Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Category: General

  • Turning pain into purpose: Fort Worth coalition fights to prevent children drowning deaths

    by Juan Salinas II, Fort Worth Report
    May 22, 2023

    Tara Reed lost two close friends to drowning in her youth. 

    One fell asleep in a bathtub and the other never resurfaced after jumping off a boat.

    Now as the Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition executive director, Reed wants to ensure Tarrant County residents don’t have to go through what she did. 

    With the help of the city of Fort Worth and YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, the coalition is offering classes to teach children how to be safe when in or near water. 

    The YMCA and city government will provide the Swim Safe program with four locations and lifeguards for the courses. At the end of each session, participants will be given a free life jacket. 

    The course is $10. You can register here.

    The course will be offered in Fort Worth at:

    • William M. Mcdonald YMCA, 2701 Moresby St.
    • YMCA Camp Carter, 6200 Sand Springs Road
    • Ryan Family YMCA, 8250 McCart Ave.
    • Marine Park Pool & Aquatic Center, 303 NW 20th St.

    Most people involved in the coalition have dealt with similar experiences, Reed said. 

    “A lot of these organizations don’t start because of greatness — it’s because of pain,” Reed said. “You’re turning that pain into purpose.” 

    ‘It only takes two seconds’

    Water techniques, such as how to submerge and swim to get out of a body of water, and being alert when in or near water will be taught in the sessions. 

    “You want to learn how to survive in the water,” Reed said.  

    So far in 2023, 20 children have died from drowning in Texas, including two in Tarrant County, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The county has a population of more than 2.1 million residents, according to the latest U.S. census. 

    “We’re already nervous about the numbers increasing,” Reed said. “But we also try to compare it to the population size. We don’t want to make it an alarming number.” 

    Nevertheless, one drowning death is too many for Reed.

    In 2022, nine Tarrant County children died from drowning, most of which happened in backyard pools, according to state data. 

    The main reason for backyard pool drownings is because of the lack of supervision and proper water safety equipment, such as life jackets, Reed said. 

    “It only takes two seconds for something tragic to happen,” she said. 

    City Council member helping

    Fort Worth City Council member Chris Nettles knows the risk of drowning can put a damper on what is supposed to be a fun time for children. 

    “I encourage all residents looking forward to spending time in the water this summer to please attend the many water safety training courses provided by Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition,” Nettles said. 

    His office is committed to putting in place more safety regulations to prevent drowning deaths within Fort Worth, Nettles said. 

    Fort Worth aquatics staff have water safety talks at community centers throughout the year, according to a city spokesperson. 

    Nettles understands the importance of preventing drowning deaths. 

    “Drowning is a global epidemic. And while the root causes may differ along geographic and demographic lines, the deaths are all preventable,” Nettles added.   

    Juan Salinas II is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at juan.salinas@fortworthreport.org or on Twitter. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here. Read more about our editorial independence policy here. 

    This article first appeared on Fort Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

  • Goodwill North Central Texas opens new headquarters and career center

    On Thursday, May 4, 2023, Goodwill North Central Texas hosted a tri-chamber ribbon cutting and open house to officially open their new headquarters and career center just northeast of downtown Fort Worth.

    US Congressman Marc Veasey, Fort Worth City Councilman Chris Nettles, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce along with Goodwill North Central Texas President & CEO David Cox and members of the Goodwill Board of Directors ceremoniously cut the ribbon to open the new facility. Attendees enjoyed an open house and food trucks onsite to celebrate the occasion.

    With the headquarters relocation and career center opening, Goodwill North Central Texas will significantly expand their mission services by adding a new Career Center to serve the northeast Fort Worth area and relocating administrative staff to this new location to repurpose space at their 4005 Campus Drive facility for existing program expansion. Situated on 2.28 acres at 4200 and 4304 Airport Freeway, the new campus includes two buildings positioned side-by-side with nearly 650 feet of frontage along TX 121.

    “In 2019 Goodwill embarked on what would’ve been a long journey and set an ambitious goal to raise $12 million dollars to expand facilities and classroom space,” said David Cox, President & CEO of Goodwill North Central Texas. “COVID-19 forever shifted the lives of the community we serve and shifted our plans as well.” 

    Thanks to a generous donation from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott, Goodwill was able to take advantage of an opportunity that arose in early 2021 to purchase the two story 27,718 square foot administration building, along with a 10,474 square foot single-story building ideal for further expansion of Goodwill’s Workforce Development offerings.

    The administration building features a large community room, while the single-story building serves as a Career Center and offers additional classroom space for mission services including the North Texas Institute for Career Development, Goodwill’s career school.  

    With additional training and education space for at-risk youth, innovative classroom space for foster care and independent living skills training, programs for ex-offenders and re-entry training, and expansion of Goodwill’s credentialing programs, the nonprofit expects to hire an additional 56 full-time staff to run new programs and serve an additional 35,000 individuals over the first five years.

    “Education and employment are the only proven pathways out of poverty,” said Cox. “Indeed, the need for Goodwill’s services has never been greater and we are excited to expand employment and education services to break the cycle of poverty for those in our community.”

  • “The Greatest Gift Catalog Ever” Welcomes Three New Organizations

    The Greatest Gift Catalog Ever celebrated its 16th year of fundraising and support for Tarrant County nonprofits last month by introducing three new organizations to the catalog. Joining the ranks of 24 local nonprofits in the 2023 Greatest Gift Catalog Ever will be the Humane Society of North Texas, the Neuro Assistance Foundation, and Streams and Valleys.  

    The Humane Society of North Texas provides the North Texas community with a variety of services to end animal cruelty and pet homelessness. The Neuro Assistance Foundation is dedicated to assisting individuals impacted by spinal cord injuries to achieve self-sufficiency and mobility through assistive vehicles, equipment, technology and home modification. Streams and Valleys is an organization that educates the community and raises money to improve and beautify the Trinity River and surrounding trails.

    The Greatest Gift Catalog Ever provides matching fund opportunities, and 100% of every contribution donated through the catalog goes directly to the designated charity. In 2022, the catalog saw $2.5 million in charitable impact. Since its inception in 2007, the Greatest Gift Catalog Ever has had a total charitable impact of over $23 million in Tarrant County.  

    At a recent Reader’s Choice Awards Luncheon for organizations featured in the catalog, founder Elliott Goldman recognized those that received the highest level of donations over the past year. Top recognition went to First Tee Fort Worth for Most Individual Contributions, to Meals on Wheels for the Youth Philanthropy Award, and Rachel Goldman received the annual Spirit of Community Award as one of the catalog’s earliest supporters and an integral part of what the catalog is today.

    “We are grateful and humbled by the extraordinary generosity of our neighbors and the leaders and volunteers of the many charitable organizations that help our community thrive,” Goldman said. “More than ever, we must support the important work of our local nonprofit organizations as they step up to provide critical resources and services across a broad range of individual and community needs.” The 2023 Greatest Gift Catalog Ever will officially kick off in November, but information and donations are accepted year-round.

  • Neon One releases email benchmark report

    Neon One, a nonprofit software solutions company, has released a new report, Nonprofit Email Report 2023, that contains data from over 1,500 organizations and establishes benchmarks for the ever-changing landscape of email communications and fundraising.

    The report includes statistics and data points from Neon One’s own research, data from other industry sources, and email strategies and takeaways informed by that data–all broken down by organization size.

    Data from Neon One’s 2022 report, Donors: Understanding the Future of Individual Giving, found that email is a heavy favorite for donors, with 48% citing it as their preferred method of hearing updates and appeals from the organization.

    Supporters prefer to receive updates and appeals via email, which makes it the single most important communication channel and the most effective digital fundraising channel. 

    Supporting this is data from the Global Trends in Giving Report, which found that 26% of donors say email is the tool that most inspires them to give, outpacing social media, websites, and print materials.

    These trends indicate that understanding key performance benchmarks and using data-backed email strategies is critical for nonprofits.

    Report Findings/Takeaways include:

    • The average small nonprofit’s email open rate is 45.70%
    • Unsubscribe rates tend to be similar (+/- .03%) across organization size
    • The average nonprofit raised $5,598.51 per email campaign
    • Donors engage with emails most on Wednesday and Friday
    • Avoid words like “reminder,” “member,” and “meeting” in your subject line
    • Include imagery in your emails for higher engagement

    The report also highlights the Most Engaging Email of 2022, written by Science Olympiad, a nonprofit organization that promotes science education through competitive events.

    Get the report!

  • North Texas Healthy Families to ease cost burden of healthy foods

    North Texas Healthy Families to ease cost burden of healthy foods

    Families dependent on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be feeling the pinch since emergency allotments put in place during the pandemic ended on March 1. But a local effort to supplement SNAP benefits for the purchase of fresh produce can provide some relief, making it easier to put healthy food on the table.

    Double Up Food Bucks—a national program funded locally by North Texas Healthy Communities (NTHC), an outreach arm of Texas Health Resources that implements Blue Zones Project® Fort Worth—allows SNAP recipients to double their savings on the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and grocery stores. Rolled out in May 2020, the program has processed nearly 50,000 Double Up Food Bucks transactions at participating locations, delivering more than $330,000 in benefits to SNAP recipients. Double Up Food Bucks is currently offered at Cowtown Farmers Market and three G.E. Foodland Fort Worth locations, with more locations on the way.  

    That’s good news for local families. The end to emergency funding means a loss of $95 to more than $400 a month in SNAP grocery benefits offered during the pandemic and extended until Feb. 28, 2023. The reduction in benefits is based on income, number of family members, and other factors. The move is expected to impact about 1.6 million Texas households, as Texas sees about a 35% drop in federal funding for SNAP benefits.

    Double Up Food Bucks launched locally at Cowtown Farmers Market, the longest running farmers market in Fort Worth. In June 2020, the program expanded to serve SNAP recipients shopping at the Tarrant Area Food Bank’s summer Neighborhood Farmers Markets. Later that year, G.E. Foodland, a regional grocer, agreed to offer Double Up Food Bucks at its Elrod’s Cost Plus location at 1524 NW 25th St. in Fort Worth. Soon, two more G.E. Foodland stores came on board: Foodland Markets on S. Ayers Ave. in southeast Fort Worth in December 2020, and Foodland Markets on Mansfield Highway in Forest Hill in March 2021.

    “Between the reduction of SNAP benefits and the rising cost of groceries, this is a challenging time for some families — and research tells us that fresh fruits and vegetables are important to our overall health and well-being,” said Matt Dufrene, North Texas Healthy Communities vice president. “Expanding Double Up Food Bucks means more families have access to those health benefits and can put healthy food on the table while freeing up income for other basic needs.”

    How Double Up Food Bucks Works

    Double Up Food Bucks makes healthier options more affordable at the neighborhood level, where people are accustomed to shopping. SNAP recipients receive 50% off fresh produce at participating grocery stores, up to $10 a day, simply by using their Lone Star Card and mentioning Double Up Food Bucks to the cashier. At Cowtown Farmers Market, that benefit is up to $30 a day.

    “It’s really rewarding to be part of a program that allows local families to put more fresh fruits and vegetables on the table,” said Gregory Joel, manager of Opal’s Farm, which accepts SNAP benefits at Cowtown Farmers Market. “As local farmers, we understand the health benefits and appreciate that this helps make fresh, local produce more affordable and accessible to our community.”

    With the reduction in SNAP benefits, Double Up Food Bucks usage at participating grocery stores is expected to increase. Fortunately, NTHC will be expanding the program later this year to even more farmers markets and farm stands across DFW, thanks to a grant from the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). NTHC and Texas Health invite additional community partners and organizations to help support and fund Double Up Food Bucks to broaden its reach and impact.

    NTHC efforts to increase access to fresh produce and other healthy staples also include the Good For You Pantry program — creating food pantries with produce and other healthy staples at convenient neighborhood locations, which received a major boost from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by Tarrant County — and Fresh Access, which distributes produce to Fort Worth community centers. Other initiatives involve funding and support for school gardens and urban farms. In addition, the Culled Produce Recovery Program, a partnership with local urban farms and grocery stores, gives new life to unsold produce.

  • Center for Transforming Lives releases report citing worsening outcomes for women and children

    Center for Transforming Lives releases report citing worsening outcomes for women and children

    Center for Transforming Lives (CTL) released its latest research report on Tarrant County family health and well-being. The report provides data related to mothers and children experiencing poverty and urges local leaders and lawmakers to consider larger investments in comprehensive services for women, children, and communities to disrupt the cycle of poverty. 

    The report was developed by the Center for Transforming Lives in collaboration partnership with Virginia Leidner, Grace Maynard and Erika L Thompson at the School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center. 

    The Center for Transforming Lives focuses their direct service work on women and their children to disrupt the cycle of poverty by providing comprehensive housing services, early childhood education, economic mobility services, and clinical counseling.  

    “This research helps us to be even more strategic in our partnerships,” said Carol Klocek, CEO of Center for Transforming Lives. ” CTL can’t do it all but we can partner with other organizations in Tarrant County while helping them to better understand the particular interests of women and children.” 

    The report sheds new light on issues that impact Tarrant County families, such as school readiness, poverty levels, and area median income, and provides insights and data on how poverty impacts families. According to the report, poverty hits single-mother families the hardest: “While 8% of families in Tarrant County live in poverty, 32% of families headed by single mothers live in poverty, contributing to significant destabilization, including homelessness.”

    “Center for Transforming Lives is interested in population-level change. We are a direct service provider, but we are also a leader and advocate for sustainable change in our community. We strive to ensure that every stakeholder and decision-maker has the information necessary to advance policies that improve maternal, child, and community well-being.” Says Jessica Trudeau, Chief Transformation Officer at CTL.  

    The report is available for download on the Center for transforming Lives’ website. 

  • Federal funding fueling eastside Fort Worth YMCA projects

    The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is moving forward with two major projects designed to build community connections and enhance well-being, thanks to $3.89 million in federal funding earmarked to support renovation of its Eastside YMCA and the construction of an outdoor recreation area at the William M. McDonald YMCA. Both projects are made possible through the support of U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33) who advocated for the facilities in recently passed federal funding.  

    The H.R. 4502 Seven-Bill Appropriations Minibus includes $2.4 million for the revitalization of the Eastside YMCA at 1500 Sandy Lane, Fort Worth. In addition, a separate funding allocation set aside nearly $1.49 million for a new covered outdoor community activity and wellness space at the William M. McDonald YMCA at 2701 Moresby St., Fort Worth. 

    YMCA President and CEO Mike Brown said the YMCA is investing in people, community centers and programs that help improve the well-being of residents. That includes creating modern facilities that meet the needs of individual communities and developing programs that support the YMCA’s mission across the region.  

    “These facilities are an important part of the YMCA’s commitment to offer opportunities for people of all ages to connect and engage in order to improve quality of life in the communities we serve,” said Brown. “We want to provide safe gathering spaces and programs that enable our residents to grow in body, mind and spirit. We are extremely grateful that Congressman Veasey helped ensure these plans can move forward.”  

    The funding is part of more than $30.4 million in Community Project Funding that Rep. Veasey secured to respond directly to the pressing needs of North Texas. 

    “I am proud to have fought for funding that will help strengthen communities across North Texas,” Rep. Veasey said. “These projects will help the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth achieve its vision of strengthening families by allowing young and old alike to nurture physical, social and emotional connections.” 

    Eastside YMCA 

    The Eastside YMCA was originally built in 1968, but then closed to all but vital services during the pandemic. Building damage caused by the winter storm of February 2021 and, months later, destructive vandalism delayed plans to reopen.  

    The new Eastside YMCA will be a reimagined as an expanded community hub, with emphasis on programs for the development of children and teens. The newly envisioned Eastside YMCA will offer modern spaces for wellness, a kitchen for cooking and demonstrations, teen programming (including mental health services, career exploration and social events), senior connections and community gatherings. Plans also call for early learning programs, and a water park and play pool to facilitate family outdoor experiences and support water safety and drowning prevention initiatives. The YMCA will partner with other nonprofit organizations, allowing area residents to access wraparound services that address challenges facing youth and families. 

    The newly committed federal funds for the project will be supplemented through $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding administered by Tarrant County as well as fundraising and philanthropy. The YMCA is seeking additional funding to fulfill its vision of a $10 million renovation. Work is set to begin this spring, with the first phase of the new Eastside YMCA expected to open in 2024. 

    William M. McDonald YMCA  

    Federal funds will also cover the cost of an outdoor community activity and wellness space at the William M. McDonald YMCA in southeast Fort Worth. This pavilion-style facility will serve as a neighborhood fitness destination, and a safe and reliable place for residents to exercise and play outdoors. Outdoor fitness activities offer all the benefits of indoor exercise, plus vital exposure to sunlight and stress reduction linked to fresh air.  

    In addition to offering health and wellness activities, the open-air, versatile space will be responsive to community needs, with the ability to host concerts, festivals, family movie nights and other community events.  

    The timeline for construction at the William M. McDonald YMCA is in development. The facility will be eco-friendly, made of aluminum, steel and sustainable plastics.  

    “The YMCA is the one organization that supports the full continuum of life in our communities — from infant care to senior programs that enrich lives,” said Lillie Biggins, longtime community leader and YMCA board member. “Congressman Veasey is a committed servant leader who is laser-focused on improving the lives of all people, and he understands the value that the YMCA brings to families and the entire community. Our programs will be better and stronger in the future as a result of his contributions.” 

  • New nonprofit launched to connect communities through clothing

    New nonprofit launched to connect communities through clothing

    Fort Worth Community Collaborative (FWCC) recently announced its official launch as a new non-profit organization in Fort Worth, Texas with a mission to connect communities in need with clothing and other basic necessities. FWCC partners with community members and local businesses to accept donations, launder, sort, size, and re-distribute the items back to the community at pop-up style shops. These
    pop-ups are open to the public, and there is never a charge for attendees to
    participate or take any items, but financial donations are always welcome.

    FWCC was founded by a group of local moms who saw a need for more
    resources and support in the Fort Worth area. The organization aims to provide
    clothing and other essentials to individuals and families who may not have
    access to these resources, for any number of reasons.

    “We are excited to launch FWCC and begin making a positive impact in our
    community,” said Kelly Warner, the co-founder of FWCC. “We believe that
    clothing is a fundamental need, regardless of socio-economic status, gender
    identity, religious affiliation or geographic location. We like to say, “We don’t need
    to know your ‘why’. We’re just here to help”.

    FWCC will be working with local community organizations, businesses, and
    individuals to collect and distribute clothing and other essentials to those in need. FWCC collaborated with LVTRise last fall for its first Pop-Up Shop that included Halloween costumes and cold-weather apparel.

    FWCC is currently seeking donations of clothing, as well as volunteers to help
    with collection and distribution efforts. “Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those in need in Fort Worth,” said Haley Ballenger, co-founder. “We’re looking forward to working with our community partners and collaborators to make this happen.”

  • Grant Professionals Association of North Texas announces 2023 board members

    Grant Professionals Association of North Texas announces 2023 board members

    The Grant Professionals Association helps grant professionals continually improve their professional knowledge and skills in grant research, proposal development, and post-award grant management.

    The North Texas Chapter provides professional development for grant writers in North Texas, including Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, and Denton counties. The chapter meets by Zoom.  

    The recently elected GPA North Texas Chapter 2023 Board of Directors includes:

    President: Alex Dunn, MSW, CFRE, Millionaire Grant Lady & Associates

    Vice President: Gail Lockwood, MSW, Grant Consultant

    Treasurer: Cathy Alsup, CFRE, GPC, Hope Partners

    Secretary: Melissa Parsinen, MA, GPC, University of Texas Arlington

    Marketing and Membership Chair: Connie Winkle, LMSW, GPC, Connie Winkle Consulting LLC

    Program Co-Chair: Shelly Borders, MA, Communities In Schools of Greater Tarrant County

    Program Co-Chair: Kristen Vogel, MA, Dallas Black Dance Theatre

    Planned programming for 2023 includes national and local experts. February’s meeting is Thursday, February 16th, with the topic Grant Writing Success Template – Next Level Grant Strategies presented by Alex Dunn, MSW, CFRE. March’s meeting topic is  Using Theory of Change for Effective Program Design and Development presented by Dr. Susan Wolfe. Past presenters have included Diane Leonard, Maryn Boess, Johna Rodgers, Communities Foundation of North Texas and Communities Foundation of Texas. 

  • Fort Worth Report receives $1.1M infusion

    Fort Worth Report receives $1.1M infusion

    The Fort Worth Report, a nonprofit nonpartisan newspaper, announced recently that it had received a $1.1 million grant from the American Journalism Project, a venture philanthropy that provides grants and coaching to build business models for nonprofit news organizations. The three-year grant follows a competitive, national application process. 

    “This is a game-changer for our independent newsroom,” says Chris Cobler, the Report’s CEO and publisher. “This funding will allow us to think long term and concentrate our local fundraising on supporting our growing newsroom, so we can cover more of the issues, events and people that our readers care about.”

    A key focus of the grant is to help the Report build new audiences and grow the nonprofit’s revenues to create long-term sustainability. 

    Since the FortWorthReport.org debuted in April 2021, the site has attracted 2.8 million pageviews. Subscribers to its daily and specialized email newsletters also are growing at a pace of more than 1,500 a month.

    In its first two years, the Fort Worth Report has raised more than $4 million in revenue from foundations, individual gifts and memberships, and corporate advertising and sponsorships. More than 80 percent of that has been generated locally.

    With this week’s grants, the American Journalism Project’s portfolio of grantees has grown to 36 organizations, with total investments of more than $40 million.