Women Inspiring Philanthropy, a community of women seeking to transform lives in Arlington through high-impact and lifelong giving, recently awarded one grant of $75,000 to Girls Inc. of Tarrant County, one grant of $55,000 to River Legacy Foundation and one grant of $65,000 to The Women’s Workforce Advancement Hub, an initiative of CWJC Greater Arlington, for a total of $195,000 in grants. Each year proposals are accepted to develop new or extend existing programs in five focus areas: culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness. Members then review proposals, conduct site visits, evaluate grant applications and select finalists for consideration by the general membership at their annual meeting each May.
About the May 2026 Grantees
Girls Inc. of Tarrant County: With the funding provided by WIP, Girls Inc. will expand its proven, career-connected STEM programs into Arlington community sites to increase exposure, hands-on learning and access to high-wage career pathways for girls and young women. This effort addresses persistent gaps in equitable access to STEM education, mentorship and career exploration opportunities that are critical to preparing girls for future success.
River Legacy Foundation: Just as the Trinity River has evolved through natural and human forces, the Discovery Room project advances in phases with Phase 2 “Flooding the River” expanding the visual river and floor into an immersive, technology-driven interactive learning environment. This environmental education will engage thousands of visitors annually and foster lasting stewardship of the Trinity River.
The Women’s Workforce Advancement Hub: An initiative of CWJC Greater Arlington, the WIP grant funded a women-centered initiative that strengthens Arlington’s economy by integrating credentialing, employment coaching, technology access and financial literacy as a pathway to stable, higher-earning employment under one roof for underserved women.
“It is incredibly exciting to be able to award $195,000,” said Beth Owens, WIP Immediate Past President. “Leveraging the time, talent and treasures of our members to fund transformational grants makes me proud, knowing that this will benefit our community tremendously over the next year and beyond,” Owens continued.
Previous WIP grantees include Advocates for Special People, AISD Kooken Elementary School, Alliance for Children, Arlington Charities, Inc., Arlington Life Shelter, Arlington Museum of Art, Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, Center for Transforming Lives (YWCA when granted), Dance Theatre of Arlington/Shakespeare LIVE, Dental Health Arlington, Destiny Empowerment Enterprises, Friends & Foundation of the Arlington Public Library, Friends of the Levitt Pavilion Arlington, Green Oaks Education and Support Inc., Helping Restore Ability, HOPE Tutoring, International Corridor Vision aka Santa Fe International Folk Art Market at Arlington, NEW DAY, Open Arms Health Clinic, River Legacy Foundation, SafeHaven of Tarrant County, ShareFest-Texas, Inc., Taste Project, Texas Health Resources Foundation Arlington, The Jordan E. Harris Foundation, The University of Texas at Arlington Planetarium and Theatre Arlington.
The Greater Good Collective, an expansion of Presbyterian Night Shelter’s employment social enterprises, is set to open its doors to the public on Monday, August 24, 2026. Located at 2603 S Cherry Lane at the corner of I-30 and Cherry Lane on Fort Worth’s West side, the Greater Good Collective offers visitors a place to shop, sip, and socialize, all while supporting life-changing programs and employment opportunities for individuals exiting homelessness.
“The Greater Good Collective presents an incredible opportunity not only for its employees, but for the folks on the west side of town as well,” states Toby Owen, CEO of Presbyterian Night Shelter. “We’re bringing new life to the neighborhood, as well as creating new jobs specifically for women and mothers working toward self-sufficiency.”
The Collective will house several businesses: Greater Grounds (coffeehouse) Greater Grab (thrift store), and Greater Goods (curated boutique items). The Collective will also feature a large donation station, Greater Give, which will not only create transitional employment and workforce development opportunities, but will also help extend the life of quality goods, promoting environmental sustainability through reuse and responsible donation. Each purchase supports life-changing programs and employment opportunities.
“The Greater Good Collective is where shopping meets social impact,” stated Barbara ClarkGalupi, Chief Growth & Strategic Initiatives Officer for the Shelter. “People now have a place on the West side where they can donate their gently used items, then shop unique thrift and boutique merchandise while enjoying handcrafted coffee and refreshments – all in one convenient location.”
Greater Grounds will be open 6:00am-5:00pm seven days a week. Greater Grab, Greater Goods, and Greater Give will be open 10:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday and 10:00am-6:00pm Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information please contact: Curtis Rhodes Director of Communications, Presbyterian Night Shelter crhodes@journeyhome.org 817.632.7470 – office 818.631.6251 – mobile
This week: Lumin Education, Tarrant To & Through, Klyde Warren Park, Operation Kindness Humane Society, Casa Mañana, Literacy Achieves, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dallas
Susan Elizabeth R., CFRE joins Lumin Education as Senior Director of Development
Dallas Economic Development Corporation is pleased to welcome Calvert Collins-Bratton, CAP as the new President and CEO of Klyde Warren Park. Her proven leadership, philanthropic expertise, and deep commitment to Dallas’s public spaces make her an ideal choice to guide the park through its next chapter of growth and impact.
Operation Kindness Humane Society welcomes Tori Fugate as Operation Kindness Humane Society’s new Vice President of Marketing and Communications! Tori brings more than 15 years of experience leading marketing and communications for some of the nation’s most recognized animal welfare organizations.
Casa Mañana welcomes Jazmine Velasquez-Lawrence as their new Development Officer.
Susan L. Smith, Ph.D. has joined Literacy Achieves (founded as Vickery Meadow Learning Center) as Executive Director, empowering adults and families through literacy and lifelong learning.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas announced the promotion of four longtime team members into executive leadership roles, reinforcing its commitment to developing talent from within while positioning the organization for continued growth.
The promotions include:
Juany Valdespino-Gaytan, Chief Operating Officer
Amanda Ramirez, Vice President of Administration
DeRon Bethea, Vice President of Club Experience & Safety
The Caliber family of automotive repair and service brands, including Caliber Collision and Caliber Auto Glass, has announced the results of its 15th annual Restoring You™ Food Drive. Held nationwide from April 13 through May 29, 2026, the campaign provided 9.3 million meals to 223 food banks across the country, surpassing Caliber’s goal of 8.5 million meals.
This annual campaign reflects Caliber’s purpose, Restoring the Rhythm of Your Life®, by extending that commitment beyond automotive repair and into the communities it serves. The ultimate success of this year’s drive is a testament to the overwhelming generosity of Caliber teammates, customers and local community partners who rallied together, both in-center and online, to exceed all fundraising expectations.
This year’s campaign also marks the 15th anniversary of the Restoring You™ Food Drive, underscoring Caliber’s long-standing commitment to helping families facing food insecurity in the communities it serves.
The need remains significant. According to a 2025 study from Feeding America, an estimated 47 million people, including 14 million children, experienced food insecurity in 2023, the highest level in nearly a decade.
“No family should ever have to wonder where their next meal is coming from, which is why our annual Restoring You™ Food Drive is such an important part of how we serve our communities,” said Todd Dillender, Chief Operations Officer of Caliber. “While our daily work centers on providing safe, industry-leading automotive repairs, our purpose has always been about restoring lives.
“We’re incredibly grateful to every teammate, customer and community partner who helped us exceed our goal. More than 9.3 million meals means millions of opportunities to ease a burden for families who need it most, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud to be part of.”
As Caliber celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Restoring You™ Food Drive, this year’s campaign brings the program’s cumulative impact to more than 53 million meals provided to families facing food insecurity nationwide. Looking ahead, Caliber remains committed to growing that impact through continued partnerships with local food banks and the communities it proudly serves. To learn more about Caliber’s community impact and the Restoring You program, visit the Caliber in the Community page.
As America commemorates its 250th anniversary and celebrates our nation’s history, Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) is uplifting and investing in civic engagement initiatives that expand access to information, strengthen community connections and community leadership, and help residents engage with one another in the issues shaping North Texas.
“Our local communities continue to shape our future. America’s 250th milestone is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate how communities have always relied on local institutions, including local journalism, to stay informed and engaged,” said Wayne White, president and CEO at Communities Foundation of Texas.
CFT has recently awarded $2 million to strengthen civic engagement across the region through grants to nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and local media organizations. The $2 million in investments support a broad range of activities, including local news and information sharing, civic education, leadership development, advocacy, volunteerism, community planning, and public engagement.
Together, these grants reflect CFT’s commitment to helping North Texans access information, participate in civic life, and work collaboratively to address community challenges and opportunities.
Local News and Information Grants Overview: $1.15 million
Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) has awarded $1.15 million in grants to 11 local news and information organizations working to expand access to community-centered information across North Texas.
CFT’s 2026 Local News and Information grant recipients include: Advocate Media, Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL), The Dallas Examiner, Dallas Free Press, The Dallas Morning News, Dallas Voice, Fort Worth Report, KERA, Press Forward North Texas, The Stewpot, and Texas Tribune. (chart with grant details available on p.3)
CFT’s Local News and Information grant funding supports efforts that help residents better understand the issues, decisions, resources, and events shaping daily life in their communities.
Local news organizations continue to navigate changing business models, reduced advertising revenue, fragmented information channels, and growing demand for community-centered reporting. CFT’s investment is designed to help strengthen the local information ecosystem so residents can have greater access to reporting, better understand local systems, and engage more fully in their communities.
“Together, these grants reflect a range of approaches to strengthen local information across North Texas, from hyperlocal neighborhood reporting and public media coverage to community-led storytelling, audience engagement, and newsroom sustainability,” said Alexander Haj, program officer at Communities Foundation of Texas. “Strong communities depend on residents having access to relevant, community-centered information that helps them understand local issues, connect with one another, and participate in shaping their future. These grants support organizations that are working to reach residents more directly, expand access to local information, and strengthen connections between news organizations and the communities they serve. By investing in local news providers, we are investing in a stronger, more connected North Texas.”
CFT’s latest local news investments were further complemented by support from CFT fundholders, reflecting broader philanthropic interest in strengthening North Texas’ local information ecosystem. Several CFT fundholders recommended an additional $40,000 in total grants to support local news organizations and related initiatives.*
CFT has also granted a total of $825,000 across 17 additional nonprofit organizations that are advancing civic engagement by encouraging sustained, collective participation in community and public life across North Texas to shape decisions, solve problems, and strengthen institutions. Grants for these projects range from $25,000 to $250,000.
Grantees include: American Legion Post 111, Better Block Foundation: Better Block University, Community Council of Greater Dallas, Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, Dallas Holocaust Museum, Dallas Innovation Alliance, Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League, Global Health Corps, Our Community Law, Project Unity, Southern Methodist University: Dallas County Food Plan, Southern Methodist University: First Amendment Clinic, Texas Women’s Foundation: Women’s Leadership Institute, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas: Hamilton Park Thrives, VolunteerNow, Young Leaders Strong City, and Youth Revive.
“CFT’s vision is a thriving community for all, and thriving communities depend on people having opportunities to engage in the decisions that shape their health, education, public safety, and civic life,” said Robert Kent, chief philanthropy officer at Communities Foundation of Texas. “Collectively, these investments support civic education, leadership development, community planning, and collaborative solutions to community challenges, helping residents actively participate in working together to build a stronger North Texas.”
The following summary provides a full list of CFT’s local news and information grantees, and what CFT’s funding will support:
Grants of $100,000 or more:
Organization
Grant Purpose
Dallas Free Press
To strengthen communication infrastructure, expand direct reach of community news, further Dallas Documenters’ work to share crucial civic information, and deepen collaboration with other news organizations.
The Dallas Morning News
Trust in Local News initiative, Education Lab, and Future of North Texas Initiative: To support listening sessions, pop-up newsrooms, news literacy workshops, community events, and other trust-building strategies that connect journalists directly with residents; and to support Education Lab reporting and Future of North Texas reporting
KERA / North Texas Public Broadcasting
To expand reporting capacity and community engagement in underserved communities in southern Dallas County; and to support the KERA Arts Access reporting partnership with The Dallas Morning News.CFT also contributed a $500,000 grant to KERA’s capital campaign earlier this year.
The Texas Tribune
To expand public service journalism access and increase audience engagement in North Texas by connecting state policy issues to local concerns, including elections, water, energy, data centers, health, education, and the Texas legislature.
Grants ranging from $10,000 – $75,000:
Organization
Grant Purpose
Advocate Media
To expand hyperlocal reporting in underrepresented Dallas neighborhoods, with coverage focused on issues such as zoning, development, housing, education, and cost of living.
Child Poverty Action Lab / The Lab Report Dallas
To support The Lab Report’s data-driven journalism and storytelling on the issues shaping economic mobility and family well-being by examining what’s working in Dallas, what isn’t, and for whom.
Dallas Voice / OUT North Texas
To expand direct access to LGBTQ-focused local news and information through reporting, newsletters, and community partnerships.
Fort Worth Report
To expand local reporting and engagement across underserved and fast-growing areas of Tarrant County, including communities with limited access to consistent local news.
Press Forward North Texas
To support the coordination, shared learning, and collaboration among funders, media partners, and other key stakeholders who are working towards strengthening the North Texas news ecosystem so communities stay informed, connected and engaged.
The Stewpot / STREETZine
To expand STREETZine into a broader journalism platform focused on homelessness, poverty, lived experience, and data-informed reporting.
The Dallas Examiner (Vision Team)
To support The Dallas County Blueprint, a recurring journalism and community engagement project focused on elevating resident voices and local perspectives in Southern Dallas County.
This week: Tarrant To & Through Partnership, Gladney, Folds of Honor, Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep, Camp Fire First Texas
Tarrant To & Through Partnership announces the promotion of Regina Williams, LMSW to Chief Operating Officer. Since joining T3 in 2025 as Vice President of Program Operations, Regina has played a critical role in strengthening their organization, guiding strategic initiatives, and advancing opportunities for students and families across Tarrant County.
Allison Payne has accepted an offer for the role of Grants Manger at Gladney! She looks forward to advancing their mission of creating bright futures through adoption, and working with such an amazing team of passionate professionals.
Rick Schornack, founder and former President and Chairman of Lockton Companies of Dallas, was elected as Board Chair for the North Texas Chapter of Folds of Honor.
After an incredible chapter with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Kathryn Duncan is excited to share that she has accepted the position of Development Manager of Events at Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep.
Brooke Traylor joined the Camp Fire First Texas team as a Marketing Content & Design Specialist.
For many children, a new backpack signals the excitement of a new school year. For hundreds of North Texas families facing homelessness or financial hardship, it represents something even greater: hope, confidence, and the opportunity to begin the school year with dignity.
On Friday, July 31, Brighter Days, formerly Rainbow Days, will host its 35th Annual Back-to-School Celebration, providing more than 500 Dallas-area children and youth with the essential supplies they need to walk into their classrooms prepared to learn and ready to thrive.
Held at the Dallas Market Center from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.; the annual celebration goes beyond distributing backpacks. Every participating child will receive a new backpack filled with school supplies, a new school uniform, and other essential items while families connect with valuable community resources designed to support them throughout the school year. The event also features games, music, activities, food, and entertainment, creating a memorable experience that celebrates every child’s potential.
The celebration serves children and youth enrolled in Dallas ISD who are experiencing homelessness or significant financial hardship, including families living in shelters, transitional housing, domestic violence shelters, and extended-stay motels. For many, this event provides more than school supplies, it offers encouragement, stability, and a reminder that an entire community believes in their future.
“Our Back-to-School Celebration is about so much more than backpacks,” said Tiffany Beaudine, CEO of Brighter Days. “Every child deserves to walk into school feeling confident, valued, and ready to succeed. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are able to provide not only the tools students need to learn, but also the encouragement that reminds them they are seen, supported, and capable of achieving great things.”
Community support continues to make this event possible. Brighter Days is currently seeking donations of new backpacks, school supplies, and school uniforms to ensure every child receives the resources needed for a successful start to the school year. Donations should be received by Wednesday, July 22, to allow volunteers time to prepare for the event.
Individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and faith communities are also encouraged to support the celebration through volunteerism and financial contributions. Every donation helps equip a child with the essentials they need while sending a powerful message that their community is invested in their success.
EVENT DETAILS
Brighter Days 35th Annual Back-to-School Celebration
When: Friday, July 31, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Buses of school children arrive around 2:00 p.m.
Where: Dallas Market Center Main Hall 2200 N. Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207
Interview Opportunities (1:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
Tiffany Beaudine, CEO
Jamaal Sanders, Senior Director of Programs
Denise Glasco, Program Manager
Participating families and volunteers (as available)
Media are welcome to attend. While the event is closed to the general public, credentialed media are encouraged to cover the celebration and interview Brighter Days leadership and participating families (with appropriate permissions).
Help a Child Start the School Year Strong
There is still time to make an impact. Community members can donate backpacks, school supplies, or make a financial gift to help local students begin the school year with confidence.
Oak Cliff Event Offers Free School Supplies, Annual Physicals, & More August 8
To mark the start of the 2026-2027 school year, Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) is hosting a free back-to-school event to connect the communities it serves with high quality healthcare, free resources and school supplies. The Healthy Start to School Bash will take place at the organization’s Oak Cliff Health Center at 219 Sunset Avenue, Suite 116-A Saturday, August 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Each child in attendance will receive a free backpack with school supplies, and have access to free resources and services essential to a successful start to the school year:
Sports physicals
Dental screenings
Vaccine and general primary care appointment scheduling
Haircuts
Additional school supplies
Access to community partners on site with additional resources and giveaways
“We want families to know affordable healthcare is available in their neighborhood,” said Community Marketing Manager Kaitlyn Holmes. “Hosting events like the Healthy Start to School Bash allow us to meet families where they are, get familiar with neighbors, and connect the community to services throughout the year.”
For many families, preparing for a new school year means much more than shopping for school supplies. Finding time for healthcare appointments, arranging transportation, and navigating multiple providers can make back-to-school preparation challenging. The Healthy Start to School Bash brings many of those essential services together in one place, helping families check important items off their list while connecting them with healthcare providers they can rely on throughout the year.
“Building relationships with families is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” said Leslie Redden, RN, MSN, FNP-C, pediatric care provider at Prism Health North Texas. “I tell parents all the time that if it’s important to them, it’s important to me. No concern is too small. We want families to feel comfortable asking questions, getting answers, and knowing they have a trusted place to turn for care throughout the year.”
In addition to free resources, attendees can enjoy entertainment, food, music, and family-friendly activities while learning more about PHNTX’s comprehensive healthcare services.
The organization provides primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, dental care, HIV prevention and treatment, pharmacy services, and more for patients of all ages. PHNTX accepts patients with private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, or no insurance through a sliding fee scale based on income.
The Healthy Start to School Bash is free and open to the public. A limited number of free backpacks with school supplies will be available while supplies last. Families are encouraged to register in advance at phntx.org/backtoschool to help reserve a backpack and expedite check in.
Dallas-based nonprofit, Rainbow Days, recently announced its new name, Brighter Days!
The name Brighter Days was chosen to reflect the organization’s long-standing purpose of empowering children facing adversity to build positive futures. The organization’s leadership, evidence-based programs, and commitment to serving youth remain unchanged, with the new name and logo symbolizing a continued focus on fostering hope and resilience.
Brighter Days symbolizes the bright futures that the organization strives to create each and every day in children’s lives. Brighter Days new logo carries the same idea, with the sun rising on the horizon. The organization’s core service, The Curriculum-Based Support Group Program (CBSG®), begins each session with an image of a sun and a cloud where children share something that made them feel happy and something that made them feel sad. This activity fosters connection and it also reinforces the belief that the clouds in life do not last forever. It invites children to look forward, toward their horizon, so they can imagine a bright and positive future. Brighter Days connects closely to the organization’s programming by helping children experiencing adversity envision positive futures.
Brighter Days CEO, Tiffany Beaudine, shares the focused mission and passion of organization as, “Brighter Days is a new chapter for the organization. It represents our unwavering commitment for every child in our community to have a bright and promising future. This is not just a new name. It is a declaration. It is us saying, louder than ever, that we will not stop until every child in this community has a chance at a brighter day. We are expanding our reach, growing our programs, and stepping into this next chapter with more energy, more intention, and more hope than ever before.”
For 44 years, Brighter Days has been making a positive difference in the lives of children and youth in the Dallas community and expanding the impact beyond Dallas through training and curricula. Through evidence-based curricula and award-winning programs, the organization has served over 319,000 children and youth right here in Dallas and trained over 69,000 adults throughout the U.S.!
To find out more about Brighter Days and how you can get involved in making a difference in the lives of children and youth in our community, visit www.BrighterDaysTX.org.
Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) has recently awarded more than $10 million in support of education initiatives through grants to local nonprofits, CFT’s Educate Texas initiative, and scholarships for students. CFT is investing in innovative approaches that help ensure student success, from early learning to high school through post-secondary and workforce.
CFT is dedicated to building thriving communities, inspiring philanthropy, and fostering impactful giving. CFT believes that access to education and meaningful workforce opportunities play a critical role in our region’s growth and prosperity. Funding will help improve student outcomes by reducing absenteeism, reconnecting disconnected youth to opportunities and support, strengthening access to high-quality education and workforce pathways, and reducing the opportunity gap.
“We view education as one of the key drivers in creating a thriving community for all. These investments are addressing challenges in new ways to equip students for success, reducing barriers and expanding economic mobility while modernizing systems and building pathways towards brighter futures,” said Wayne White, President and CEO at Communities Foundation of Texas.
CFT’s Educate Texas – $5M investment
CFT believes all Texans should have an education that empowers them to earn a good living, find a purposeful career, and realize bold dreams for themselves, their families, and their communities. CFT has a long history of supporting education efforts through its statewide Educate Texas initiative, which has been addressing some of the biggest challenges in public education for the past 20 years.
CFT is investing in the expansion of two signature initiatives of Educate Texas. Educate Texas has become a hub for supporting the responsible use of artificial intelligence in Texas education. A $3.7 million investment in Educate Texas’ AI + Education Collaborative provides support for district leaders, policymakers, and nonprofits across the state to help facilitate the responsible adoption of AI in education.
Some of our greatest challenges in education go beyond academics. A $1.3 million investment in the DFW Opportunity Youth Collaborative advances Educate Texas’ work as a cross-sector regional backbone to connect underemployed or undereducated youth to education and career pathways that lead to economic mobility in North Texas. Through this effort, Educate Texas brings together education, workforce, employer, and nonprofit partners to support young adults who have become disconnected from school or work.
“Collectively, these initiatives help eliminate opportunity gaps and strengthen the North Texas ecosystem for students, teachers, employers, and community organizations seeking to improve student success,” said Kerri Briggs, Ph.D., Executive Director, CFT’s Educate Texas. “This is about helping young adults access meaningful careers, earn a living wage, and build the future they want for themselves and their families.”
Addressing Chronic Absenteeism – $2M investment
Chronic school absenteeism—defined as missing at least 10% of school days in a year—has seen a significant rise across the country in recent years, as well as in a number of neighborhoods locally.
CFT has committed $2 million to a new Chronic Absenteeism Initiative that is building coordinated, community-based approaches aimed at improving middle school attendance in South Dallas, South Oak Cliff, and Wilmer Hutchins. Led by For Oak Cliff, which received a $1 million grant from CFT as part of this initiative, and in partnership with Dallas ISD, an effort is underway to co-develop comprehensive campus and neighborhood plans to combat absenteeism.
Initial grantee partners working alongside For Oak Cliff include Big Thought and Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region. Over the next year, this initiative will engage additional community-based organizations to help students stay on track toward high school completion and living-wage employment.
Additional grants and scholarships
Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region received a $600,000 grant to continue its work in improving student outcomes by addressing non-academic barriers to success. Its embedded campus model is currently operating within 100+ campuses across 11 North Texas school districts. Its site coordinators work directly on school campuses, offering individualized case management.
The Dallas Foundation (TDF), a key CFT partner, received a $500,000 grant to support early childhood development in Southern Dallas through its Bright Futures Alliance.
Texas 2036 received a $500,000 grant to support its Building a Stronger Future for Texas statewide initiative. Texas 2036 is a data-driven, nonpartisan state policy organization that works to improve the lives and opportunities of Texans by identifying the state’s most pressing challenges and developing practical, evidence-based solutions for higher education and workforce, health, housing, public safety and more.
United to Learn received a $250,000 grant to support its Team Thrive model and Aspiring Teachers program to integrate K-3 literacy intervention at more than 30 campuses to help increase reading proficiency. Together, these programs address low third-grade literacy rates and educator shortages in Dallas ISD through a district-embedded model that pairs K–3 literacy acceleration with a local educator pipeline.
CFT Scholarships program – $2M – In addition to CFT’s grants to nonprofits, more than $2 million in total scholarships have been awarded to 415 local students to support tuition and education expenses through CFT this scholarship season. These scholarships come from scholarship funds CFT manages on behalf of local donors who want to further the education of others.
The following table provides a full list of CFT’s latest grantees, information on award amounts, and what CFT’s funding will support.
Organization
Grant Amount Awarded
What’s Funded
CFT’s Educate Texas
$5,000,000 ($3.7M to AI + Education Collaborative, $1.3M to Opportunity Youth Collaborative)
Expansion of two of Educate Texas signature initiatives to improve student outcomes across the state and scale the responsible adoption of AI.
Chronic Absenteeism Initiative
$2,000,000 (including $1M to For Oak Cliff)
Chronic Absenteeism Initiative – a neighborhood-based approach in partnership with For Oak Cliff, Big Thought, and Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region that supports students at middle schools in South Dallas, South Oak Cliff, and Wilmer-Hutchins through services to improve school attendance and well-being
Communities in Schools of the Dallas Region
$600,000
Funding for site coordinators and clinical coordinators, program delivery, and operational infrastructure across partner campuses to support students at risk of dropping out
The Dallas Foundation
$500,000
Support for early childhood development in Southern Dallas focused on improving early learning, health access, and family stability
Texas 2036
$500,000
Policy and systems change that supports higher education and workforce, health, housing, public safety and more
United to Learn
$250,000
K-3 literacy intervention, leadership development, and paid tutors across participating Title 1 Dallas ISD campuses
CFT 2026 Scholarships for students
$2,000,000 in partnership with CFT fundholders
415 local students received scholarships totaling $2M through CFT this spring
