Over the last two years, the North Texas Gives to the Arts campaign—powered by matching funds contributed by CFT, CFT fundholders, and sponsors, alongside gifts from North Texas Giving Day donors—has raised more than $587,000 for 250 arts and humanities organizations across North Texas. Headed into year three, CFT is committed to growing that impact even further.
North Texas Gives to the Arts runs from April 16-30 and includes $100,000 in total matching funds from The Giana Foundation Fund, the Robert B. and Virginia Payne Fund for Arts & Culture, and CFT. Beginning April 16, donations of up to $100 per person, per nonprofit, will be matched until the $100,000 match has been met.
For example, giving $100 to an organization turns into $200 for the organization while the match is available. Donations can be made at www.NorthTexasGivingDay.org/GivestoArts.
“CFT believes a thriving community is one where art is accessible and creativity is celebrated. The arts bring people together and provide meaningful space for expression,” said Wayne White. “NorthTexasGivingDay.org serves as a one‑stop shop for giving to nonprofits across our region, and we’re grateful the platform can be used during Dallas Arts Month to uplift organizations advancing arts, culture, and the humanities.”
Throughout the two-week fundraising event, individuals can explore and give to one or more of 400 participating arts organizations at NorthTexasGivingDay.org. Plus, because Communities Foundation of Texas, sponsors, and generous givers contribute to cover all transaction and technology fees, 100% of each donation made on NorthTexasGivingDay.org goes directly to local nonprofits.
On the website, donors can browse eight different categories of verified arts and humanities nonprofits to give to. These include: History & Heritage; Arts Advocacy & Support; Dance; Visual Arts, Media, & Film; Music; Literary Arts; Theater; and Multidisciplinary Arts.
North Texas Gives to the Arts is an initiative of CFT’s “North Texas Gives,” an expansion of North Texas Giving Day and CFT’s commitment to grow community giving to support nonprofits.
The campaign aligns with the final weeks of Dallas Arts Month, a city-wide celebration held every April that encourages residents and visitors to participate in events offered by art and cultural institutions from all disciplines.
“The arts have always been an important part of my life and my family’s life, and I’ve seen firsthand how they bring people together,” said Frank Miao of The Giana Foundation Fund at CFT. “Here in North Texas, the arts are part of what makes our community so vibrant. We believe that investing in arts nonprofits is an investment in the culture that makes this region so unique. Through North Texas Gives to the Arts, it’s easy for donors to discover a wide range of organizations across our region. We’re proud to continue supporting this effort because it encourages generosity and helps ensure the arts continue to thrive in North Texas.”
“Dallas shines brighter because of our arts institutions and the local creators who bring them to life,” said Jill Magnuson, Interim Executive Director of the Dallas Arts District. “We’re grateful for Communities Foundation of Texas’ ‘North Texas Gives to Arts’ initiative, which highlights the vital role the arts play in our community and empowers our neighbors to support local arts nonprofits.”
Arts and humanities organizations contribute to North Texas’ local economy, attracting visitors, generating revenue, and creating jobs.
Through this campaign, CFT hopes to raise awareness about the importance of local arts and humanities nonprofits that:
- Provide arts education: Many nonprofits offer educational programs for children, teens, and adults who may otherwise not have access to lessons, workshops, and classes in the arts.
- Support local talent: Many nonprofits provide support for emerging artists’ talents, including tools to learn and improve skills and platforms to showcase their work.
- Promote accessibility: Arts organizations make concerts, performing arts, and visual arts more accessible to community members.
- Preserve Culture & History: Nonprofits often honor and uplift cultural heritage, protecting artifacts and sharing history across generations.
$500,000 grant to TACA to support arts nonprofits
Additionally, CFT has invested $500,000 in TACA to support grantmaking and professional development for local arts nonprofits. TACA is the only nonprofit that provides both funding and training for Dallas arts organizations. Their mission is to invest in the vibrancy and resilience of a diverse Dallas arts community that is celebrated and accessible to all. TACA is a long-standing partner of CFT because of their deep knowledge and proven strategies for providing support to strengthen and sustain arts and culture in Dallas.
“We are deeply honored to be entrusted with the Communities Foundation of Texas’ investment in the arts. For many years, CFT has partnered with TACA because of a shared belief in the value of comprehensive support for the arts sector—through both thoughtful grantmaking and meaningful professional development opportunities. Together, we are ensuring that vital resources reach organizations that enrich our community and expand access to the arts for all,” said Maura Sheffler, TACA President and Executive Director.
