Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Author: DFW501c Reporter

  • United Way of Tarrant County distributes $100K+ to support residents displaced by Cooper Apartments fire

    United Way of Tarrant County distributes $100K+ to support residents displaced by Cooper Apartments fire

    United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) announced that, thanks to the support of the community, it distributed more than $100,000 to many of the residents displaced by the June 23 fire at the Cooper Apartments in Fort Worth’s Near Southside. Every dollar raised went directly to affected residents to aid in their recovery.

    “Our community showed up when it mattered most,” said Adam D. Powell, UWTC president and CEO. “This outpouring of support is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we unite for our neighbors in crisis.”

    Through a partnership between Fort Worth Councilwoman Elizabeth Beck, Near Southside Inc. and United Way of Tarrant County, the Cooper Fire Relief Fund launched just days after the six-alarm fire forced more than 800 residents from their homes.  As part of the effort, Near Southside Inc. also developed a resource database offering free services and discounted products to help displaced residents recover and rebuild.

    “From organized efforts such as this to grassroots community support, Fort Worth showed our neighbors in need why our city is special — because we care for each other,” said Beck. 

    “In the wake of unimaginable loss, our community rallied together with urgency and compassion,” said Megan Henderson, cultural director with Near Southside Inc. “We’re proud to have been a part of this effort to ensure displaced residents received the support and dignity they deserve.”

    Hundreds of donors across Tarrant County contributed to this relief fund, including substantial gifts from local foundations, businesses and the general community.

    The funds will be used to help residents secure temporary housing, replace lost belongings and access essential services as they begin the long road to recovery.

    Source: press release

  • The Dallas Foundation grant cycle for serving children and families opens

    The Dallas Foundation grant cycle for serving children and families opens

    The Dallas Foundation invests in a healthier, stronger community by supporting nonprofits that prioritize children and families—especially those most in need.

    We believe a healthy community begins by supporting its most fragile members. This grant cycle is made possible by endowed funds established by donors who have entrusted The Dallas Foundation to steward their charitable giving for generations to come.

    Funding Priorities

    Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations serving Dallas County and working in one of the following areas:

    Family and Economic Stability

    Endowed Funds: Hodges, McQuillan, Ratliff-Critical Needs, Robinson, Schrader, Stevens, Tatum, and Wilson Funds

    • Critical Needs – Support for basic necessities such as food, clothing, and emergency or transitional shelter, including assistance for low-income older adults.
    • Prison Re-entry and Veterans Services – Programs that support successful re-entry and services for veterans.
    • Parks & Recreation – Initiatives focused on enhancing and beautifying public green spaces.

    Health

    Endowed Funds: Jalonick, Hartley-Morgan, Ratliff, Tatum, McQuillan, and Wilson Funds

    • Healthcare Access – Medical and supportive care for low-income, indigent, homeless, or ill children, seniors, and families.
    • Breast Cancer Support – Programs providing medical and supportive care for low-income individuals with breast cancer.
    • Pediatric Supportive Care – Services for low-income children facing debilitating diseases.

    Intellectual and Physical Disabilities

    Endowed Funds: Jalonick – Special Education, Speck, and Stevens Funds

    • Developmental Disabilities – Programs that empower children with intellectual or developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
    • Visual and Hearing Impairments – Support for children with visual or hearing impairments.

    *Please note: A limited number of grants are available for organizations serving residents of Collin County.

    How to Apply for a Grant

    To streamline the process and expedite funding to the community, The Dallas Foundation no longer requires Letters of Inquiry (LOIs). We are accepting full grant applications for the Summer 2025 cycle during the following window:

    Application Period:
    🗓️ July 11–July 25, 2025 (Deadline: 5:00 PM CST)

    Eligibility:

    • Applicants may not have received funding from the Foundation during the Spring 2025 cycle.
    • Only one application per organization will be accepted.

    Final grant decisions will be made by the Foundation’s Board of Governors in September 2025, and recipients will be notified at that time.

    More information here.

    Source: org website

  • Boys & Girls Clubs unveils new campaign: “America Needs Club Kids”

    Boys & Girls Clubs unveils new campaign: “America Needs Club Kids”

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) announced a new national campaign that launched on Tuesday, July 1: America Needs Club Kids.

    The campaign reminds us that the success of today’s youth affects everyone — and that Boys & Girls Clubs are key to preparing young people to become all they’re capable of being. Our country needs young people who are ready to lead, lift others up, and shape a better tomorrow. But they can’t do it alone. America Needs Club Kids is a call to action to support today’s youth by investing in the work of your local Boys & Girls Clubs.

    BGCGTC served over 76,000 youth in 2024, with a broad range of programs and services focused on character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness, and recreation. The need to reach more young people with these services continues to increase as North Texas becomes home to some of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

    The America Needs Club Kids campaign is built on a simple idea: the America of tomorrow will be shaped by the way we invest in kids today. Club kids are the next scientists, doctors, teachers, and community changemakers. BGCGTC is committed to equipping them with the skills they need today, so they can become the future leaders who shape our world.

    “At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, we see firsthand how kids and teens thrive when they’re given support, encouragement, and opportunities to lead,” said Daphne Barlow, CEO and president of BGCGTC. “This campaign is about helping everyone understand that investing in young people isn’t just important — it’s essential to our future.”

    Source: press release

  • Rutledge Cancer Foundation announces leadership transition

    Rutledge Cancer Foundation announces leadership transition

    Rutledge Cancer Foundation (RCF) announced a significant leadership transition that marks an exciting new chapter in the organization’s journey. After 15 years of dedicated service, Laura Rutledge will step down from the role of Executive Director and continue to serve on the RCF Board of Directors, where she will take on a new role as Director of Research. 

    This leadership change follows a thoughtful and comprehensive search led by Whitney Smith of Higginbotham and a dedicated team of RCF board members. RCF will welcome Lynn Hammer as its new Executive Director, effective August 2025.

    A Fort Worth native, Hammer brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and strategic development. She began her career at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, holding various leadership roles including columnist and associate publisher of a lifestyle magazine she helped launch. Most recently, Hammer served as Executive Director of the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth, where she led transformative fundraising efforts and championed leadership programs for first-generation college-bound students.

    Her previous role as Vice President of Development for the American Heart Association of Fort Worth further demonstrates her proven ability to build meaningful relationships and drive sustainable growth in mission-driven organizations.

    “RCF has had a remarkable impact on the lives of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, and I’m honored to lead such a passionate and purpose-driven organization,” said Hammer. “I look forward to building on this incredible foundation and working with our dedicated team, board, donors, patients, and community to expand our reach and deepen our impact.”

    Rutledge added, “This is more than a leadership change—it’s a pivotal moment for RCF. With Lynn at the helm, we are poised to expand our impact, enhance our research efforts, and serve even more AYA cancer patients and their families. I look forward to working closely with her during this transition and beyond.”

    Founded in 2011, the Rutledge Cancer Foundation remains deeply committed to easing the impact of cancer on young lives, increasing survival rates, and finding a cure for sarcomas and other solid tumor cancers. With Hammer’s leadership and the ongoing support of the RCF community, the foundation is well positioned to continue its mission and broaden its reach.

    To date, RCF has invested more than 3 million dollars across Texas and Denver in AYA patient programs, services and cutting edge research in top institutions across the country for less toxic and curative therapies for sarcomas.

    Source: press release

  • TACA Board names new board chair and members

    TACA Board names new board chair and members

    The Board of Directors of TACA has elected Gabrielle Kurlander as Chair-Elect. Currently serving as TACA’s Vice Chair, Finance/Treasurer, Gabrielle brings significant nonprofit leadership experience, including her 34-year tenure as Founder, President & CEO of the All Stars Project.

    Her extensive experience as a theatre director, producer and performer, along with her proven track record in organizational strategy, growth and fundraising will be instrumental as she steps into this new leadership role at TACA.  Gabrielle will be the first ‘creative’ in TACA’s history to serve in the role of Board Chair. She will officially assume the role in June 2026, at the start of TACA’s 2026–2027 fiscal year.

    They also welcomed eight new members to the TACA Board of Directors: Larry Angelilli, Vince Bratton, Brent English, Marion Flores, Lola Lott, Kelly Perez, Whitney Strauss, and Jennifer Taylor. Each brings a wealth of experience and leadership from across the arts and nonprofit sectors, along with a deep commitment to strengthening and supporting the Dallas arts community.

    Source: press release

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Dallas announces partnership with the Collinson Group

    Big Brothers Big Sisters Dallas announces partnership with the Collinson Group

    Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Greater Dallas announced a three-year partnership with the Collinson Group. The local partnership is part of a $300,000 multi-state commitment made by Collinson to BBBS Greater Dallas and BBBS of Broward County. Under the agreement, Collinson will donate $50,000 annually towards each BBBS agency’s Big Futures programming.

    Collinson is a global, privately-owned company and the operator of the world’s leading airport lounge and travel experiences program, Priority Pass.

    Funds contributed by Collinson will directly support BBBS Greater Dallas’ commitment to its local Big Futures programming. Big Futures advances the post-secondary success of youth by preparing them for their future after high school graduation. The program includes components such as the mentor2.0 high school mentorship program, half-day workforce development fieldtrips at local companies, and its in-office mentorship program, Beyond School Walls, among other opportunities for BBBS Greater Dallas youth.

    Collinson and BBBS Greater Dallas started their partnership with a half-day field trip for 30 high school students to Collinson’s Plano, TX office. During the visit, the students learned about different career opportunities within Collinson Group, interacted with Collinson team members, asked questions, and learned about the type of professional culture that they aspire to work in. To further the partnership, Collinson hosted a volunteer recruitment presentation at the same office in June to inspire its employees to become Bigs.

    Source: press release

  • Auction in a Box welcomes Strategic Growth and Partnership Leader

    Auction in a Box welcomes Strategic Growth and Partnership Leader

    Auction in a Box announced the hiring of Eric “Zarko” Zarko to lead its strategic growth and partnership initiatives.

    Founded in 1989, Auction in a Box offers a one-stop solution for nonprofits and charities seeking to enhance their fundraising efforts. By focusing exclusively on consignment auction items, each uniquely curated piece tells a story of zeal, unity, and generosity—turning every fundraising event into a powerful opportunity for giving. 

    Widely recognized throughout North Texas as “Zarko,” Eric brings a wealth of experience in uniting the nonprofit and for-profit sectors through innovative marketing, business development, and community engagement strategies. With decades of proven success in building mission-driven alliances, Zarko is uniquely positioned to accelerate Auction in a Box’s outreach and impact across the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area and beyond.

    “Auction in a Box has a rich legacy of transforming fundraising events into dynamic and inspiring experiences,” said Zarko. “I’m honored to join a team that shares my passion for community impact and is committed to helping nonprofits thrive.”

    Zarko’s impressive career spans leadership roles at the DFW Nonprofit Resource Group, which he founded. His ability to cultivate meaningful relationships and generate strategic partnerships aligns perfectly with Auction in a Box’s mission to deliver turnkey consignment auction experiences that leave a lasting impression.

    Now with a showroom in Dallas-Fort Worth, Auction in a Box provides nonprofits and charities with a simplified, impactful way to raise funds—curating high-quality, story-driven auction items that elevate donor engagement and drive results.

    Source: press release

  • Goodwill North Central Texas employee receives national honor

    Ryan Osborn of Fort Worth has been named Goodwill Industries International’s 2025 Achiever of the Year, a national honor recognizing individuals who have overcome adversity through the power of work.

    After dropping out of high school and struggling with addiction, Ryan spent years cycling in and out of the justice system. By the time he was 38, he was homeless and newly released from a 45-day jail sentence. Determined to change, he sought help from Goodwill North Central Texas and enrolled in a job placement program.

    Through the program, Ryan rebuilt his confidence and gained real work experience. His first position was as a dock worker, where his strong work ethic and leadership potential quickly stood out. Within months, he was promoted to dock supervisor, and then to transportation assistant manager. After earning his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), he took on the role of logistics planning specialist, managing transportation schedules and operational logistics. Two years ago, he also enrolled in Goodwill’s A-Squared program, becoming the first graduate to earn his high school equivalency.

    Today, Ryan serves as a Retail Operations Manager for Goodwill North Central Texas, overseeing the Fort Worth outlet store, aftermarket, salvage and recycling commodity sales. He is now pursuing a college degree in business.

    “Goodwill changed my life, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me,” Ryan said. “My hope is that my story shows others that their past doesn’t define their future, and that success is always within reach.”

    Goodwill North Central Texas President and CEO David Cox shared that Ryan serves as a shining example of what can be achieved with perseverance and the right opportunities. “His journey and leadership inspire hope and demonstrate that anyone, regardless of their past or current circumstances, can overcome significant challenges and achieve greatness with the right mindset and support,” said Cox.

    Source: press release

  • Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas announced first Honorary Board Member

    Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas announced first Honorary Board Member

    The Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas (DSPNT) announced the appointment of Heidi Angel as its first-ever Honorary Board Member. This newly established role recognizes individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the organization and its mission to support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

    Heidi, a partner at Jackson Walker LLP in the Trusts & Estates practice group, brings not only deep professional expertise but also a strong personal connection to DSPNT’s mission. Her daughter, Emily, is an active participant in DSPNT’s teen and family programming, which further fuels Heidi’s commitment to the organization’s continued success.

    A former middle school Spanish teacher and sign language interpreter, Heidi holds a master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned her law degree from Texas A&M School of Law. She previously served on the DSPNT Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020, where she helped guide key strategic initiatives and contributed to the organization’s growth and sustainability.

    “Having a child with Down syndrome has given me a personal connection to this mission,” said Heidi. “I understand the joys and challenges our families experience and know how critical it is to have an organization like DSPNT advocating, educating, and providing community for us all.”

    In her professional role, Heidi focuses on estate planning, including special needs trusts and disability-related planning. She is a respected voice in the field and frequently speaks on guardianship and special needs planning for organizations such as The Arc, IDD Council, Cook Children’s, and various Special Education PTAs.

    The Honorary Board Member designation is a non-voting advisory role designed to tap the wisdom and experience of past board members and community leaders who remain committed to the mission of DSPNT.

    “We are thrilled to have Heidi serve in this new capacity,” said Kim Smiley, Executive Director of DSPNT. “Her insights, professional knowledge, and unwavering passion for our families make her an invaluable asset to our board and organization.”

    As an Honorary Board Member, Heidi will continue to support DSPNT’s advocacy, education, and outreach efforts—ensuring that families across North Texas have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

    Source: press release

  • What If Fundraising De-Emphasized the Donor? (with Vu Le and Michelle Muri)

    Joan Garry’s recent podcast (episode 114) talks with Ve Le and Michelle Muri on the backlash to donor-centric fundraising.