Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Author: DFW501c Reporter

  • The Storehouse Community Center Youth Leadership Council sets records for service hours and donations

    The Storehouse Community Center Youth Leadership Council sets records for service hours and donations

    Forty area high school students contributed more than 2,161 volunteer hours while leading innovative service projects, including a six-school drive that collected 2,503 coats and winter clothing items

    The Storehouse Community Center celebrated a record-breaking year for its Youth Leadership Council (YLC), whose 40 student leaders contributed more than 2,161 volunteer hours and spearheaded a massive six-school clothing drive that collected 2,503 coats and winter clothing items for neighbors in need. The accomplishments were recognized during the organization’s year-end celebration honoring extraordinary service, leadership development and collaboration among students representing 16 North Texas high schools.

    Founded in 2021, the YLC continues to grow as a leadership pipeline for young nonprofit and community leaders. This year, the council achieved its highest level of service to date, with members averaging 54 volunteer hours each – far surpassing the program’s annual 30-hour commitment.

    “This year’s Youth Leadership Council members demonstrated what is possible when young people are empowered to lead with compassion, creativity and purpose,” said Candace Winslow, CEO of The Storehouse Community Center. “When I see a student in that green YLC shirt, it tells me they already understand that true leadership begins with service. The next nonprofit leader—the next CEO—is sitting in this room, and we are incredibly proud to help shape their journey.”

    Throughout the year, YLC members gained hands-on experience learning about each of The Storehouse’s core programs, including food assistance, clothing resources, education, social services and workforce partnerships. Students interviewed program directors and worked through real-life case studies focused on problem-solving and community impact.

    In addition to volunteering in the food pantry and across various Storehouse programs, students organized and led the “Warm Hearts with Warm Coats” campaign, a six-school clothing drive effort that united Plano West Senior High School, John Paul II High School, Prince of Peace Christian School, Hebron High School, Shepton High School and Frisco Memorial High School under a shared theme and branding initiative featuring hand-painted fireplace collection boxes created by the students. The extraordinary community-wide effort collected 2,503 winter clothing items and coats for neighbors in need, more than quadrupling last year’s YLC collection total of 562 items.

    The council also hosted an end-of-year socks and underwear drive, collecting 284 essential items for neighbors in need. Additionally, the YLC students prepared hundreds of protein bites to fuel adult learners in the Academy ESL program, which meets for four hours every Saturday morning across two intensive twelve-week semesters from August to May.

    At the year-end celebration, The Storehouse recognized three recipients of the David Huerta Student Volunteer Award*, presented annually to students who not only complete the highest number of volunteer hours, but also exemplify The Storehouse’s values of service and leadership:

    • Lucas Gonzales, John Paul II High School — 185.25 hours
    • Alberto Ramos Hinojosa, John Paul II High School — 129.75 hours
    • Javier Alonso, John Paul II High School — 111 hours

    This marks the first year that all three award recipients surpassed 100 service hours.

    The organization also honored 15 graduating seniors completing their service on the council:

    Asil Miah, Plano West Senior High School

    Ava Henry, John Paul II High School

    Brad Bai, Plano West Senior High School

    Colin Goodlin, Plano West Senior High School

    Fletcher Stall, Fairhill School

    Ipsita Devalla, Plano West Senior High School

    Isaias Gonzalez, Harmony High School

    Joshua Eappen, Frisco Memorial High School

    Magere Bodo, Frisco Memorial High School

    Misha Kandukuri, Plano West Senior High School

    Saanvi Gundala, Plano West Senior High School

    Sanjitha Bandi, Plano West Senior High School

    Surabhi Halbe, Plano West Senior High School

    Tessa Devasia, John Paul II High School

    Tyler Adams, John Paul II High School

    During the celebration, graduating senior Tessa Devasia, valedictorian of the John Paul II High School Class of 2026, reflected on how her experience with the YLC transformed her understanding of service and leadership.

    “Through volunteering at The Storehouse, I’ve learned that service has a way of changing you,” said Devasia. “It taught me that helping others isn’t always about doing something big or extraordinary. Sometimes it’s just showing up, giving your time and being willing to serve wherever you’re needed.”

    Senior Brad Bai also reflected on his four years of service on the council, the friendships he formed with students who share a passion for helping others, and how the experience transformed his understanding of leadership.

    “I have learned that leadership means taking the initiative to help others and lift them up, showing up to serve neighbors in need, welcoming someone new and stepping forward to do what is right,” said Bai. “The YLC has given me an incredible experience through meeting new people, building lasting friendships and helping me grow into the person I am today.”

    “These students continually inspire me with their willingness to step forward, solve problems and serve wherever there is a need,” said Ben Skye, director of communications and culture and YLC advisor at The Storehouse. “What makes this group so special is not only the incredible amount of service they provide, but the compassion, leadership and teamwork they demonstrate along the way. They are learning that leadership is about showing up for others, working together to meet challenges and making a meaningful impact in their community.”

    The YLC season begins each August with orientation and concludes each spring with the year-end celebration, recognizing students for their service, leadership and dedication to strengthening the community through The Storehouse mission to feed, clothe, and care for neighbors in need.

    While the YLC roster is complete for the 2026–27 year, The Storehouse welcomes all high school students to volunteer. Students who have completed 30 lifetime volunteer hours at The Storehouse are eligible to apply for the YLC in April each year. To sign up, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer-sign-up. To learn more about the Youth Leadership Council, visit www.thestorehousecc.org/ylc.

    Source: Press release

  • Fascism, and why we all need to support trans rights, no matter what issues we’re working on

    Fascism, and why we all need to support trans rights, no matter what issues we’re working on

    Hi everyone, this week on May 28th at 1pm to 2pm Pacific, I’ll be in conversation with some brilliant leaders (including Jan Masaoka and Al Cantor) about regulatory and tax reform of private foundations, such as with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs). It’s free. Register here.

    I’m writing this from Toronto, where I just spoke at one of the largest gatherings of animal rights and veganism advocates I’ve been to. It was amazing, and not just because I could eat everything and didn’t have to settle for a blueberry garnish and a mint leaf plucked off a nonvegan cake for dessert.

    It was inspiring and heartening to meet so many dedicated people who care about animals and to learn about the creative, vital, and successful work they’ve been doing. One of the most inspiring and illuminating sessions was about a community in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula mobilizing against a pig farm. The farm, owned by a giant corporation, raised and slaughtered thousands of pigs, with most of the meat sold overseas.

    The effects were horrifying. Community members could no longer drink the water and had to use bottled water because of the runoff of blood, antibiotics, and waste. Children were getting sick from the burning of the feces creating acrid smoke. The air and water and land were all polluted. Fruit and vegetables were contaminated and no longer edible. The mental health of everyone in the village suffered due to the constant sounds and smells and sight of death.

    The community organized, lobbied, and protested and faced down police brutality, where organizers were beaten and arrested. At the end, though, they won, driving out the factory farm. Now they begin the process of healing the people and land, which will still take many years for this small community.  

    This case highlights how connected all our issues are. In this instance, we saw the intersection of animal rights, environmental protection, children’s welfare, food security, physical and mental health, poverty, community organizing, labor rights, and politics. If we dig further, we probably see other subsectors as well, such as the arts.

    …

    Read full article here…

  • Huffines Foundation Awards Nearly $78,000 to Mesquite ISD Students and Teachers Through Innovative Academic Incentive Program

    Huffines Foundation Awards Nearly $78,000 to Mesquite ISD Students and Teachers Through Innovative Academic Incentive Program

    Huffines Achievement Day Celebrates Student Growth, Teacher Excellence, and Measurable Academic Success Across Mesquite ISD

    The Huffines Foundation and Mesquite ISD celebrated hundreds of students and educators during Huffines Achievement Day, awarding nearly $78,000 in academic incentives through the Huffines Reward Program for 2025-2026 school year- an innovative initiative designed to motivate student achievement in math, reading, and STAAR preparation through mastery-based learning and real financial rewards.

    Held at Horn High School, the event recognized outstanding academic growth among elementary students, teachers, and campuses participating in the program’s pilot year across Achziger Elementary, Smith Elementary, and Gentry Elementary.

    Through the Huffines Reward Program, students earned real cash rewards for mastering grade-level math and reading skills with 100% accuracy. Students received $20 for each mastery badge earned, with subjects ranging from phonics and addition to algebra and reading inference.

    Since launching the pilot initiative, participating students have completed more than 1.35 million practice questions and earned nearly 2,900 mastery badges, resulting in more than $58,000 paid directly to students and their families.

    “This program is about more than incentives, it’s about building confidence, discipline, and a lifelong belief that hard work creates opportunity,” said Phillip Huffines. “When students see a direct connection between effort and achievement, learning becomes exciting. We are proud to partner with Mesquite ISD in creating a model that celebrates academic excellence while supporting teachers and families in meaningful ways.”

    In addition to student rewards, the program provided more than $10,000 in direct performance-based bonuses to teachers and principals whose classrooms demonstrated strong engagement, academic growth, and STAAR readiness outcomes.

    Mesquite ISD Superintendent Dr. Ángel Rivera praised the partnership and the impact the program has had on student motivation and classroom culture.

    “We are proud to celebrate the hard work and academic growth of our students and teachers,” said Dr. Rivera. “Programs like the Huffines Reward Program create excitement around learning while reinforcing the importance of perseverance, achievement, and student success.”

    A total of 444 out of 492 participating students earned at least one mastery badge during the pilot year, representing a 90% student participation success rate. More than 110 students mastered all 12 available badges during the spring semester alone.

    The event also featured the presentation of the prestigious Huffines Cup, awarded to the highest-performing campus based on average badges earned per student. Achziger Elementary earned top honors with an average of 8.17 badges per student and more than 1,270 total badges earned.

    The celebration included appearances by community leaders, educators, families, and special guests, including longtime Dallas Mavericks entertainer Mavs Man, who joined students in recognizing the year’s accomplishments.

    Source: Press release

  • Project Godwill 2026 raises $70,000 for education, training & job placement programs

    Project Godwill 2026 raises $70,000 for education, training & job placement programs

    Goodwill North Central Texas welcomed 410 attendees to Project Goodwill 2026 on April 16 at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel, raising more than $70,000 to support education, training and job placement programs for individuals facing barriers to employment across North Central Texas.

    The annual fashion show and design competition featured 14 local designers who transformed $100 worth of thrifted materials into one-of-a-kind runway looks, blending sustainability with high fashion in support of Goodwill’s mission. The high-energy evening included a cocktail reception, silent auction and live runway show, culminating in the announcement of this year’s winning designers:

    Taking first place was TY Washington, who captivated judges with “The Walking Storybook,” a bold design crafted from pages of two books and a bedsheet. The paper pantsuit transforms stories of Goodwill participants into a wearable expression of resilience and transformation, finished with a purse made from the original book covers. Washington, the 2025 Project Goodwill All-Stars winner, also earned this year’s Social Media Influencer Award.

    Second place was awarded to Texas Christian University student Adelaide Lovett, whose design explored the concept of permanence through a thoughtful blend of structured and flowing elements. Using materials such as a suitcase, headboard, laundry hamper and 13 belts, Lovett created a sculptural piece that balanced strength and softness, inspired by both nature and ballet.

    Third place went to Natalie Jaecks, who drew inspiration from geometry in nature, bold colors and unconventional materials. Her design incorporated silk poinsettias, a book, a shower curtain and bath mats to create a vibrant, eye-catching look. Jaecks also received the UnitedHealthcare Award, presented by the event’s presenting sponsor.

    The People’s Choice Award was awarded to Trimble Technical High School student Yarelie Flores, whose 19th-century-inspired design with a modern twist captivated the audience. Her look featured an inventive mix of materials including pool noodles, puzzles, albums and butterfly planter picks.

    “Project Goodwill continues to showcase the incredible talent in our community while highlighting the power of sustainability,” said Shay Gipson, Vice President of Community Engagement for Goodwill North Central Texas. “Every piece on the runway represents more than creativity, it represents opportunities for individuals in our programs to gain skills, find meaningful employment and build a path toward independence.”

    Proceeds from Project Goodwill directly support Goodwill North Central Texas programs, which provide critical education, job training and career placement services across an 18-county region.

    The event was hosted by Anthony Elle, winner of Project Runway All Stars (Season 6) and HGTV’s Rock the Block, and featured a distinguished panel of judges from the fashion, entertainment and academic communities.

    Source: Press release

  • $1.1 M JPMorgan Chase Investment Supports Affordable Housing in Fort Worth

    $1.1 M JPMorgan Chase Investment Supports Affordable Housing in Fort Worth

    On May 19, the Fort Worth Community Land Trust hosted a celebration highlighting key milestones for the city’s first community land trust, established by the Fort Worth City Council in 2024. At the center of the event was JPMorgan Chase’s $1.1 million investment supporting the land trust’s community developer initiative, which will provide local and nonprofit developers with training, technical assistance and access to land acquired from the City to build quality affordable homes in neighborhoods threatened by blight and displacement.

    Using the community land trust model, the Fort Worth Community Land Trust creates permanent affordability by offering homebuyers quality homes paired with leased land, built-in resale protections, homebuyer education and guidance on down payment assistance programs, all of which result in an attainable path to homeownership for first-time, first-generation buyers of moderate incomes who are increasingly being priced out of the market. 

    Mayor Mattie Parker opened the program by discussing Fort Worth’s rapid growth and the increasing need for affordable housing options across the city. With Fort Worth now the 10th largest city in the United States and continuing to add approximately 20,000 residents each year, she noted that rising home prices have intensified the need for sustainable homeownership solutions for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers and working families.

    “The work we’re celebrating today represents what’s possible when organizations across our city join together to solve our most pressing challenges,” Parker said, while emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

    J.T. Aughinbaugh, vice chair of the JPMorganChase Market Leadership Team in North Texas, expanded on the importance of strategic partnerships and long-term investment in neighborhoods.

    “Communities don’t stay strong by accident,” Aughinbaugh said. “Affordable housing impacts workforce stability, economic mobility and opportunities for families to build generational wealth.”

    Becky Bass, president of the Fort Worth Community Land Trust, highlighted several key data points illustrating the growing affordability challenges facing Fort Worth residents:

    • Between 2010 and 2024, Fort Worth grew by more than 30 percent, outpacing the Texas average.
    • Home prices in Fort Worth have surged by more than 50 percent over the past five years.
    • Approximately 106,000 Fort Worth households fall within the 60-120 percent Area Median Income range, yet only 6 percent of homes sold are considered attainable for buyers in that income bracket.
    • More than 11,000 homeowners and 12,000 renters in Fort Worth are considered housing cost burdened, meaning they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs.
    • The median home sale price in Fort Worth is approximately $375,000.

    The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Michelle Thomas, head of philanthropy for JPMorganChase in Texas, with participation from Maggie Parker, Donna VanNess and Jeremy Parker, executives representing Fort Worth Community Land Trust partners Innovan Neighborhoods, Housing Channel and the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, which provided initial funding to help launch the land trust.

    Panelists discussed the increasing challenges facing first-time homebuyers, including rising development costs, higher mortgage rates, institutional buying activity and continued population growth. Speakers also stressed the importance of educating the public about the community land trust model and the long-term benefits of permanent affordability.

    During the discussion, panelists acknowledged Mayor Parker’s leadership in helping bring partners together and advancing the vision for the Fort Worth Community Land Trust.

    Housing Channel is the developer for Carroll Park, the Fort Worth Community Land Trust’s inaugural affordable homeownership community in south Fort Worth. The first phase of the development entered the market earlier this year, featuring newly rehabilitated homes priced at approximately $135,000, along with access to down payment assistance through the City of Fort Worth for qualified buyers.

    A highlight of the event was recognition of the developers selected for upcoming home builds in Morningside, Hillside, Stop Six and other Fort Worth neighborhoods, including Alpha Family Group, The Precise Home, BWI Contractors, Inc., Felder Homes and Legacy Construction Solutions. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

    Open house events and informational sessions for Carroll Park will continue throughout the summer. Aspiring homebuyers are encouraged to register to learn more at fwclt.org. 

    FW Community Land Trust May2026 Community Developers Event photographed Tuesday, May 19, 2026at the Amon Carter Center Lena Pope Home Fort Worth, Texas.
    Photography by Bruce E. Maxwell

    Source: Press release

  • Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit Raises Record $220,000 for Grant Halliburton Foundation 

    Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit Raises Record $220,000 for Grant Halliburton Foundation 


    Turning 75 is cause for celebration, and Texas Rangers Hall of Fame radio broadcaster and longtime mental health advocate Eric Nadel marked the milestone May 14 with a packed night of music and community at the historic Longhorn Ballroom, featuring Brooklyn-based headliner Sammy Rae & The Friends and special guest Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes.

    Nadel hosted his 14th annual Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit concert, with proceeds benefiting Grant Halliburton Foundation, a Dallas-based nonprofit marking its 20th anniversary in 2026. The Foundation provides mental health education, resources and support to children, teens and their families across North Texas. The event was presented by Haynes Boone, with KXT 91.7 serving as media sponsor.

    The baseball-themed evening featured a silent auction filled with autographed sports memorabilia, celebrity dinners at some of Dallas’ most beloved restaurants and other one-of-a-kind offerings. Volunteers, dressed in Texas Rangers T-shirts, passed out baseball-inspired snacks as guests visited with one another and took in the iconic Longhorn Ballroom’s memorabilia-filled setting.

    As the show began, Nadel was surprised with a birthday video tribute featuring messages from many of his family and friends before taking the stage.

    “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my 75th birthday than by bringing people together for great music and an even greater cause,” Nadel said. “Grant Halliburton Foundation is doing critical work to give young people and families the mental health resources and support they need, and I’m grateful to everyone who came out to help make that work possible.” 

    Nadel then introduced Bay Area favorite Chuck Prophet and His Cumbia Shoes, who opened the evening with a lively set. Prophet’s music has been described as intoxicatingly rhythmic, with flashes of rock ’n’ roll, punk, surf and soul.

    Following the performance, Nadel welcomed Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, to the stage.

    “Tonight, we celebrate two meaningful milestones: Eric’s 75th birthday and Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year,” Hall said. “Eric is a great friend to the Foundation and a powerful voice for mental health. We’re grateful for his continued support to help bring hope and help to young people and families across North Texas.” 

    After a special 20th anniversary video highlighting the Foundation’s mission and impact, auctioneer Dean McCurry invited guests who purchased beads to stand for a spirited game of heads or tails. He then led the live auction, which included a Texas Rangers suite for 12, a Napa Valley getaway, dinner with Texas Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young and more.

    Brooklyn-based headliner Sammy Rae & The Friends closed the evening with an energetic performance blending classic rock, folk and funk with soul and jazz influences. As the band took the stage, guests rushed forward to dance near the stage, creating a lively and joyful finale to the birthday celebration.

    Source: Press release

  • Families to Freedom volunteer reaches milestone of 600 survivor transportation trips 

    Families to Freedom volunteer reaches milestone of 600 survivor transportation trips 

    Families to Freedom proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone achieved by one of its dedicated volunteer drivers, who completed their 600th transportation trip on May 14, 2026. 

    Since 2015, Families to Freedom has provided free, confidential transportation for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking — helping individuals and families safely reach shelter, supportive family, medical care, relocation opportunities, and new beginnings. To date, the organization has delivered more than 1.7 million miles to safety across Texas and beyond. 

    While the organization tracks miles and trips, leaders at Families to Freedom say the true impact is measured in lives changed, children protected, and hope restored. 

    “Six hundred trips represent far more than transportation,” said Eric Zarko with Families to Freedom. “It represents 600 moments when someone in crisis was met with compassion, dignity, and safety. Our volunteers are truly everyday heroes.” 

    Volunteer drivers are the heartbeat of Families to Freedom’s mission, often responding to transportation needs involving survivors, children, pets, luggage, and emergency relocation circumstances throughout Texas and beyond. 

    The organization notes that milestones like this highlight the growing need for volunteer drivers, especially as summer months historically bring the highest volume of transportation requests. 

    “We’re endlessly grateful for the volunteers who continue saying ‘yes’ to this work,” Zarko added. “In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, these acts of service remind us that humanity is alive and well on Texas highways every single day.” 

    Families to Freedom continues to actively recruit volunteer drivers and community partners throughout Texas. 

    For more information about volunteering or supporting the mission, visit: Families to Freedom Website 

    Source: Press release

  • Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer’s raises $4 million to support pediatric cancer research and family programs

    Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer’s raises $4 million to support pediatric cancer research and family programs

    Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer’s (WOKC) 45th Anniversary Gala raised $4 million Saturday, April 25, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, in a powerful evening celebrating children with cancer (Warriors), the families who love them, and the supporters helping advance research in the fight against pediatric cancer.

    Tatiana and Peter Cancro, founder of Jersey Mike’s Subs, served as Honorary Chairs for the milestone gala with Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer founder Cindy Brinker Simmons and long-time board member Karee H. Sampson serving as Gala Co-Chairs.

    “Everything we do is for the kids,” said Cindy Brinker Simmons. “For 45 years, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer has remained committed to providing hope and support as we stand firmly anchored with these courageous and inspiring young heroes and resilient families facing their challenging cancer journeys. I am profoundly humbled, touched, and thankful for the dedication and kindness lavished on WOKC these last four-and-a-half decades by so many gracious people.”

    “Our hearts are full of gratitude for the enormous generosity and unwavering support from WOKC’s long-time faithful donors, sponsors, and many new friends who made this milestone gala so victorious and impactful in the lives of these precious kids battling cancer. It is an honor and pleasure to help plan and execute this momentous celebration,” said Karee Sampson.

    Centered on the theme “Cancer Does NOT Define ME!”, the gala brought together community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates for a memorable night filled with moving stories, tremendous generosity, and high-energy entertainment. Of the $4 million raised at the gala, WOKC will dedicate $2 million to co-fund innovative pediatric cancer research grants in partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation will match this funding with an additional $2 million, bringing the total investment to $4 million for game-changing pediatric cancer research projects across North America.

    The remaining $2 million raised from the gala will support WOKC’s relentless mission to fund year-round programs including its signature Buddy Bags, Warrior Family events, and international podcast that provide comfort and hope during these uncertain and stressful times. “Medicine for the soul” is how parents describe the benefit of these programs.

    During the evening, WOKC Warriors shared their personal stories of perseverance and hope. Haylie Geraci shared her frightening experience of being diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 11 and the joy of ringing the bell in 2020 to mark the end of two-and-a-half years of grueling treatment and being declared cancer-free. Today, she is a freshman at Texas A&M University. Niko Tacey spoke about being diagnosed with cancer at 13 years old. Today, he is a sophomore at Texas A&M University studying oceanography and will be commissioned into the Navy upon graduation. Both young speakers reflected on the ways WOKC stood beside them and their families throughout their cancer journeys.

    Geraci introduced five-time Emmy-award winner and ESPN sports journalist Holly Rowe who served as emcee for the evening, bringing both warmth and candor as she shared her own story of being diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma. Her personal remarks added another layer of perspective and encouragement to a night focused on perseverance, hope, and the importance of continued progress in cancer research.

    The evening featured a dynamic live auction led by Yve Rojas, a professional auctioneer and past contestant on Survivor, with guests bidding on experiential packages curated by WOKC and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

    Honorary Chairs Tatiana and Peter Cancro, two of the nation’s most genuinely benevolent servant leaders, were presented with WOKC’s Philanthropic Impact Award.  Their deep compassion for children battling cancer, along with their steadfast financial support and that of Jersey Mike’s which now totals over $7 million in funding to WOKC throughout the past 16 years, continues to make an enormous lasting impact on WOKC’s critical mission.  

    Accepting WOKC’s Scientific Research Impact Award was Dr. Andrew Koh, Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children’s Health and Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center.  Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center have been recipients of WOKC’s novel, cutting-edge research funding over the past 45 years.

    Another standout moment came during the evening’s paddle raise, which generated nearly $500,000 in donations from supporters committed to helping children with cancer and their families.

    Guests were treated to musical performances by the popular Little River Band during dinner and concluded with a dessert and dance party featuring the Emerald City All-Stars, whose fun and lively performance kept the celebration going late into the night.

    Screenshot

    Source: Press release

  • Goodwill North Central Texas plans major community investment in Ft. Worth

    Goodwill North Central Texas plans major community investment in Ft. Worth

    Goodwill North Central Texas announced that the nonprofit has acquired the 89,736 sq. foot property located at 318 E. Long Ave. in Fort Worth, with plans to transform the site into a multi-use facility supporting retail operations, workforce development and career training services.

    The nonprofit closed on the property on April 17, 2026, and will take possession at the end of June to begin renovations. Following renovations, the location will include Goodwill North Central Texas’ second Outlet store, as well as a donation center, warehouse and transportation hub to support its northern retail and donation locations.

    A key component of the development will be a new Job Resource Center, which will provide job placement services, digital skills training, and access to virtual credential programs. The center is expected to serve more than 150 individuals each month, with services available in both English and Spanish to meet the needs of the surrounding community. The addition of these services will expand access to career resources in an area of Fort Worth where demand for bilingual workforce training and employment support continues to grow.

    The project is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs, including positions in retail, logistics and career services. The facility is currently expected to open in 2027.

    “This investment reflects our continued commitment to expanding access to job training and employment opportunities across Fort Worth,” said David Cox, President & CEO of Goodwill North Central Texas. “We are proud to bring additional resources and services to this community.”

    Source: Press release

  • New RFPs Support Education and Recovery

    New RFPs Support Education and Recovery

    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 federal grant opportunities:

    Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) Program Competition

    • Funder: Department of Labor
    • Expected number of awards:  10
    • Cost sharing required? Yes
    • Closing date: June 23, 2026
    • Estimated award range: $7 million
    • Eligibility: Institutes of higher education, independent school districts, for profit organizations, nonprofits, and county, special district, tribal, city, and state governments.
    • Description: The purpose of the TQP program is to improve student achievement; improve the quality of prospective and new teachers by improving teacher preparation and enhancing professional development to hold teacher preparation programs at institutions of higher education (IHEs) accountable for preparing teachers who meet applicable State certification and licensure requirements; and recruit highly qualified individuals into the teaching force. The TQP program also supports the use of Registered Apprenticeships as a high-quality, work-based learning pathway for preparing and credentialing new teachers based on demonstrated skill and merit, particularly in high-need schools and subject areas experiencing teacher shortages.

    Link to full RFP: https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/teacher-preparation-grants/teacher-quality-partnership-program

    Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA)

    • Funder: CDC
    • Expected number of awards: 50
    • Closing date: June 8, 2026
    • Award range: Up to $75,000
    • Eligibility: Eligible applicants are community-based coalitions addressing opioid, methamphetamine, and/or prescription drug use/misuse by local youth. They must be a nonprofit (as defined by the IRS as a 501(c) organization); or an entity that the Administrator determines to be appropriate; or part of, or is associated with an established legally recognized domestic, public or private nonprofit organizations.
    • Summary: The purpose of the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities Program is to improve results for children with disabilities by (1) promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology; (2) supporting educational activities designed to be of educational value in the classroom for students with disabilities; (3) providing support for captioning and video description that is appropriate for use in the classroom; and (4) providing accessible educational materials to students with disabilities in a timely manner.
    • Link to full RFP: https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/7859e970-00ec-4f1c-987c-d2d7c0e66415/attachments/564dba9d-f1a3-4da4-8427-4d876800b127/Foa_Content_of_cdc-rfa-ce-26-0110.pdf