Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Category: General

  • New Fort Worth retailer uses nonprofit collaborations to sparkle

    After celebrating the grand opening of its new 5,600-square-foot showroom at
    1585 Old University Drive this spring, Diamonds Direct is ready to spark real
    change. In partnership with the company’s national foundation, the Fort Worth
    location and team has already launched three meaningful partnerships with local
    nonprofits that reinforce the brand’s commitment to giving back, right from the
    start.

    “Philanthropy has been at the heart of our company since the start of our
    foundation in 2004,” said Gwen Herrera, General Manager of Diamonds Direct
    Fort Worth. “What began as a commitment to giving back has grown into a core
    part of who we are — shaping our culture, guiding our decisions and inspiring
    how we do business every day.”

    The opening marks the jeweler’s third North Texas showroom, joining locations in
    Dallas and Frisco. Instead of relying on the brand awareness already built from
    those markets, Herrera and Diamonds Direct are carving out a local identity that
    reflects Fort Worth’s distinct people, values and energy.

    Jewelry Donation Helps Justin’s Place Raise $13,000
    Diamonds Direct’s first official partnership launched May 1 with Justin’s Place, a
    nonprofit that provides single mothers and their children with housing, resources
    and mentorship through its program hub, The Nest. The partnership centered
    around the organization’s ninth annual Women Empowering Women Luncheon,
    which welcomed over 450 attendees and included a signature raffle.
    A Blinky Ring Raffle prize donated by Diamonds Direct. Photo by Justin’s Place.

    “It’s special to see a brand that’s new to town make local investment a priority,”
    said Donna Floyd, Founder and Executive Director of Justin’s Place. “Diamonds
    Direct chose to jump in and invest in the Fort Worth community through Justin’s
    Place. They wanted to get to know us and be involved in a way that makes a
    long-term impact.”

    Floyd continued, “It was clear they were genuinely invested. Not just in donating,
    but in being part of our mission and part of our event. That kind of support goes a
    long way.”

    Supporting American Cancer Society Through Cowtown Ball Donation and
    Style Show Collaboration
    With deep ties across Texas, American Cancer Society remains a pillar in
    advocacy, research and patient support. This fall, Diamonds Direct will support
    American Cancer Society through two key Fort Worth events: the Cowtown Ball
    and its Style Show. The jeweler is donating a stunning bracelet valued at $5,100
    to the September 26 Cowtown Ball’s live auction. Diamonds Direct jewelry will
    also be modeled at the September 4 Style Show.

    Live auction participants in 2024’s Cowtown Ball. Photo by American Cancer Society.
    “We’re thrilled to work with a brand like Diamonds Direct that supports positive
    impact,” said Martina Robertson, Senior Director of Development at American
    Cancer Society. “As a new business in Fort Worth, they’ve shown real
    commitment to being part of our community in a meaningful way and helping us
    end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are excited to partner with them for
    Cowtown Ball.”

    Bringing Sparkle to The Women’s Center’s Monster Mash
    The Women’s Center of Tarrant County, a longtime haven and support system for
    victims of violence, trauma and economic hardship, will partner with Diamonds
    Direct on October 24 for the Monster Mash — an elegant evening of spooky fun
    and charitable support. As part of the event’s live “paddle raise” experience,
    participants can be entered to win a signature pair of diamond hoop earrings
    donated by Diamonds Direct.

    A paddle raise participant at the 2024 Monster Mash. Photo by The Women’s Center of Tarrant County.

    “I actually worked with Diamonds Direct over 15 years ago at a different charity in
    Charlotte, so I already knew how deeply they care about the communities they
    serve,” said Roberta Davis, Events Manager at The Women’s Center.

    “It’s been fun to see how much they’ve grown, but what hasn’t changed is their
    sincerity. They didn’t just offer a donation; they talked through what would benefit
    us most and made time to attend our luncheon just days before their own grand
    opening. That kind of engagement is rare. I’m excited to see this become a
    long-term relationship, not a one-off.”

    More Than a Jewelry Store: Fort Worth Roots Take Hold
    With early community partnerships, Diamonds Direct Fort Worth isn’t just fitting
    into the city, it’s carving out its own place in the heart of it. From empowering
    mothers and supporting cancer patients to uplifting survivors, each collaboration
    reflects what Fort Worth values most: supporting its own people.

    “We’ve only just opened, but Fort Worth has welcomed us with open arms,” said
    Herrera. “What I love about this city is its pride. There’s a sense of purpose here,
    and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

    More nonprofit partnerships are already in the works for 2025 and beyond. For
    Diamonds Direct, giving back isn’t an extra — it’s an expectation.

    source: press release

  • Goodwill North Central Texas to launch inclusive summer camp

    Goodwill North Central Texas recently announced Camp Goodwill, a one-of-a-kind summer camp designed for youth ages 8-11. This inclusive and engaging camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to explore STEM, coding, creative arts and social development through hands-on activities, while fostering meaningful interaction with peers of all abilities.

    Camp Goodwill will take place from June 16-20, with daily camp hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 a.m. for early drop-off). The cost for the full week of camp is $270, with a 10% sibling discount available.

    The camp is led by trained staff who create a welcoming and supportive environment for children of all abilities. Campers will have the chance to develop new skills, make new friends, and grow their confidence in a fun and safe space. This camp is one of many services Goodwill provides to support youth with all abilities, offering them opportunities to learn, grow and engage with their peers in meaningful ways.

    “Camp Goodwill is about more than just fun – it’s an opportunity for kids to explore their passions and develop new skills in a supportive, inclusive environment,” said Romney Guy, Vice President of Workforce Development at Goodwill North Central Texas. “We’re excited to offer this unique experience and encourage families to sign up soon before spots are gone.”

    Space is limited, and spots are filling up quickly! Register now at https://goodwillnorthcentraltexas.org/campgoodwill/. For more information, call Courtney Caraway at 817.332.7866 or email ccaraway@goodwillnct.org.

    source: press release

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County honored with Hero for Youth Award

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) has been recognized with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Hero for Youth Award, given to Clubs that place within the top 50% of Boys & Girls Clubs nationally for advocacy engagement on behalf of youth.

    The award recognizes the impact Club advocacy has on attaining public support for youth and the Boys & Girls Clubs who support them. Activities include meeting with elected officials, conducting social media outreach, offering Club tours to local leaders, and media advocacy. In 2024, BGCGTC leaders and youth participated in:

    • Keystone Conference. BGCGTC’s Keystone Club provides a unique leadership development experience for teens ages 14 to 18, with opportunities to enhance their academic success while preparing for their future careers and improving their communities through service projects. The annual Keystone Conference is an event that unites thousands of teens from diverse communities worldwide. They connect and explore relevant social issues, build leadership skills, and work to improve their communities through service projects.
    • Summit for America’s Youth (SAY). SAY is an annual event organized by Boys & Girls Clubs of America where teens from across the country come together in Washington, D.C., to advocate for issues they care about. The summit aims to empower teens to become youth advocates, equip them with the skills to advocate for change, and provide a platform for them to voice their concerns and ideas to policymakers.
    • National Days of Advocacy (NDOA). BGCA holds its National Days of Advocacy each year in Washington, D.C., where advocates meet with Congressional members to discuss issues impacting kids and teens, focusing on funding for critical programs and advocating for youth development. Nearly 300 advocates from Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, including Club leaders, executives, volunteers, and youth, attend the event.

    BGCGTC’s 2025 Youth of the Year honoree Ja’Miyah G. (NOTE: BGCGTC does not use member last names), said participating in these efforts helped build her confidence as she spoke about the needs of teens in her community.

    “I traveled to Washington, D.C., at 16 years old, talking to senators and advocating for a Club that has done more for me than I can ask for,” Ja’Miyah said. “I was advocating for things that really matter to not only me, but the teens around me. I met teens from all over the world and for me, that experience taught me I can actually do something to affect change.”

    Daphne Barlow Stigliano, BGCGTC CEO and president, said receiving the Hero for Youth Award is a reflection of how deeply her local leadership team is living the organization’s mission and innovating to solve the needs of youth in this community. Local efforts are aimed at increasing support for youth mental health, academic readiness, and life and workforce development.

    “As our local population grows, so do the needs of young people in our community,” Stigliano said. “Our job is to equip youth with the experiences and tools they need to succeed and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. This award shines a light on what we can accomplish with the support of our elected officials and our community.”

    Last year, BGCGTC served a record 76,400 young people, providing quality resources and services through community-based and mobile programs.

    source: press release

  • Dwell with Dignity’s Thrift Studio raises $100K+ at premiere party

    Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through design, kicked off Thrift Studio, presented by Amazon, with a Premiere Party that raised $107,000 on April 3. More than 300 attendees were the first to shop for furniture, artwork and accessories, while sipping beverages and enjoying appetizers. 

    The month-long pop is open to the public to shop for home furnishings and accessories at deeply discounted prices. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1833 E. Levee St., Dallas, TX 75207, and there is no cost for admission.

    The limited-time shopping event features a curated collection of designer-donated furniture, artwork and décor at inexpensive prices, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting Dwell with Dignity’s mission.

    “We replenish the studio daily, so there’s always something new to discover,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “Every purchase helps us transform spaces into homes for families who are coming out of difficult situations and supports schools and nonprofits that need beautiful, functional spaces to further their mission.” 

    Thrift Studio features six new designers annually who install vignettes using their own donated inventory. The pop-up also includes a curated selection of general donated furniture and décor, as well as artwork collected at the Art+Color Party.

    The 2025 designers include:

    For more details on this year’s featured designers, visit here. 

    The 2025 Thrift Studio is chaired by Samantha Reitmayer Sano and Joslyn Taylor Swoon, the studio, and Art Chair Hannah Brown, Hannah Brown Art. 

    source: press release

  • Expansion of North Texas Giving Day announced

    Expansion of North Texas Giving Day announced

    In an email yesterday, the Communities Foundation of Texas announced the launch of North Texas Gives, an expansion of the North Texas Giving Day. North Texas Gives will provide a one-stop shop for community giving in North Texas every day of the year.

    The North Texas Giving Day website will be updated in the coming weeks to reflect the North Texas Gives branding and several events promoting year-round giving were announced.

    April will see North Texas Gives to the Arts and May will feature North Texas Gives to Animals promotions.

    source: email

  • Texas Women’s Foundation releases new data on the economic impact of the wage gap in Texas

    Texas Women’s Foundation releases new data on the economic impact of the wage gap in Texas

    As a follow-on to its 2024 Economic Issues for Women in Texas Report, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has released new data on the impact of the wage gap on women, families, and the state’s economy.

    In the white paper, “Texas Women and the Wage Gap: A Corporate Leader’s Guide to Driving Workforce Sustainability,” TXWF shares that the annual impact of the wage gap has grown 27% since 2019 to a staggering $60.1 billion annually in lost earnings and economic activity. Over her lifetime, the average Texas woman stands to lose $750,000 in earnings, impacting her ability to achieve economic security, stability and success – for herself and her family.     

    Karen Hughes White, president and CEO of Texas Women’s Foundation, said, “Women represent 46% of the workforce in Texas and drive much of the growth and innovation of the state’s $2.4 trillion economy. Couple that with population projections that indicate the continued, outpaced growth of women in Texas and the business case is clear. To sustain the level of economic success we enjoy here in Texas, the time is now to invest in women and that starts with closing the wage gap.”

    As a core pillar of its mission, TXWF invests in women’s lifecycle leadership development through programs like #BestSelf (teens); the statewide Young Women’s Initiative in partnership with IGNITE (college women); and networking groups like Nineteen (early to mid-career professionals) and the Executive Leadership Council. Each year TXWF recognizes outstanding women leaders at its Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Dallas Omni and will honor five recipients of the Maura “Women Helping Women” Awards and two Young Leaders under 40 years old. 

    Key findings from the white paper are highlighted below and are included in a Key Facts document available on the organization’s website, txwf.org/research. In addition, TXWF will be hosting free Work Smart™ salary negotiation workshops in partnership with the American Association of University Women. These virtual workshops will take place on April 17 and May 15 and participants can register online. 

    Hughes White added, “We’re releasing this data intentionally today. March 25th is recognized as ‘Equal Pay Day,’ representing the amount of extra time women have to work in order to earn as much as much as men did in the previous year. Unfortunately, this date is tied specifically to white women; Black and Hispanic women work much longer to achieve equal pay. The time is now to change that.”  

    Texas Women & the Wage Gap: Key Findings:

    ·      Representing 46% of the Texas workforce, women play a pivotal role in driving the growth and innovation of the state’s $2.4 trillion economy. 

    ·      Texas women earn an average of 83% of what Texas men earn and Women of Color earn even less.

    ·      This equates to $60.1 billion in lost earnings for women each year and has a direct impact on consumer spending and economic growth. 

    ·      The wage gap in Texas has widened over time, growing more than 27% since 2019.

    ·      Over her lifetime, the average Texas woman stands to lose $750,000 in earnings, impacting her ability to achieve economic security, stability, and success for herself and her family. 

    ·      Sadly, the wage gap widens as women achieve advanced degrees. Women with graduate or professional degrees earn $37,000 less each year than their male counterparts. 

    ·      The lack of access to affordable child care has an additional $11.4 billion annual impact in lost productivity.

    To read the white paper and the 2024 Economic Issues for Women in Texas, visit www.txwf.org/research. 

    source: press release

  • Policy update: news and resources

    Washington continues to present uncertainty and new challenges for nonprofits providing programs and services in our communities. Executive orders are being issued, legal cases are making their way through the courts, and the constant starts and stops leave many of us navigating confusion. I can’t help but think we need a new Schoolhouse Rock video to keep up—but in the meantime, we at the North Texas Nonprofit Institute are working hard to track and report on these developments.

    Nonprofits across North Texas are fighting to ensure their clients receive essential services, including Catholic Charities of Fort Worth. Unfortunately, this case may be just the beginning.

    There are growing concerns from Washington that more nonprofits may come under scrutiny and face potential “investigations” in the coming months. With that in mind, I wanted to share a few key tips to help you stay prepared.

    1. Designate a Media Representative

    Ensure your organization has a trained spokesperson who can confidently communicate your mission, impact, and response to emerging issues. This person should be well-versed in your key messaging, able to handle press inquiries, and prepared to respond swiftly and strategically to media coverage. 

    2. Stay Informed and Proactive

    Keep up with policy changes, legal developments, and sector-wide trends that may impact your work. Join nonprofit coalitions, engage with advocacy groups, and regularly review updates from trusted sources to ensure you’re prepared for potential challenges.

    3. Maintain Strong Documentation and Compliance

    Ensure all policies, financial records, and program documentation are up to date and readily accessible. A clear record of your organization’s compliance with regulations, ethical standards, and impact metrics can help protect against unwarranted scrutiny and reinforce your credibility.

    4. Fight with Facts and Figures, Not Emotions

    When facing criticism or scrutiny, let data be your strongest advocate. Track and share key metrics that highlight your organization’s impact—such as the number of people served, success stories, and financial accountability measures. Clear, compelling data can help counter misinformation and reinforce your organization’s value to the community. From a regulatory and compliance standpoint, data often tells the real story. 

    While there have been many positive outcomes such as injunctions and pauses on different bills, the reality is that there will be more challenges ahead. It is important that organizations be proactive and prepare to defend their missions – regardless of the population served. 

    The North Texas Nonprofit Institute is planning some new trainings in the coming months to support agencies in activating their networks and informing stakeholders of the importance of their work, so stay tuned. If we can support your organization in any way, please let me know.

    Resources from the National Council of Nonprofits
    Free National Webinar Multiple lawsuits are underway to protect charitable nonprofits from blocks to federal funding they have earned, and to challenge attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The National Council of Nonprofits is hosting this informational webinar to explain the current legal landscape and to highlight how philanthropic leaders are acting with urgency in supporting nonprofits during this difficult period. We’ll conclude with actionable steps nonprofits and all who support the charitable sector can take. Register to attend live Register to receive the recording only
    General FAQs on Executive Actions Impacting Nonprofits
    UPDATE: Executive Orders Affecting Nonprofits
    Additional National Council of Nonprofits Resources

  • 3 reasons foundation grants may be right for you

    Hi, I’m Alex Dunn, the Millionaire Grant Lady. I have 15 years of grant writing experience and over $103 million in awards under my belt. I offer advice, tips, tricks and opportunities to the DFW501c.news audience each week.

    On federal grants, we are still continuing our Texas Hold ‘Em strategy. We are waiting, and seeing, and verifying as much as we can.

    While we continue to Hold ‘Em on federal grants, foundation grants continue.

    I have always advised nonprofits to diversify revenue streams. When you have multiple sources of revenue, even if one source of revenue shifts, your important work can continue.

    Foundation grants are a vital revenue source for nonprofits.

    Foundation grants are also my favorite type of funding to recommend to nonprofits because foundation grants are:

    • Flexible: Private foundation grants are typically targeted at broad goals like education, animals, or veterans. Within these goals, you can lay out how your program supports the broad initiative, but with your own unique services and work. 

      With a federal grant, the RFP outlines each approved use of the money, and these tend to have a laser-like focus. For example, a federal grant released last year was to support taking historically important newspapers published between 1690 and 1963 and digitizing them. Many nonprofits can fit their work into a broad goal like health. Few nonprofits can fit their work into a laser-focused initiative to digitize newspapers.
       
    • Quick: Private foundation grants have a much quicker turnaround on when you’re going to find out if you’ve got the funding or not. While each foundation sets their own timeline for each grant, for private foundation grants, you can usually hear back if you’re going to get the funding in two to six months.
       
    • Easier to Administer:  Private foundation funders are also typically more flexible in how they evaluate grant funding. In the foundation grant proposal, you will be able to tell them how you measure success and what markers you are reaching for. You will then have to report within a year about your work and how funding was used. This makes foundation grants much easier to administer, both financially and reporting wise.

    On the flipside, government grants are:

    • Strict: In each government grant, there are strict parameters about what work the funding can support. For example, a federal grant will say, “We want somebody to do X, Y, and Z.” If your work does not encompass the specific actions required, then you will not get funded. Because of this, federal grant funding is not very flexible.
       
    • Slow: For a federal grant, you are often applying for funding this year that will be coming to you next year. Each government grant will also set a specific start and end date, meaning you must use the funding within the government’s timeline instead of your own.
       
    • Difficult to administer: If you get the federal grant award, they can be hard to administer on the back end, so you have to have significant infrastructure within your organization to track funds and track outcomes to be able to meet the requirements of the grant. For many federal grants, the organization will hire a person whose sole job is to manage that grant, and that is all they do since it takes so much work.

    Federal grants can provide millions in funding to the right fit organizations doing work that aligns with the government’s priorities. But this requires organizations to have significant infrastructure, continuously monitor the release of government grant RFPs, and perfectly align their work with the goals of the specific RFP.

    Foundation grants don’t require the stars to align for you to apply, and foundation grants can support nonprofit organizations of every shape and size.

  • Camp Fire First Texas honored as Workforce Champion of the Year

    Camp Fire First Texas honored as Workforce Champion of the Year

    Camp Fire First Texas and Yolanda Willis, Director of the Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP), have been recognized as Workforce Champions of the Year at the 2025 Empowering Excellence Awards, hosted by Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT). The prestigious honor celebrates their groundbreaking efforts in early childhood education and workforce development.

    The annual Empowering Excellence Awards recognize organizations and individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to workforce development, innovation, and community engagement. The event, attended by local leaders, community stakeholders, and workforce professionals, highlighted those shaping the economic landscape and creating opportunities for residents across North Central Texas.

    The Camp Fire Early Education Apprenticeship Program—the first of its kind in Texas—has redefined the early education workforce by providing hands-on training, mentorship, and a clear career pathway for early education professionals. Over the past five years, 116 apprentices have graduated from the program, with many earning Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, and some earning associate and bachelor’s degrees. This growth ensures higher-quality early learning environments for young children across the region.

    “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and the hardworking early educators who are committed to professional growth,” Willis said. “At Camp Fire, we believe in supporting early educators so they can, in turn, provide the highest quality learning experiences for young children. This award affirms that our efforts are making a real difference.”

    The EEAP is a registered U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship program that provides an earn-while-you-learn model, career development, and financial support to help educators achieve their professional goals without sacrificing their income.

    Brian Miller, President and CEO of Camp Fire First Texas, emphasized the critical role of community investment in making programs like EEAP possible. “Transforming the workforce starts with empowering individuals,” Miller said. “Thanks to the support of our funding partners and the dedication of our team, EEAP is elevating the early childhood education profession and ensuring that young children receive quality early education. We are honored to be recognized for this work and remain committed to expanding opportunities for early educators.”

    The Empowering Excellence Awards ceremony featured remarks from Phedra Redifer, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, who highlighted the power of collaboration in addressing workforce challenges. “Today, we celebrate those who are committed to transforming lives and creating a brighter future for families in North Central Texas,” Redifer said. “These individuals and organizations represent the very best of what it means to champion workforce development. They are not only helping individuals secure meaningful employment, but they are also driving the economic prosperity of our region. Their efforts are an inspiration to us all.”

    “We did it—Workforce Champion of the Year!” Willis said. “This achievement wasn’t possible without every person who has worked on this program and the countless helping hands behind the scenes. Their dedication, passion, and support have fueled the growth and sustainability of the Camp Fire Early Education Apprenticeship Program. Thank you for believing in our mission and empowering the next generation of early childhood educators. This win belongs to all of us!”

    source: press release

  • Project Partners announces two new Vice Presidents

    Project Partners announces two new Vice Presidents

    Project Partners, Inc., a Fort Worth-based consulting and project management firm dedicated to helping nonprofit executives and community leaders advance community causes, has announced the promotions of two long-time team members to Vice Presidents.

    Corinne Fiagome has been named Vice President of Client Services. In this role, she will lead client development and help drive the company’s strategic vision and service goals while continuing to assist clients through direct consultation and project management. Since joining Project Partners as a Senior Consultant in 2019, Fiagome has worked with nonprofit organizations in Tarrant and surrounding
    counties, providing expertise in fundraising, community engagement, program development, and strategic planning.

    Prior to joining Project Partners, Fiagome held leadership roles in education and social service organizations across three states, including serving as Director of Resource Development and Public Policy for the YWCA Tulsa and Director of Advancement for Child Care Associates. A DFW native, she holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in public
    policy from Duke University.

    Corinne Fiagome
    Wendy Williamson

    Wendy Williamson has been promoted to Vice President of Operations. A member of the Project Partners team since 2001, Williamson has delivered consulting and project management services in marketing and community relations, event management, volunteer engagement, fund development, and administration, for a wide range of clients. She has also provided internal support for company
    operations. In her new role, she will oversee Project Partners’ organizational infrastructure, to include finance, technology, personnel, and information management.

    Williamson grew up in Fort Worth and attended Texas Christian University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Design with minors in both art and business. She built a strong foundation in community engagement while advancing through roles in the Community Relations Department at Cook Children’s Medical Center. In addition to her corporate experience, she and her husband own and operate two
    small businesses, Ken’s Custom Frames and Nina’s Jewels.

    “I am thrilled to welcome Corinne and Wendy to their leadership roles. Both provide incredible industry acumen and deep Project Partners experience, and I look forward to our firm’s continued impact as we celebrate 30 years of service to our community,” says Lerii F. Smith CFRE, Founder and President of Project Partners.

    source: press release