Banner Year for CFT
Communities Foundation of Texas doles out $76 million in grants
The Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) recently announced the distribution of $76 million in charitable grants in 2013, a testament to our city's unwavering commitment to philanthropy.
These grants arrived during the foundation's 60th anniversary year themed “Giving Back and Looking Forward.” Nearly a third of 2013 funds were raised on North Texas Giving Day, which clocked in at a record-breaking $25 million. It may sound like a lot, but $76 million is actually par for the course at Communities Foundation, which raised $79 million in 2011 and $66 million in 2012.
Nearly a third of 2013 funds were raised on North Texas Giving Day, which clocked in at a record-breaking $25 million.
“For 60 years, Communities Foundation of Texas has helped generous, caring people invest in their community by connecting them with worthy nonprofits,” president and CEO Brent Christopher said in a statement. “These latest grants will have a substantial impact today and tomorrow on all our lives and especially those who need help the most.”
Education was the foundation’s top grant category in 2013, with $1.4 million going to Educate Texas. This private CFT initiative improves the success of 360,000 Texas students in 126 school districts. What makes this program unlike any other? It not only helps the students, but it also has launched several successful programs that effect teachers by providing them with the tools to better themselves as instructors.
Two million dollars in grants were also given to eight Dallas-area nonprofits to help at-risk middle schools. Another $1.5 million was set aside to the Commit! Partnership, which drives Dallas County student achievement.
CFT didn't stop with education, as it also gave $7.5 million to be paid over 10 years to Children's Medical Research Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern. The funds will be used for faculty recruitment and for pediatric research. The arts got a 2013 gift as well, as $50,000 was granted to the Dallas Theater Center for a Neighborhood Initiative to increase audience diversity through community engagement.
In the last six decades, Communities Foundation of Texas has given more than $1.3 billion to Dallas-area charities.
“Since 1953, it’s been our privilege to help build a better tomorrow throughout the community,” said Fred Hegi, CFT’s board chairman. “As we honor our past, we’re staying true to our mission of finding new and creative solutions that will improve peoples’ lives in the future.”
