Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Author: DFW501c Reporter

New RFPs Support Mental Health and Education
Hi, I’m Alex Dunn, the Millionaire Grant Lady. I have 15 years of grant writing experience and over $125 million in awards under my belt. I offer advice, tips, tricks and opportunities to the DFW501c.news audience each week.

Here are two new federal grant opportunities that were recently announced. These opportunities could be a strong fit depending on your organization’s mission and goals.

Title: Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education)
- Funding Agency: SAMHSA
- Projected number of awards: 31
- Award range: Up to $1.5 million
- Due date: July 27, 2026
- Cost sharing required? No
- Who is eligible? domestic public and private nonprofit entities
- Summary: The purpose of Project AWARE is to develop a sustainable framework to address mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders and promote the social and emotional wellbeing for school-aged youth in local or tribal education agency settings.
Link to full RFP: https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-26-005

Title: Mental Health Awareness Training Grants
- Funding Agency: SAMHSA
- Projected number of awards: 110
- Award range: Up to $200,000
- Due date: July 27, 2026
- Cost sharing required? No
- Who is eligible? States, political subdivisions of States, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and nonprofit private entities.
- Summary: The purpose of this program is to facilitate the implementation of mental health awareness and literacy training.
- Link to full RFP: https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-26-030
July 23, 2026
The largest grant cycle in NTCF’s history supports 31 Tarrant nonprofits

North Texas Community Foundation (NTCF) has awarded two-year operating support grants to 31 nonprofit organizations through the 2026 cycle of the BEACON (Building Economic Access, Community, Opportunity & Networks) Fund. Year-one of funding will invest $762,850 in organizations working to improve the quality of life in historically disinvested neighborhoods in Tarrant County. This latest round of funding marks the largest grant cycle in NTCF’s history and brings BEACON’s total investment to more than $1.3 million since the fund launched in 2025.

BEACON was created to strengthen nonprofits focused on the essential elements of thriving communities, from affordable housing, education, workforce development, healthcare, and more. These two-year grants provide flexible operational support, allowing organizations to meet pressing needs while continuing to grow and sustain their impact.

In addition to receiving funding, grantees will participate in a cohort designed to foster professional development, peer learning and network-building. This collaborative approach deepens organizational capacity and amplifies community impact. “The BEACON Fund aims to support and accelerate good work underway in our communities,” said Whitnee Boyd, EdD, director of community impact at North Texas Community Foundation. “In its first year alone, BEACON grantees reached more than 70,000 individuals across Tarrant County, and we are excited to see that impact grow even further with this new cohort.”

The 2026 BEACON Fund grantees are:

>4 Saints Episcopal Food Pantry

>619 Productions

>Arlington Charities

>Arlington Urban Ministries

>BarbaraCares

>BRAVE/R Together

>Building Pathways

>Community Food Bank

>Community Frontline

>Community Healing & Mental Health Project

>Como Lions Heart

>Create + Collaborate

>Day Resource Center for the Homeless

>Fly Girlz Academy

>Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition

>Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber

>Hispanic Real Estate Brokers Association

>Jacob Way Organization

>Jewel’s Comfort Keeper

>Just a Queen with Goals Empowering Women

>LVTRise

>Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization

>Mothers of Murdered Angels

>National Juneteenth Museum

>Opening Doors For Women In Need

>Parent Shield Fort Worth

>Strengthening Families

>Survive and Thrive Education

>Tarrant County Academy of Medicine

>The Thank You Darlin’ Foundation

>Water From The Rock

To identify areas of highest need, NTCF utilized the Centers for Disease Control’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), which incorporates data on income, housing, transportation, and healthcare access. This approach ensures funding reaches neighborhoods facing the greatest barriers to opportunity.

A dedicated grant committee composed of community leaders, fundholders and subject-matter experts reviewed applications and helped ensure funding aligned with on-the-ground needs. Their deep knowledge of local challenges played a critical role in the selection process.

The BEACON Fund grant cycle was generously supported by the following donors, whose investment makes this work possible:

>ABBA Homan Charitable Fund

>Anonymous Fund

>Barbara Waldron Jiongo and Michael James Jiongo Charitable Fund

>George C. and Sue W. Sumner Fund

>Honey B Foundation, a Hive of Grace

>Jack W. & Paula J. Winter Charitable Fund

>Kristie & Brian Gibson Charitable Fund

>Mebane Atteberry Charitable Fund

>Mike and Becky Gerro Charitable Fund

>Si & Buck Martin Legacy Fund

>The Sharon Ann McCulloch-Wells & John W. Wells Endowed Fund

>Vulnerable Populations Fund

Source: https://northtexascf.org/ntcf-launches-beacon-fund-with-more-than-760000-in-grants/

July 23, 2026
On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles
This week: Presbyterian Night Shelter, The Dallas Foundation, 6 Stones, The Commit Partnership, Scouting America, The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas

Presbyterian Night Shelter’s CEO, Toby Owen, announced several executive leadership appointments that position the organization for the continued growth of UpSpire, its employment social enterprise that creates opportunities for individuals
exiting homelessness. The leadership changes also support the launch of the Greater Good Collective, the agency’s newest workforce initiative opening later this year.

Barbara Clark-Galupi, CFRM joins Presbyterian Night Shelter as Chief Growth & Strategic Initiatives Officer. She will lead strategic growth efforts for UpSpire and WOODWORKS by UpSpire by securing new business opportunities while also overseeing the continued development of the Greater Good Collective, a social enterprise that will create job
opportunities for women and mothers.

Daryl R. Davis, II has been closely involved with Presbyterian Night Shelter for over a decade, having served as a Board member, Board Chair, and most recently as Vice President of Workforce & Career Development. In his expanded role as Chief Workforce & Enterprise Officer, Davis will oversee the continued growth of UpSpire while strengthening workforce development initiatives that connect individuals experiencing homelessness with meaningful employment and long-term career opportunities.

Brenda Shuttlesworth has been tapped as Chief Philanthropy Officer for Presbyterian Night
Shelter, where she will lead the organization’s fundraising strategy and donor engagement
efforts to support its expanding mission. She brings decades of nonprofit leadership experience, most recently serving as Executive Director of the North Central Texas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association following her leadership with Waco Habitat for Humanity.

The Dallas Foundation welcomes Kristi Allen, MBA, CPA as Vice President of Finance. With more than 20 years of experience spanning Fortune 500 companies and mission-driven nonprofits, Kristi brings deep expertise in finance, accounting, and organizational leadership. In her role, she will oversee the Foundation’s financial operations, helping ensure strong financial stewardship while supporting their mission to drive enduring change across Greater Dallas.

6 Stones welcomes Lori Krouskos as their new Chief Development Officer. Lori brings decades of experience in leadership, relationship-building, strategic partnerships, and business development. Her heart for connecting people and resources will help strengthen the pathways of hope that support neighbors across our community.

The Commit Partnership congratulates Chelsea Jeffery on her appointment as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. As VP & COO, Chelsea will continue leading Talent, Analytics, and Organizational Strategy Management while expanding her leadership to include Finance, Grantmaking, Operations, and Information Technology.

Scouting America welcomes Holly Hull Miori, PhD, CFRE as Circle Ten Council’s new Chief Development Officer. With extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropy research, Holly brings the expertise and passion to help advance their mission and ensure more young people have access to the life-changing opportunities Scouting provides.

The Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) began the 2027 fiscal year July 1, 2026. A slate of incoming board members began their term providing fiduciary and strategic direction for the organization. Incoming board members include the following:
- Vusindlu Nkomo, BSN, Registered Nurse, Certified Case Manager, Director of Clinical Operations, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- J. Maria Martineau, Assistant Vice President, Medical City Healthcare and Vice President, Medical City Foundation
July 17, 2026
Tarrant To and Through Partnership appoints Dr. David Saenz as President and CEO

T3 Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. David Saenz as President & CEO, effective immediately following his service as Interim President & CEO.

A founding board member who later joined the organization as Senior Education Advisor, Dr. Saenz has helped shape T3’s mission from its earliest days. With more than 22 years of experience in public education and leadership, he most recently led the organization through a comprehensive strategic planning process that established a long-term vision for expanding educational opportunity and student success across Tarrant County. As President & CEO, Dr. Saenz will continue strengthening partnerships among school districts, higher education institutions, employers, philanthropy, and community organizations while advancing T3’s mission to improve outcomes for students and families.

“I am honored and energized to serve as President & CEO of the Tarrant To and Through Partnership at a time when Tarrant County is experiencing tremendous growth in higher education and career opportunities. At this pivotal moment, Tarrant County holds tremendous economic promise for our students and families, and T3 is committed to advancing that opportunity alongside the many educational institutions, employers, and community partners working together to expand access and create pathways to success. I believe that together, we will build stronger pathways, deepen collaboration, and ensure every student in Tarrant County has a clear path to a thriving career grounded in a strong education.” — Dr. David Saenz, President & CEO

Source: LinkedIn

July 17, 2026
BEACON Fund awards grant to improve healthcare access in Tarrant County

We are pleased to announce that Project Access Tarrant County has been awarded a two-year grant from the BEACON Fund at North Texas Community Foundation.

This investment will support efforts to improve healthcare access and health literacy among uninsured adults in priority neighborhoods. Funding will help strengthen patient engagement through Salud en Tus Manos initiative while enhancing the technology and infrastructure that support care coordination and patient navigation.

Since 2011, Project Access Tarrant County has connected more than 2,500 low-income, uninsured residents with specialty and surgical care through a network of volunteer physicians, hospitals, and healthcare partners. This grant will help us build upon that foundation and continue addressing barriers that prevent patients from accessing timely care.

Source: LinkedIn

July 17, 2026
Habitat for Humanity of Denton County appoints Christina Esquivel as Chief Executive Officer

Habitat for Humanity Denton County is pleased to announce the appointment of Christina Esquivel as its new Chief Executive Officer. Esquivel brings extensive experience in leadership, operations, strategic planning, and community engagement. Most recently, she served as Director of Operations for Heart Media, where she helped guide the organization’s growth through strategic planning, business development, and operational excellence. A longtime Denton County resident, Esquivel is passionate about strengthening communities and creating opportunities for families to thrive. As a former foster parent and adoptive mother, she understands firsthand the importance of safe, stable housing and the life-changing impact a place to call home can have on a family.

“I am honored to join Habitat for Humanity Denton County and serve an organization whose mission creates lasting change for families and our community,” said Esquivel. “As someone whose family has been shaped by the power of stability, support, and community, Habitat’s mission is deeply personal to me. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and working alongside our staff, volunteers, donors, homeowners, and partners as we continue to grow our impact across Denton County.”

To connect with Christina Esquivel, please contact her at cesquivel@habitatdentoncounty.net or 940-484-5006 ext. 9017.

Source: Press release

July 17, 2026
Local artists help shape The Salvation Army of North Texas’ new Dallas Social Services Campus

As The Salvation Army of North Texas’ new Dallas Social Services Campus continues to rise, a group of local arts leaders is helping shape what the space will feel like from the moment clients walk through the door. The campus arts committee is curating and placing local artists’ artworks throughout the facility to create an environment rooted in dignity, comfort and hope, not an institutional setting.

The artwork will be integrated across the new 21-acre campus, the flagship of The Salvation Army of North Texas’s $212.7 million One Army, Many Fronts Campaign. Guided by evidence-based design principles, the committee is intentionally selecting artwork with calming colors, natural imagery and restorative themes shown to support emotional well-being, reduce stress and help foster a sense of stability and healing. This collaboration offers a unique look at how arts and social services can intersect to support long-term recovery and care.

Source: Press release

July 17, 2026
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County finalizes merger with Clayton Youth Enrichment

Move designed to help sustain affordable, school-based and out-of-school resources for youth

The ink is officially dry on a merger between Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) and Clayton Youth Enrichment, a move designed to ensure the long-term viability of affordable, school-based and out-of-school resources for children and teens. Approved by both boards in early May, the merger was finalized this week, and work will begin immediately to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year.

“We live in one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and with that comes increased demand for quality childcare, academic support, and youth development,” said Daphne Barlow, BGCGTC CEO and president. “Responding to those critical needs is essential to the health of our community, and this merger will increase our ability to be at the forefront of those efforts.”

Prior to the merger, Clayton served more than 8,000 youth annually, through year-round after school care, school break and summer camps, and child development center services. Those services will now be managed by BGCGTC.

Barlow said the merger benefits the community by combining the expertise of two highly effective nonprofits. It also offers significant cost savings through shared resources and lower overall expenses, creating a more sustainable model to serve local youth and their families.

“We honor the legacy of Clayton Youth Enrichment and look forward to building on the positive impact the organization has made over the past 50 years,” Barlow said. “As Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County celebrates 100 years of service, this merger is another example of how we are living our mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”

Source: Press release

July 10, 2026
Denton Habitat for Humanity celebrates dedication of 111th home and second habitat village home

Habitat for Humanity of Denton County is proud to celebrate the dedication of its 111th home, built in partnership with the McKee family, on Saturday, June 27, at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place at 1105 Hill St., Denton, TX 76205, marking another milestone in the growth of Habitat Village.

The home is the second completed home in Habitat Village and was made possible through the dedication of Habitat’s Interfaith Build Coalition. The Interfaith Build Coalition brings together local faith communities from a variety of denominations and backgrounds to work toward a common goal: building safe, affordable homes for families in need. Through financial support, volunteer labor, and community partnership, the coalition demonstrates the power of unity and service in creating lasting change.

The McKee family partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Denton County throughout the homeownership process by completing financial education courses, contributing sweat equity hours, and working alongside volunteers who helped build their future home.

“Instrumental to the success of Habitat for Humanity in our community is the continued partnership with the Interfaith Coalition, where a diverse group dedicated to the betterment of our neighborhoods comes together. The McKee home represents the fifth such collaboration in the last 10 years—a collaboration built on the unifying message of coming together for a common cause,” Board President Brian Strohl said.

The dedication ceremony will include remarks from Habitat leadership, representatives of the Interfaith Build Coalition, volunteers, and the McKee family as they receive the keys to their new home.

Community members, volunteers, faith partners, and supporters are invited to attend and celebrate this exciting milestone.

Source: Press release

July 10, 2026
Catholic Charities Fort Worth comes to Denton and Cooke counties

Catholic Charities Fort Worth is expanding their services into Denton and Cooke counties. For more than a century, they’ve been committed to relentlessly ending poverty through holistic, evidence-based solutions. Now, they’re bringing that same mission-driven support to the Denton and Cooke communities.

The expansion means more families will have access to the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to build brighter futures. From providing life-changing education, employment, and financial resiliency programs, Catholic Charities meets people where they are and walk alongside them on their journey out of poverty.

Denton and Cooke counties are communities full of resilience and potential, and Catholic Charities is honored to partner with local leaders, organizations, and neighbors to make lasting change. Together, they can strengthen families, uplift communities, and break the cycle of poverty.

Source: Press release

July 10, 2026