in 2026, almost 300 animals have been rescued through ACI Unit intervention; adoptions have increased more than 22% from last year; and the SPCA of Texas has facilitated more than twice as many foster instances than in 2025.

    “The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to creating a brighter future for animals, people, and the community, and our adoption program is integral to achieving this goal,” said SPCA of Texas President & CEO Chris Luna, J.D. “This generous funding from the Louis B. and Mary Ratliff Animal Welfare Fund of The Dallas Foundation will support our Adoptions Preparation Program. This program ensures every shelter pet receives medical treatment, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, and behavioral support, all of which are critical steps that promote the health and welfare of shelter animals and prepare them for adoption.

    “This significant investment will directly support thousands of companion animals on their journey from being rescued to becoming pets in the loving homes they deserve.”

    “At its core, this grant is about the animals and the people who love them,” said The Dallas Foundation President & Chief Executive Officer Julie Diaz. “We are confident in the SPCA of Texas’ ability to meet that need at the highest level, and we are honored to support an organization that makes our community a healthier, stronger, and more compassionate place for everyone—including the pets who share our lives.”

    Source: Press release

  • The Dallas Foundation awards nearly $1 million in Spring grants

    The Dallas Foundation awards nearly $1 million in Spring grants

    The Dallas Foundation, the first community foundation in Texas, announced the awarding of $992,200 in grants to 41 nonprofit organizations across Dallas County as part of its 2026 Spring Grants Cycle. These grants are powered by endowed funds, permanent charitable assets established by donors who trusted The Dallas Foundation to honor their vision, now and for generations to come.

    The grants support four issue areas deeply aligned with donor passions: animal welfare ($365,000), specialized health and disability services ($357,200), arts and culture ($175,000), and domestic violence support ($95,000).

    The Power of Endowment

    The Dallas Foundation works closely with each donor to understand what they care about most, and stewards those funds with the discipline and intention those gifts deserve. The grants announced today are the direct result of that relationship. 

    Donors identified causes close to their hearts: the welfare of animals, the dignity of survivors, the healing power of the arts, the complexity of living with illness or disability. The Dallas Foundation brought deep knowledge of the North Texas nonprofit landscape to match those values with organizations best positioned to make a difference.

    “This cycle is a testament to what endowment makes possible,” said President & CEO Julie Diaz. “Our donors made a permanent investment in this community. The Dallas Foundation’s role is to be worthy of that trust: to know this region, understand its needs, and ensure every dollar finds its highest and best use. We are proud to steward these funds in a way that truly honors donor intent.”

    41 Organizations. One Community.

    From the SPCA of Texas to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, from Genesis Women’s Shelter to My Possibilities, the 2026 Spring Grants Cycle reaches across Dallas County with targeted support for organizations doing essential, often under-resourced work.

    Recipients of The Dallas Foundation’s 2026 Spring Grants Cycle include:

    ARTS & CULTURE

    • Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum 
    • Dallas Theater Center 
    • Dallas Symphony Association (Dallas Symphony Orchestra) 
    • Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. 
    • OutLoud Dallas 
    • Junior Players 
    • Dallas Children’s Theater 
    • Dallas Black Dance Theatre 

    ANIMAL WELFARE

    • SPCA of Texas 
    • Dallas Pets Alive 
    • Operation Kindness 
    • Spay Neuter Network 
    • Friends of Dallas Animal Services 
    • CHEW Animal Hospital 
    • Canine Companions 
    • Hearts & Bones Rescue 

    DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT

    • Genesis Women’s Shelter  
    • Texas Advocacy Project 
    • The Family Place 
    • Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center 
    • Jonathan’s Place 
    • Traffick911

    SPECIALIZED HEALTH & DISABILITY SERVICES

    • Cancer Support Community North Texas 
    • Jewish Family Service 
    • National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. 
    • Now-Forward 
    • The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas 
    • Ronald McDonald House of Dallas
    • Heroes for Children 
    • Southwestern Diabetic Foundation 
    • Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids with Cancer 
    • Retina Foundation of the Southwest 
    • Hugs Café Inc.
    • Autism Treatment Center 
    • Deaf Action Center
    • My Possibilities 
    • Neuro Assistance Foundation 
    • The Warren Center, Inc.
    • Equest 
    • Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas

    Source: Press release