Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Category: General

  • Social Venture Partners Dallas seeks Nonprofit Partners

    Social Venture Partners Dallas (SVP Dallas) is currently accepting applications from local nonprofit organizations that wish to become advisees. An advisee will receive pro bono consulting on important challengers or opportunities for up to one year. After the initial project period, SVP Dallas and the advisee will determine if it is appropriate for the advisee to apply to become an “investee.” Along with additional pro bono consulting over an extended period, investees also receive financial grants.

    SVP Dallas works to build trust and establish true partnerships with nonprofits, working alongside nonprofits to improve their ability to deliver effective programs and fulfill their mission. For Advisees, SVP Dallas seeks organizations that can benefit from and are willing to embrace a partnership that includes hands-on involvement by SVP Dallas Partners, regular self-reflection, and measurement of results.

    The applications will be accepted through Mar. 12. To find out more, and to apply, click here.

    ABOUT SVP DALLAS

    Social Venture Partners (SVP) Dallas are engaged community leaders committed to improving lives and maximizing social impact through the thoughtful application of its collective resources and expertise.

    SVP cultivates effective philanthropists, strengthens nonprofits, and invests in innovative solutions – building powerful relationships to tackle our community’s social challenges.

    Find out more on the organization’s website.

  • Catholic Charities of Fort Worth featured in lawsuit by lesbian couple denied ability to foster

    Catholic Charities of Fort Worth (CCFW) has been caught up in a lawsuit this month because of its denial of a local lesbian couple to foster a refugee child, according to a story on the Star-Telegram.

    The couple, Fatma Marouf and Bryn Esplin, have sued the federal government and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for obstructing their effort to foster a refugee child through CCFW’s foster care program.

    The couple had spoken with CCFW staff prior to being told they were not able to apply because they did not mirror a “holy family” according to a statement from the couple’s attorney to the Star-Telegram.

    The couple argues that since the organization receives federal funding, it is unconstitutional for it to turn away prospective foster parents for religious reasons.

    Read the full story here.

    ABOUT CATHOLIC CHARITIES FORT WORTH

    Our Mission is to provide service to those in need, to advocate compassion and justice in the structures of society, and to call all people of goodwill to do the same. Find out more on the organization’s website.

  • Cognizant U.S. Foundation to open spring 2018, focused on STEM funding

    Cognizant will be investing $100 million in U.S. technology education via a new nonprofit foundation, according to a press release shared on the organization’s website.

    The foundation will support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education in several cities across the U.S., though details on which cities have not been announced.

    The IT company has an office in Irving and plans to expand its training programs to the Dallas area later this year.

    Additional details will be announced, and the official launch of the Cognizant U.S. Foundation will be held during an event planned to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina later this spring.

  • BrothersKeepers, Kids Who Care Musical Theater, and Cuisine For Healing to benefit from chili cook off

    Wild Acre Brewing will host a chili cook off benefit on Saturday, Feb. 24 at its Fort Worth location on El Paso St. The event starts at 2:00 pm and will include local celebrity chef judges, live music and a special guest performance.

    Wristbands with chili tastings are $25 and wristbands for beer only are $15. All wristbands will be sold at the door. The team entry fee for the chili cook off is $50. To register a team for the cook off, contact amy@cuisineforhealing.org.

    Proceeds from the event will benefit Fort Worth nonprofits BrothersKeepers, Kids Who Care Musical Theater, and Cuisine For Healing.

    To find out more, visit the event’s Facebook page.

    ABOUT BROTHERSKEEPERS

    At BrothersKeepers, we are on a mission to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiential retreats and ongoing support that offers profound healing and fellowship for wounded veterans, first responders, and their families. Find out more.

    ABOUT KIDS WHO CARE

    Kids Who Care is a Musical Theatre Production Company, but with a name like Kids Who Care, we are obviously so much more. Our desire is to create a place where the child is cherished. Through exposure, education and experience in the performing arts and entrepreneurial leadership, we produce great kids. We invite the brightest artistic and business professionals and community volunteers, who adore children, to join us. So, when the lights go up, we all find delight. Find out more.

    ABOUT CUISINE FOR HEALING

    Cuisine for Healing is a nonprofit organization committed to making nutritious, delicious food readily available to people combating life-threatening diseases, while providing education about the power of healthy food to help the body in the healing process. Find out more.

  • Social Innovation Luncheon Series to host first event of 2018 on Feb. 28

    Social Innovation Luncheon Series (SILS) is an annual event series presented by Social Venture Partners Dallas and partnering organizations. Each year the series connects innovators and leaders from every sector and features new methods for challenging the status quo. Each event features a 30 minute talk from a leading social innovator, highlights a local non-profit related to the speaker’s big idea, and lunch with over 100 of Dallas’ brightest minds and biggest hearts.

    The Feb. 28 luncheon will explore the importance of networking and relationships in the pursuit of social impact and will feature Jennifer Sampson, CEO of United Way Metropolitan Dallas; Phil Romano, National-Renowned Restaurateur; and Julian Placino, Founder of Pathways to Success Co.

    The luncheon will take place at Network Bar in Trinity Groves. You must register to attend.

    Upcoming Luncheon Dates:

    Wednesday, February 28, 2018 || 11:30am – 1:00pm

    Thursday, March 29, 2018 || 11:30am – 1:00pm

    Wednesday, May 30, 2018 || 11:30am – 1:00pm

    Wednesday, August 29, 2018 || 11:30am – 1:00pm

    Wednesday, September 26, 2018 || 11:30am – 1:00pm

    For more information, please reach out to dogoodbetter@svpdallas.org

    ABOUT SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS DALLAS

    Social Venture Partners (SVP) Dallas are engaged community leaders committed to improving lives and maximizing social impact through the thoughtful application of its collective resources and expertise.

    SVP cultivates effective philanthropists, strengthens nonprofits, and invests in innovative solutions – building powerful relationships to tackle our community’s social challenges.

    Find out more on the organization’s website.

  • Communities Foundation of Texas to Use New Giving Platform for North Texas Giving Day

    CiviCore announced in a Jan. 25 press release that it has formed a partnership with the Communities Foundation of Texas to become the new giving day platform for the organization’s successful North Texas Giving Day campaign in 2018.

    “North Texas has proven to be one of the most generous communities in the country.  We are looking forward to helping increase the donor base and raising even more money for participating nonprofits in 2018 through our online fundraising platform,” said Charles Naumer, CEO of CiviCore, in the press release.

    CiviCore has begun implementing the new North Texas Gives Day site built on its secure, reliable platform that includes functionality to support an easy to use cart-based donation interface, peer-to-peer fundraising and donor advised fund integration.

    Last year, North Texas Giving Day raised over $39 million for North Texas-based nonprofits. North Texas Giving Day 2018 is September 20.

    ABOUT COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION OF TEXAS (CFT)

    CFT stimulates creative solutions to key challenges in the community. CFT thoughtfully and effectively supports its diverse donors and grantees by providing exemplary service and by demonstrating accountability. CFT improves lives through an unwavering commitment to lasting impact.

    North Texas Giving Day is Communities Foundation of Texas’ annual 18-hour online giving extravaganza for North Texas nonprofits that is powered by creative nonprofits, social media activism, and area wide collaboration.

    Find out more on the organization’s website.

  • Rotary Club of Fort Worth to host Hands On Peace Event Feb. 24

    The Rotary Club of Fort Worth will host its second annual Hands On Peace Event (H.O.P.E.) on Feb. 24 at the Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus. The event will start at 8:30 am and end at 2:00 pm with a lunch provided to participants.

    The purpose of the event is to engage, hands-on, in topics on the promotion and implementation of a productive, inclusive and peaceful Fort Worth community and beyond.

    Speakers include Lillie Biggins, Long-time Fort Worth Healthcare Executive; Dr. Celestin Musekura, International Peacebuilding; Dr. Joel Fitzgerald, Chief of Police for the City of Fort Worth; and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.

    Topics will range from Police and Community Relations to Homelessness and Social Justice.

    Tickets are $15 each. Find out more on the H.O.P.E. eventbrite page.

  • Nonprofit Lender BCL of Texas joins with Texas Capital Bank to support community investment

    Dallas-based Texas Capital Bank has collaborated with nonprofit lender BCL of Texas to provide $2 million in lending capital to support BCL’s consumer and commercial lending programs. Funds will support the Community Loan Center, a payday loan alternative program, as well as BCL’s Growth Fund that provides growth loans to small business owners in all corners of the state.

    “We’ve worked with BCL of Texas for many years,” stated Robert Franco, Texas Capital Bank loan officer, in a press release. “By supporting their programs with lending capital, we are working together to help build a strong entrepreneurial system across the state.”

    BCL’s Growth Fund serves small business owners in diverse sectors across Texas, with a focus on underserved communities.

    “The fuel to our mission of building strong communities across Texas is lending capital,” Rosa Ríos Valdez, Dallas-based BCL of Texas’ CEO, stated in the release. “We are very grateful that Texas Capital Bank has stepped up with funding to help us serve our community’s greatest needs.”

    Loan funds also will support BCL’s Community Loan Center. The CLC program is a response to the payday lending crisis Texas communities are facing, with auto title and payday loans taking advantage of people in need by charging interest rates as high as 400 percent. New lending funds will support the employer-based Austin Community Loan Center to provide affordable short-term loans up to $1,000 repayable over the course of 12 months with no collateral required.

    Visit bcloftexas.org or contact Raquel Valdez at 888-241-2215 to learn more about BCL’s lending programs or to apply for a loan.

    Established in 1990 as a statewide not-for-profit Certified Development Corporation, BCL of Texas successfully promotes business and community development and provides business capital and commercial real estate loans throughout Texas.

    Texas Capital Bank, N.A. is a commercial bank that delivers personalized financial services to businesses and entrepreneurs.

    PHOTO: BCL of Texas CEO Rosa Ríos Valdez with Senior Vice President Robert Franco of Texas Capital Bank

  • Santa makes an appearance at Dallas Mavs’ dinner for two charities

    As part of NBA Cares Season of Giving, the entire Dallas Mavericks team hosted Dinner with Santa on Dec. 1 for more than 50 children from The Family Place and Rainbow Days. Walmart presented the event and donated gifts.

    The children arrived at Oak via the FOX Sports Southwest Mavs Fan Express Bus and were joined by Dallas Mavericks Dancers, ManiAACs and beloved mascot Champ and newest member of the squad Swish – a Guide Dog for the Blind puppy in training.

    After dinner courtesy of Oak, Santa read “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Each child also received a bag of presents from the Mavs players.

    Throughout NBA Cares Season of Giving, the NBA and its teams and players are out in their communities hosting hundreds of charitable events across the country in an effort to brighten the holidays for thousands of children and families.

  • Prairie Lights holiday park returns to Grand Prairie, needs volunteers

    Prairie Lights is a two-mile, drive-through holiday park experience, situated along the shores of Joe Pool Lake. It boasts a display of more than four million lights and other holiday attractions in Grand Prairie, and more volunteers are needed to help make the event spectacular.

    The event features live reindeer; dozens of all-new, holiday-themed light scenes; out-of-car experiences; and the park’s famous grand-finale animated tunnel that guests drive through upon exit.

    Prairie Lights is open now through New Year’s Eve. The hours are Sunday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10 p.m. Holiday hours are also 6-10 p.m.

    The event is produced by the city of Grand Prairie’s Parks, Arts, & Recreation department. An annual holiday tradition for area residents and visitors from across Texas and neighboring states, Prairie Lights attracted a record-breaking 230,000-plus guests in 2016.

    To volunteer, go to https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/e47e4e1a-0169-478c-a69e-a89ddcda9fd4/1.

    Prairie Lights Events and Attractions:

    • Holiday Village: Enjoy hot cocoa, funnel cakes and other holiday fare while shopping for holiday gifts and décor.
    • Snowmazing Snow Maze: With the help of some friendly snowmen, navigate the way through the twists and turns of this winter wonderland.
    • Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Thru Forest: Stroll through an enchanting forest of thousands of lights depicting Christmas scenes from around the world.
    • Photos with Santa: Santa will be at Holiday Village every night through Dec. 23, listening to holiday wishes and taking pictures with kids of all ages. Pricing begins at $15.

    The Holiday Village, Snowmazing Snow Maze, and Holiday Magic Walk-Thru Forest are no-fee, out-of-car experiences available about halfway through the Prairie Lights route. See pricing for Photos with Santa here.

    WHEN & WHERE

    • Location: Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie (5610 Lake Ridge Parkway)

    GENERAL ADMISSION

    Prime Days [Friday-Sunday and holidays]: $45 per carload of eight. Non-Prime Days: $35 per carload of eight. Guests can claim a $5 discount if they pre-purchase general admission tickets online. Extra fees for limos, shuttles and buses apply. More.

    NEW THIS YEAR

    • Snowmazing Snow Maze: A delightful winter wonderland, available in the Holiday Village.
    • Prairie Lights Fast Pass: Allows guests to access the park through a special entrance and get to the lights faster. Tickets per carload of eight are $99 during non-prime time and $129 during prime time, with additional fees for buses and limos. More.
    • Free admission for park attractions: This year, the general admission fee also includes access to the Snowmazing Snow Maze, Holiday Magic Lighted Walk-Thru Forest, and Holiday Village.

    Plan to allow at least 45 minutes to fully enjoy the park, and allow lots of extra time if you’re visiting during the weekend or on a holiday.