Author: DFW501c Reporter

  • Dallas Jewish Community Foundation distributes $1.43 million

    Dallas Jewish Community Foundation distributes $1.43 million

    The Dallas Jewish Community Foundation (DJCF) announced the distribution of its 2025 fiscal year endowment grants, made possible through the generosity of individuals and families who have established personal endowment funds at the Foundation.

    This year, these endowments awarded over $1.43 million in grants to a diverse array of nonprofit organizations, both locally and nationally. These grants reflect the philanthropic vision of donors who have entrusted DJCF to steward their charitable legacies and ensure long-term impact in the causes they care about most.

    “Each grant distributed from a personal endowment represents a donor’s commitment to strengthening and sustaining our community,” said Megan Hyman, CEO & President of DJCF. “We are honored to help our donors fulfill their philanthropic goals and to support organizations that are creating meaningful change in our community and beyond.”

    The endowment grants support a wide range of initiatives, including education, healthcare, social services, arts and culture, and Jewish communal life. By leveraging the power of endowment giving, DJCF ensures that charitable dollars continue to grow and benefit future generations.

    DJCF currently manages over 250 personal endowment and scholarship funds, each tailored to reflect the unique values and interests of its donor. These funds are invested and administered with the utmost care, allowing for sustainable annual distributions that align with donor intent. The minimum to establish an endowment at DJCF is $25,000, which can be funded during a donor’s lifetime or in legacy.

    For more information about establishing a personal endowment or the impact of DJCF’s grantmaking, please visit www.djcf.org or contact info@djcf.org.

    Source: press release

  • YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth’s 4ALL Studios hosts inaugural songwriting competition for area teens

    YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth’s 4ALL Studios hosts inaugural songwriting competition for area teens

    14 to 18-year-olds can win performance and recording opportunities

    As pop megastar Taylor Swift launches her latest album, local teens are invited to showcase their own musical talents in the first-ever songwriting competition hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth’s 4ALL Studios.

    Entrants will be judged by a panel of industry professionals and scored on songwriting, vocal performance, musicality, and marketability. Three top entries will be selected to work with a dedicated industry mentor and perform their original song on Thursday, Nov. 6, during the Fort Worth Singer/Songwriter Festival at the historic Southside Preservation Hall. First- and second-place winners will be chosen based on those live performances and will receive studio recording time at 4ALL Studios in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Downtown YMCA.

    Deadline for submissions is midnight on Friday, Oct. 24.

    How to Enter: Teens 14 to 18 may submit one or two original songs in MP3 or WAV format. Entries should include typed lyrics; a brief artist bio; and contact information for the teen, a parent or teacher. All submissions must be original works. No covers or plagiarized materials will be accepted. More information and an entry form can be found at this link.

    About 4All Studios

    Unveiled in 2024, the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth’s 4All Studios isa fully equipped audio and podcast studio designed for professional and emerging recording artists. 4All Studios facilities are competitively priced and available to the general public with discounted rates for YMCA members.

    Source: press release

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas Marks 60 Years with Richardson Club Expansion  

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas Marks 60 Years with Richardson Club Expansion  

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas (BGCD) announced the grand reopening of its Richardson Club, now equipped to serve up to 200 youths, four times its previous capacity. To celebrate this exciting milestone, BGCD will host a community Open House on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 5:30 p.m. The event invites local families, community leaders and supporters to explore the upgraded space and learn more about the organization’s programs that empower young people to reach their full potential. 

    While the Club’s physical footprint remains the same, this expansion was made possible thanks to the City of Richardson’s reclassification of the facility from an educational space to a youth-serving organization. This change ensures more youth in the Richardson area have a safe, supportive place to learn, grow and thrive after school. To better meet the needs of its growing membership, the Richardson Club now includes several updates that enhance the overall experience for its members: 

    • Technology & Workforce Readiness: The Club now features a 3D printer, new computers, a green screen and microphones. All these tools will give kids hands-on opportunities to explore skill-building, video production, podcasting and career readiness. 
    • Mental Health & Wellness: The expansion includes a calming room where kids can decompress and practice self-regulation. All staff are trained in trauma-informed care and social-emotional support, and nearly all Club teens (92%) say they have an adult to talk to at the Club when they need help, compared to just 40% nationally who say the same about school. 
    • Improved Spaces: The redesigned facility includes new furniture and flexible learning areas, creating a more welcoming environment that can accommodate up to 200 kids at a time. 

    “This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting the needs of every child or teen who walks through our doors,” said Debra Taylor, Interim President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. “As we celebrate 60 years of serving North Texas youth, we’re proud to continue that legacy here in Richardson, providing an affordable, high-quality space between school and home where kids’ physical, emotional, and social needs are supported every day. 

    For more information or to get involved, visit https://www.bgcdallas.org/. 

    Source: Press release

  • Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas awards $73.5 million for affordable housing

    Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas awards $73.5 million for affordable housing

    The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) announced that it has awarded $73.5 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants to 53 projects in Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

    “Through the strength of our member institutions, we’re able to channel these funds into projects that directly address the housing needs of our communities,” said FHLB Dallas President and CEO Sanjay Bhasin. “Our Affordable Housing Program is one of the most powerful tools we have to respond, and we’re proud to support projects that will bring affordable, quality housing within reach for thousands.”

    FHLB Dallas annually returns at least 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP grants to the communities served by its member institutions. View a video about the awards.

    This year’s grants were awarded through 26 FHLB Dallas member institutions. Grants up to $1.75 million per organization were provided. They can be used for the construction or rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental or transitional housing and housing for homeless individuals.

    State-by-state breakdown:

    • Arkansas: $6,675,000 for 267 units
    • Colorado: $1,500,000 for 60 units
    • Louisiana: $10,944,990 for 412 units
    • Mississippi: $3,350,000 for 140 units
    • New Mexico: $5,425,000 for 227 units
    • Texas: $45,640,710 for 2,671 units

    Visit our Community Programs page for more information on our community investment offerings. A complete list of members and organizations that received AHP funding is available at fhlb.com.

    Source: Press release

  • On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles

    On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles

    This week: North Texas Food Bank, United Way of Tarrant County, Prism Health North Texas

    Danielle Dow transitions from Corporate Giving Manager to Major Gift Officer at North Texas Food Bank.


    United Way of Tarrant County names two new vice presidents. Jennifer Strand joins UWTC as Vice President for Research and Innovation. Anthony Hernandez will serve as Vice President for Education and Youth Opportunity.


    Prism Health North Texas Welcomes New Providers to Health Centers

    • Ismail Boodhwani APRN, FNP-C, AAHIVS, returns to PHNTX to resume his post providing primary care, family medicine, HIV medicine, LGBTQIA+ care, and minor procedures. Boodhwani is currently accepting patients at the Worth Street Health Center located at 4004 Worth Street, Suite 200.
    • Dr. Audrey Mangwiro is serving patients at the Oak Cliff Health Center at 219 Sunset Ave #116-A.
    • Dr. Oregon McDiarmid, originally from England, is providing a full scope of family medicine services to patients of all ages at the South Dallas Health Center at 4922 Spring Avenue, in an area of South Dallas that has had a historic lack of access to primary care.
    • Dr. Saleh Musleh is not new to the Dallas area, having practiced hospital medicine at Baylor Scott & White Health for more than eight years, building a deep clinical expertise in acute care. He is also serving patients at the Worth Street Health Center, and is passionate about relationship-based medicine.

    Current and new patients of Prism Health North Texas can learn more about services available and request appointments here. 

    Source: LinkedIn

  • The Graduate Enterprise Network Foundation relocates from Michigan to Texas

    The Graduate Enterprise Network Foundation relocates from Michigan to Texas

    The Graduate Enterprise Network Foundation (GEN), founded by Eliz Cox (MBA ’23, SMU Cox School of Business), has relocated its headquarters from Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Dallas, Texas. The move marks a decisive shift from institutional stagnation to civic responsibility—positioning Dallas as a national model for leadership and innovation.

    “GEN’s relocation is not just a move—it’s a statement,” said Cox. “Where others chose stagnation, Dallas chose responsibility. GEN exists to prove that prosperity is not about scale alone, but about activating human potential at every level of the economy.”

    Michigan illustrates what happens when numbers rise but outcomes fall. Despite spending more per pupil than 41 other states, Michigan ranks among the bottom 10 nationally in educational outcomes (Bridge Michigan; Michigan Advance). The counselor shortage underscores the strain: Michigan averages 598 students per school counselor, the second-highest ratio in the nation, according to Axios and NPR/Michigan Public.

    Even institutions once viewed as anchors of civic vitality are under pressure. Bloomberg Law reported that Albion College’s bonds were downgraded due to liquidity concerns, and the Detroit Free Press noted that the Michigan Attorney General’s office initiated an inquiry into Albion College’s use of donor funds. Public reporting has also highlighted governance disputes that have led to leadership turnover at several Michigan institutions, reflecting the broader headwinds facing tuition-dependent liberal arts colleges nationwide.

    Dallas, by contrast, has embraced growth. The city combines low taxes with AAA bond ratings, according to Dallas County, and has become a magnet for corporate relocations and investment. The Dallas Regional Chamber has documented how business and community leaders are channeling investment into Southern Dallas, proving that prosperity can expand beyond traditional centers. Dallas demonstrates what happens when civic leadership accepts responsibility: talent is attracted, capital is mobilized, and innovation accelerates.

    GEN’s Dallas pilot, GENiusPath, is designed to convert graduate talent into measurable business results. By embedding MBA candidates into 10–20 consulting projects with small- and mid-sized enterprises, the program delivers dual impact: immediate strategic support for local businesses and the creation of durable leadership pipelines for the future. “GENiusPath translates vision into practice,” Cox said. “Each project is both a near-term economic intervention and a long-term investment in America’s competitiveness.”

    The relocation is not just a regional story—it reflects national urgency. According to the IMF World Economic Outlook (April 2025), the United States produces $30.5 trillion in GDP compared to China’s $19.2 trillion. Yet scale alone is not prosperity. The World Bank reports U.S. GDP per capita at $85,800 versus China’s $13,300, with purchasing-power parity widening the gap further: $89,100 for the U.S. versus $29,000 for China. America’s edge depends not just on size, but on productivity, innovation velocity, and leadership density. Without bold intervention, even the strongest headline numbers will not secure broad prosperity.

    GEN’s relocation signals more than a change of address. It is a declaration that prosperity cannot be measured by size alone—it must be built by activating human potential in every community.

    If you believe in activating talent, strengthening businesses, and proving that America can out-produce, out-innovate, and out-lead the next 250 years of global sustainability, connect with me, message me directly, or reach out at eliz@gradbank.org

    Source: press release

  • Child Care Associates awarded funding from HHS to expand nutrition services through Head Start 

    Child Care Associates awarded funding from HHS to expand nutrition services through Head Start 

    In celebration of National Head Start Awareness Month, Child Care Associates (CCA) announced that it has been awarded $934,763 in supplemental nutrition funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). This funding aligns with the national Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative and will support enhanced nutrition services, improve child access to healthy foods, and foster healthy eating habits for children and families in Tarrant County. 

    “We are truly grateful for this investment in our Head Start program,” said Ashley Flowers, Director of Nutrition for Child Care Associates. “With this support, we can deepen our commitment to ensuring that each child in our program has regular access to fresh, nutritious foods and nutrition education that will set the foundation for lifelong health.” 

    Child Care Associates is the 6th largest grant recipient in the nation and the 2nd largest in Texas – a testament to the trust placed in the organization to deliver high-quality early childhood education and family support services across its 12 centers and home visiting services.  

    “Being among the top grantees underscores both our responsibility and our opportunity,” said Kara Waddell, President and CEO. “We are deeply honored to serve children, families, and communities at this level and remain committed to ensuring that every child—regardless of neighborhood or circumstance—has access to a strong start in life.” 

    This national investment allows CCA to make improvements in a variety of nutrition areas including:   

    • Kitchen Equipment Upgrades 
    • Home-Based Cooking Kits to bring healthy eating experiences to children who do not access on-site meals 
    • Family-Style Dining tools to help toddlers transition to independent eating 
    • Breastfeeding Resources for mothers 
    • Hydration Access Equipment that supports child-level direct access to filtered water both indoors and outdoors 
    • Nutrition Education evidence-based training for early educators & nutrition staff to support healthy eating for selective eaters 
    • Farm-to-School Training and child garden enhancements 

    These services and resources will directly benefit 899 children and families in Tarrant County in year one. Children will not just receive healthier meals; they will gain hands-on learning experiences, and families will be empowered with knowledge to make healthy and nutritious choices, even beyond the Head Start setting. This investment will continue to improve nutritional education for children in the decade ahead and beyond. 

    This award is part of the broader MAHA strategy announced by HHS, which recently allocated over $61 million in supplemental funding to more than 290 Head Start programs nationwide. The goal is to support nutrition services, promote healthy eating habits, and improve access to nutrient-dense foods for more than 100,000 children and families across the country.  

    Source: press release

  • NBA Foundation grant funding opportunity

    NBA Foundation grant funding opportunity

    The NBA Foundation has an upcoming application window – accepting applications from October 1-November 14, 2025. So get your team ready to go for the three!

    The Foundation seeks to drive economic opportunity for under-resourced youth, ages 14-24, by funding programs that generate successful transitions from school to meaningful employment.

    Priority is given to organizations operating in NBA team markets and programs that promote school-to-career employment opportunities, including job readiness, skill training, job placement, and career advancement will be valuable.
    Details in the link: https://lnkd.in/gUysNDT4

    Source: LinkedIn

  • Lowe’s grant to support Trinity Habitat for Humanity efforts to repair homes

    Lowe’s grant to support Trinity Habitat for Humanity efforts to repair homes

    Trinity Habitat for Humanity announced it has received a $68,000 grant from Lowe’s to help repair eight homes in Fort Worth.

    Funding and Lowe’s red vest associates will support Trinity Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to make homes safer and healthier and create stronger communities. With the support of the grant, red vest associates will participate in Cowtown Brush Up and paint five homes in the Como area and will provide landscaping work for the new Allen Village townhome development near JPS Hospital. The Lowe’s grant will support the Preserve A Home program’s Aging in Place initiative to support healthy homes for seniors to age in place with dignity.

    On October 1, 2025, 100 Lowe’s red vest associates from Fort Worth, North Dallas and South Dallas will roll up their sleeves and join Trinity Habitat for Humanity to improve homes and give back to the community.

    The projects are part of Lowe’s commitment to deliver 10 million square feet of impact in communities nationwide this year. The initiative includes enabling 20 local Habitat affiliates to complete 200 repair projects across the United States. Lowe’s continued partnership with Habitat for Humanity International supports home repair and preservation efforts in owner-occupied homes, helping neighbors safely remain in the homes they cherish. Since 2003, Lowe’s and Habitat have worked together to help more than 18,000 people build or improve a place to call home.

    Source: press release

  • The Junior League of Dallas and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to launch Leadership Academy Pilot Program

    The Junior League of Dallas and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to launch Leadership Academy Pilot Program

    The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) announced the launch of Leadership Academy: A Volunteer Leadership Experience, a new pilot program designed to strengthen leadership skills among Girl Scout adults’ (leaders and caregivers) personal leadership skills and model positive behaviors for the girls they lead.

    Junior Leagues across the world have a mission to develop women to do a world of good. As part of that mission, Junior Leagues train their members to lead and become even better volunteers. Girl Scouts believe every girl has the power to change the world. Our two organizations naturally align to train girls and women to better our communities. 

    This initiative is part of a national pilot through the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), taking place in just three Leagues across the country, and the Junior League of Dallas is proud to lead the way. As part of this shared mission to develop women and girls as changemakers, JLD and GSNETX are collaborating to deliver a unique workshop series that equips adult volunteers with the tools, confidence, and inspiration to model positive leadership behaviors for the next generation and to foster collaboration between local Girl Scout Councils and Junior Leagues.

    Volunteers will develop their personal leadership style and confidence through self-awareness, collaboration, relationship-building, and effective communication, all grounded in a commitment to a shared purpose. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with other passionate Girl Scout volunteers and JLD leaders, while contributing to a national pilot program that will shape future volunteer development.

    “We are honored to lead this pilot program on behalf of Junior Leagues everywhere in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas,” said Dr. Lindsay Davis, president of the Junior League of Dallas. “Our mission has always been to cultivate women leaders who address critical community needs through trained volunteer service, strategic funding and principled leadership. As the mom of a current Girl Scout who has already benefitted greatly from the organization’s incredible curriculum and inspiring troop leaders, this collaboration feels especially meaningful. We cannot imagine a better partner than Girl Scouts to help equip and inspire the next generation of women leaders.”

    The Leadership Academy will be facilitated by Junior League of Dallas members, who will plan the programs, schedule dates, book meeting facilities and speakers, create advertising and messaging to recruit participants, and handle all other training needs. GSNETX will manage registrations through their events portal and share program details with its members.

    Source: press release