Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Author: DFW501c Reporter

Dallas’ Form Follows Fitness 5K surpasses $2 million raised

15th anniversary year generated more than $221,000 while celebrating Dallas architecture, fitness and civic pride

On Saturday, May 16, Dallas’ signature architecture-themed race celebrated another milestone year as the Form Follows Fitness 5K, presented by Blackson Brick, gathered more than 60 runners, walkers, architects, designers, civic leaders and community supporters at Community Beer Company for a ceremonial check presentation benefiting The Architecture and Design Foundation. The brewery hosted four social runs leading up to the 2026 race and will host monthly runs on the third Saturday of each month through January 2027.

The 2026 race season generated $221,358.07, the third-highest fundraising total in event history, helping bring the race’s lifetime charitable impact to more than $2 million raised. The event also celebrated its 15th anniversary year, setting records with 3,973 registrations, $308,000 in sponsorship revenue and 184 industry teams participating. Throughout its 15-year history, 44,588 participants have taken part in the 5K.

The ceremonial presentation recognized the impact of a community event that has evolved far beyond a race. Form Follows Fitness has united the architecture, engineering, construction, planning and fitness communities to raise funds that create opportunities for students, support research, expand public education and connect residents to the beauty and importance of the built environment.

The morning also spotlighted the future of architecture, design and civic innovation. Following the presentation, an air horn sounded as runners and walkers began the first official monthly social run leading into the 2027 race season.

“The AD EX Form Follows Fitness 5K really began from a simple moment of inspiration during a Saturday morning AD EX Arts District Walking Tour in 2010,” said Patrick Glenn, AIA, LEED AP, ALEP, LE Fellow, Form Follows Fitness 5K founder. “As Briar Glenn and I were experiencing the energy of the Dallas Arts District, we started talking about how incredible it would be to create an event that connected health, community and architecture in a more visible and engaging way. What started as a meaningful idea has grown into a Dallas tradition that celebrates architecture, promotes public engagement and supports educational programs and scholarships for future generations of designers and architects.”

Glenn said one of the event’s greatest achievements has been strengthening the connection between the public and the architecture and design community while supporting educational initiatives and scholarships.

“Seeing the lasting impact this event has had on both our profession and the broader Dallas community is something I am incredibly proud of,” Glenn said. “I am excited to see how we can continue to grow that message and impact for the next 15 years.”

For Briar Glenn, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Form Follows Fitness 5K co-founder, the race’s continued growth reflects the power of community collaboration.

“Celebrating the Form Follows Fitness 5K’s 15th anniversary is a tremendous milestone,” Glenn said. “What began as an idea to bring our industry colleagues, partners and the community together around a shared commitment to wellness and the celebration of Dallas’ iconic architecture has grown into something far greater than Patrick and I ever imagined.”

She said the race has become the Foundation’s largest single fundraising effort while helping expand programs such as Build Your City!, the Exhibition Series, Architecture and Design Exchange programming and Designing My Future Camps.

“Beyond race day, the 5K has become a catalyst for deeper community engagement, meaningful industry partnerships and new opportunities to inspire the next generation through the power of architecture and design,” Glenn said.

Norman Alston, FAIA, president-elect of The Architecture and Design Foundation, believes the race perfectly reflects Dallas’ architectural spirit.

“I love that the Form Follows Fitness 5K was born out of walking through our city and looking at the architecture,” Alston said. “It’s testimony to the quality of Dallas architecture that, besides being beautiful, it can inspire people in other important aspects of their lives.”

The race’s unique atmosphere and citywide appeal continue to resonate with participants and organizers alike, according to Eric Lindberg, race director for the Form Follows Fitness 5K.

“Every year, the commitment and support from the architecture industry for the race blows me away,” Lindberg said. “It’s the largest industry gathering in North Texas and I pause when I call it a race because it’s truly an event for all, including architecture, the running and walking community, families, friends and coworkers.”

Lindberg added that the course remains one of the event’s signature experiences as participants travel through the West End, Downtown, the Arts District and Uptown before finishing at Klyde Warren Park.

Marc Blackson, president of Blackson Brick, said supporting the event aligns naturally with the company’s mission and values.

“Supporting Form Follows Fitness is not only a commitment to giving back, it’s a strategic alignment of business objectives with meaningful impact, strengthening both the Foundation and the architecture community it serves,” Blackson said.

Source: Press release

May 21, 2026
On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles

This week: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas

Daniel Poku

Dr. Tabitha Branum

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas has appointed two respected North Texas leaders to its Board of Directors: Daniel Poku, vice president at SRS Real Estate Partners, and Dr. Tabitha Branum, superintendent of Richardson ISD.

May 21, 2026
The Leadership Academy brings Girl Scout volunteers together in partnership with Junior League of Dallas

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Junior League of Dallas members and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas leaders and caregivers gathered together at the Dallas County Girl Scout DreamLab powered by Eddie Bernice Johnson in South Dallas for the Leadership Academy, an exclusive, hands-on leadership development workshop designed for Girl Scout volunteers. This national pilot program is led by the Association of Junior Leagues International and Girl Scouts of the USA and has been implemented in just three leagues across the country so far. It is designed to strengthen the leadership skills of Girl Scout volunteers, helping them build confidence, improve communication, and develop values-based leadership while modeling those behaviors for the girls they lead. Facilitated by Junior League of Dallas members, the workshop fostered meaningful collaboration between local Girl Scout councils and the Junior League of Dallas, reinforcing a shared commitment to leadership training, community impact and volunteer development.
“We are honored to lead this pilot program on behalf of Junior Leagues everywhere in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas,” said Dr. Lindsay Davis, president of the Junior League of Dallas. “Our mission has always been to cultivate women leaders who address critical community needs through trained volunteer service, strategic funding and principled leadership. As the mom of a current Girl Scout who has already benefitted greatly from the organization’s incredible curriculum and inspiring troop leaders, this collaboration feels especially meaningful. We cannot imagine a better partner than Girl Scouts to help equip and inspire the next generation of women leaders.”

ABOUT JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DALLAS
The Junior League of Dallas cultivates women leaders who collectively address the critical needs of the community. Founded in 1922, JLD is one of the largest Junior Leagues in the world, as well as the largest and oldest training organization for women in Dallas. Active members range in age from 22 to 49 with approximately 85% percent of women employed outside of the home. The JLD provides leadership opportunities to nearly 4,000 women each year through more than 17,000 cumulative hours of experiential and formal training. Uniquely member-run, JLD provides approximately 100,000 hours in volunteer service and more than $1 million in funding to area nonprofits each year. For more information, please visit www.jldallas.org or Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Source: Press release

May 15, 2026
Juliette Fowler Communities awarded $10,000 grant from Texas Bar Foundation to support legal assistance for low-income seniors

Juliette Fowler Communities (JFC) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation to provide critical legal assistance for low-income seniors navigating the Medicaid application process. This funding will help remove barriers to care and facilitate placement in assisted living for some of Dallas’ most vulnerable residents.

The grant will directly fund legal services for up to 25 seniors, many of whom face significant financial and logistical challenges when applying for Medicaid. With elder law attorneys often charging between $200 and $500 per hour, access to professional legal guidance can be out of reach for individuals living on fixed incomes. Within Juliette Fowler Communities’ affordable housing at Fowler Christian Apartments, more than 200 low-income seniors reside, with an average household income of just $17,367. Across the broader community, which includes a range of residential settings and services for older adults with varying financial resources, residents may experience changes in health, income, or level of care over time, making Medicaid eligibility and access to legal guidance an essential resource as needs evolve.

“Access to legal support can be life-changing for seniors navigating complex systems like Medicaid,” said Nicole Gann, president and CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities. “This generous grant from the Texas Bar Foundation allows us to remove barriers that often delay or prevent our residents from receiving the care they need. We are deeply grateful for this investment in dignity, stability, and well-being for the seniors we serve.”

Founded in 1892 by Dallas’ first female philanthropist, Juliette Fowler Communities has a 134-year legacy of benevolent service. Today, the organization serves more than 900 individuals annually through a wide range of programs, including independent and assisted living, memory support and youth services. Located in East Dallas, JFC provides a continuum of care for seniors, many of whom live on limited fixed incomes and face increasing financial strain as their care needs evolve.

The new legal assistance initiative will be managed by JFC service coordinators in collaboration with legal professionals and senior leadership. Services will include Medicaid application navigation, assistance with complex paperwork, and support through appeals processes when needed. Participants will be selected based on financial need and Medicaid eligibility.

This initiative builds on the organization’s longstanding Benevolence Fund, which allocates more than $1 million annually to support vulnerable populations through housing, nutrition, healthcare, and social services but has not previously funded legal assistance for senior residents.

Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $30 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably funded bar foundation.

“We are hopeful that this initiative will also encourage pro-bono legal work from elder law attorneys as well as better educate older adults on their legal rights and responsibilities related to these complex processes,” added Gann.

For more information about Juliette Fowler Communities and its programs, visit www.fowlercommunities.org.

Source: Press release

May 15, 2026
On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles

This week: Project Transformation National

Project Transformation National is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Jasmine Collier as our new President and CEO, effective June 1, 2026.

May 15, 2026
UNT Dallas launches Trailblazer Tuition Trust, covering full tuition and fees for eligible Texas students

President Warren von Eschenbach unveils four-year affordability commitment during his Investiture, marking a new chapter for the only four-year public university in the city of Dallas

The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) announced the launch of the Trailblazer Tuition Trust, a transformative new program that will cover full tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years for eligible Texas high school graduates pursuing their first bachelor’s degree at UNT Dallas. The announcement was made by Dr. Warren von Eschenbach during his Investiture as the fourth president of UNT Dallas, opening a defining new chapter in the university’s 15-year history.

“UNT Dallas remains committed to providing access to those for whom higher education historically has been out of reach,” Dr. von Eschenbach said. “Universities are about people and community. We are a beacon of hope and promise for many. This is the transformative power of education.”

Delivered before faculty, staff, students, alumni, civic leaders and members of the UNT System Board of Regents in Campus Hall at the UNT Dallas Student Center, Dr. von Eschenbach’s address positioned the Trailblazer Tuition Trust – benefiting Texas families with a total income of $100,000 or less – as the centerpiece of a renewed institutional mission: making a four-year-university education attainable for Texas families, while preparing graduates for purposeful lives and resilient careers in a rapidly evolving workforce.

“UNT Dallas seeks to be the leading regional university in southern Dallas, Ellis County and beyond by delivering a holistic experience that integrates career-ready skills, leadership development and experiential learning throughout the curriculum,” said Dr. von Eschenbach.

What the Trailblazer Tuition Trust covers

The Trailblazer Tuition Trust will cover full tuition and mandatory fees for up to four years — or eight consecutive semesters — for graduating Texas high school seniors enrolling at UNT Dallas to pursue their first bachelor’s degree. Funding is delivered through a combination of federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships, ensuring eligible students can complete their degree without the burden of tuition costs.

To be eligible, students must:

• Be a graduating Texas high school, senior enrolling at UNT Dallas in the fall semester

• Be a Texas resident graduating from a Texas high school

• Be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant

• Be eligible for Priority Texas Grant funding

• Have a total family income of $100,000 or less

• Be admitted to UNT Dallas and have a valid FAFSA on file by June 1, 2026

Eligible students will be considered automatically — no separate application is required. To renew the award each year, students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at UNT Dallas, remain in good academic standing, and stay enrolled full time (a minimum of 12 credit hours) in both fall and spring semesters.

“UNT Dallas has invested in bold strategies to grow enrollment, advance student success and community impact,” said State Sen. Royce West.

The Trailblazer Tuition Trust builds on the proven model of programs like the Dallas County Promise, expanding tuition support to qualifying students from across the state of Texas. UNT Dallas will work closely with high schools, school counselors, and community partners to ensure prospective students and families understand how to take advantage of the program. More information is available through the UNT Dallas admissions office at admissions@untdallas.edu.

More than a degree: a holistic educational experience

Affordability is one piece of a larger vision. Dr. von Eschenbach has been clear that the priority at UNT Dallas is a holistic educational experience — not simply earning a credential or training narrowly within a chosen major but cultivating the full range of capacities students need to lead meaningful lives. That means rigorous academics paired with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, civic engagement, and the personal growth that happens in classrooms, residence halls, student organizations, mentoring relationships and service in the community.

Within that vision, the university is building an innovative curriculum and a multi-disciplinary education model designed to prepare students for AI-proof jobs – careers that draw on uniquely human capacities like creative problem-solving, ethical judgment, leadership, and the ability to work across fields and across difference. That investment is taking shape in distinctive programs, majors and course offerings that set UNT Dallas apart, blending the liberal arts with applied disciplines and connecting students directly to employers, civic institutions and community partners across North Texas.

“We need to create an educational ecosystem that supports students in their personal, academic, social and cultural growth. We need to future-proof our students by instilling in them enduring and authentically human skills that employers seek, such as resilience, empathy, self-awareness and character,” Dr. von Eschenbach said.

Recent milestones reflect that direction: the establishment of the university’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, the recent opening of a $100 million STEM Building, expanded health professions programming in collaboration with UNT Health Fort Worth, and continued investment in experiential learning and industry partnerships across North Texas.

Community, belonging, and shared prosperity

Equally central to Dr. von Eschenbach’s vision is the conviction that a university must be a place of genuine community and belonging – where students feel seen, supported and rooted in something larger than themselves. Research and experience alike show that students who feel they belong are more likely to persist, graduate and thrive after college. For a university whose students often balance work, family responsibilities and the demands of a degree, that sense of belonging is not an amenity; it is a precondition for success.

What happens on campus does not stay on campus. When students experience belonging at UNT Dallas, that experience radiates outward – into the southern Dallas neighborhoods that surround the university, into the families who watch a first-generation student walk across the commencement stage, and into the local businesses, schools, and civic institutions that gain confident, capable graduates as employees, neighbors and leaders. A university anchored in community strengthens the community in return.

About President von Eschenbach

Dr. von Eschenbach was appointed by the UNT System Board of Regents in August 2025 after serving as interim president since April 2024. He previously served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of the UNT System and spent nearly 14 years at the University of Notre Dame in faculty and senior administrative roles, where he led international expansion, launched a multidisciplinary minor in technology ethics and helped open the university’s center in Rome.

A philosopher by training, Dr. von Eschenbach holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from The University of Texas at Austin, an MA from Marquette University, and a BA from Trinity University. His scholarly work focuses on ethics and the human implications of emerging technology – a vantage point that informs his vision for an institution preparing students for careers shaped by rapid technological change. He succeeds President Emeritus Bob Mong, who led UNT Dallas from 2015 until his retirement in 2024.

Looking ahead

The Trailblazer Tuition Trust, paired with the university’s renewed focus on holistic education and career readiness, signals an ambitious decade ahead for UNT Dallas: deeper employer partnerships, expanded pathways into high-demand fields, and a clear-eyed commitment to making a four-year degree both attainable and economically meaningful for students across Texas. With Dr. von Eschenbach now formally installed and the Trust officially launched, UNT Dallas enters its next chapter — one defined by access, opportunity, and a renewed promise to the students, families and communities it serves.

Source: Press release

May 15, 2026
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County and Clayton Youth Enrichment Boards approve merger

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) and Clayton Youth Enrichment (CYE) announced that their respective Boards have officially approved a merger, marking a significant step toward ensuring the long-term strength and sustainability of school-based and out-of-school resources for children and teens across North Texas. When finalized, the merger will build upon more than 150 years of collective service and offer significant cost savings through shared resources, creating more opportunities to meet the growing needs of youth and families in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

Daphne Barlow, CEO and President of BGCGTC, will lead the combined organization, which will operate under Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County. With approval from both boards secured, efforts will now focus on the work of integrating the two organizations ahead of an anticipated summer 2026 merger finalization. Barlow said the nonprofits sought to honor their individual legacies and rich histories by securing a strong plan for the future.

“This merger is about more than combining two organizations—it’s about building upon our individual strengths and leveraging decades of experience and best practices to ensure that we continue to serve the ever-increasing needs of children and families,” Barlow said. “Mergers are a powerful strategy for strengthening organizations by combining resources and increasing diversification of revenue. When two entities come together, they are able to streamline management operations, such as administration and programming, which can significantly lower overall expenses.”

“This is an exciting and defining moment for our community,” added Cara Walker, Clayton board chair. “By approving this merger, our two organizations demonstrate a shared commitment to meeting the needs of area youth.”

North Texas continues to experience rapid population growth, with one in ten American children now living in Texas, and one in six Texas children residing in North Texas. This brings increased demand for quality childcare, academic support, and youth development services.

“This merger honors the legacy and impact of Clayton Youth Enrichment and demonstrates how we are living the mission of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens,” said Ty Stimpson, BGCGTC Board of Governors chair and former Club Kid.

“By coming together, we are building an organization that will be stronger and more resilient,” added Clayton CEO Jason Ray. “It is a testament to both organizations that we are focused on finding a way to continue to serve our future generations.”

The two nonprofits will continue to operate as usual until the merger is finalized, at which time additional details about the combined structure and integration plans will be made available.

Source: Press release

May 15, 2026
On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles

This week: Alliance for Justice, One Safe Place, Casa Manana Theatre

Natalie Roetzel Ossenfort has been with Alliance for Justice’s Bolder Advocacy team since 2015. She promoted to Senior Program Director in April.

Roger Foggle joins One Safe Place as Lead Advocate, providing direct advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence, including crisis intervention, safety planning, case management, and domestic violence education.

Katherine Curtis, CFRE has moved from Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains to Casa Manana Theatre to VP of Marketing. She joins a staple of the Fort Worth community that has brought children’s theater and Broadway shows to life since 1958.

May 1, 2026
Breakthrough T1D Fort Worth Gala Raises $925,000 at “A Night of Hope”

The Fort Worth community came together on Saturday, April 18, at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel for the 2026 Breakthrough T1D Gala, “A Night of Hope,” raising $925,000 to accelerate life-changing research for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Chaired by Dabney and Kelly Poorter, the event welcomed more than 400 supporters, community leaders, and families impacted by T1D for a powerful program that blended personal storytelling with philanthropy. “My brother was diagnosed at the age of 6, and I began experiencing the same symptoms at the age of 26 while caring for my 7-month-old,” said Dabney Poorter. “This experience deepened my appreciation for Breakthrough T1D and its life-changing work in early detection, prevention, and treatment.”

CBS Texas anchor Karen Borta served as emcee, sharing her family’s personal connection to T1D, while auctioneer Wes Poole energized the room throughout the evening’s live auction.

Throughout the evening, Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassadors –children living with type 1 diabetes and their siblings – greeted guests as they helped drive donations. Their enthusiasm not only supported the night’s fundraising success, but it also served as a reminder of the lives directly impacted by every dollar raised.

The program featured heartfelt remarks from Fort Worth board president David Muckleroy and Breakthrough T1D leaders Amy Camp, territory executive director, and Kristen Pool, Fort Worth chapter director, who highlighted the momentum in research and the tangible progress being made toward improved treatments and cures. “We must continue to fund the research until we can turn type 1 into type none,” concluded Amy Camp.

A highlight of the evening came from the Honoree Family – Gloria Moncrief, Erich Holmsten, and Monty Holmsten – who shared their personal journey with T1D. With no prior family history, Monty was diagnosed at age 11 after experiencing extreme thirst. Her diabetic alert dog, Holly, stole the show as she stood proudly beside Monty on stage while Monty shared a heartfelt letter she had prepared as an application to a new school —a powerful reminder of the daily realities of living with type 1 diabetes and the importance of continued support.

Guests also heard from the Fund A Cure Family, the Shuman family – Brooke and Kris Shuman along with their son Tyler – whose story underscored the impact of early screening and advancements like teplizumab, which can delay the onset of T1D. Kris was diagnosed at age 24, and when the family decided to test their children, they discovered their 12-year-old, Tyler, had antibodies linked to T1D. Their experience illustrated how donor support is directly changing lives and creating new possibilities for families.

Lexie Peterson, community relations & corporate giving coordinator at American Airlines, also known in the diabetes community as “The Divabetic” – a prominent T1D advocate, content creator, and influencer – kicked off the live auction experience, with American Airlines contributing miles to enhance packages and drive fundraising momentum. She encouraged the crowd to “let good take flight!”

The evening featured an exciting silent auction, chaired by Adelaide and Charlie Royer, and a high-energy live auction, chaired by Kate and Sonny Dykes, which offered one-of-a-kind experiences ranging from luxury travel and exclusive entertainment packages to private dining experiences. The live auction was followed by a Fund A Cure paddle raise, where 100 percent of donations go directly to research.

A highlight of the auction featured a one-of-a-kind canvas created by Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors. In a powerful moment, 30 Youth Ambassadors gathered at the front of the stage alongside the artwork – created using their individual fingerprints to form a beta cell, the insulin-producing cell destroyed in type 1 diabetes.

“This is why we are here tonight,” said auctioneer Wes Poole. “This is more than art. It represents the lives we are fighting for and the future we are working to change.”

Throughout the night, sponsors were recognized for their vital role in making the event possible, reinforcing the strong community commitment behind Breakthrough T1D’s mission.

The gala concluded with a celebration on the dance floor to the music of Manhattan, but the impact of the evening will extend far beyond, helping to fund critical research, advance breakthroughs, and bring hope to the millions of people living with type 1 diabetes.

Key sponsors included The Moncrief Family, Bonnie & Alan Petsche, GM Financial, TTI, Inc., Raider Express, Stacy Yates, Vista Bank, Sendera Title, Restore + Revive, Klein Tools, AquaRock, Lise & Tom Bessant, Higginbotham, Danielle & Josh McNamara, Type 1 Telehealth, and D&M Leasing.

Monty Holmsten, Holly (diabetic alert dog), Gloria Moncrief, Erich Holmsten ( Honoree Family)

Kelly Poorter, Dabney Poorter (gala chairs), David Muckleroy (Fort Worth Breakthrough T1D board chair), Amy Camp (Breakthrough T1D territorial executive director)

Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors

Source: Press release

May 1, 2026
Boys & Girls Clubs Tarrant County breaks ground on first brick-and-mortar club in Lewisville

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to make way for the first brick-and-mortar Boys & Girls Club in Lewisville. Work will include remodeling and expanding the 8,000-square-foot former fire station at 195 W. Corporate Drive generously gifted to the organization by the city of Lewisville. The new location will serve as a year-round home for high-quality youth development programs, bringing much-needed resources, mentors, and opportunities to one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States.

BGCGTC has served Denton County through mobile and school-based programs since 2023. According to the latest U.S. Census, 1 in 17 children in Denton County lives in poverty, and as of 2024, nearly 29% of public-school students in Denton County qualify for free lunch under the National School Lunch Program. BGCGTC projects that the Lewisville Club could serve 6,000 youth annually, in addition to the organization’s existing mobile operation in Denton County.

The RAO Foundation has stepped forward with a $1 million lead gift for the site’s development and are challenging the entire community to match that funding — so that the first Boys & Girls Club in Lewisville can open its doors by August 2026 for the young people who need it most. That gift will support renovations, furnishings, safety upgrades, transportation vehicles, and programming infrastructure needed to open the building as a fully operational Club.

Source: Press release

May 1, 2026