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Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy

At Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), our charge is to put giving to work. CFT professionally manages more than 1,200 charitable funds for families, companies, foundations and nonprofits and has awarded more than $2 billion in grants since its founding in 1953. We believe that where giving thrives, communities thrive, too.

CFT’s Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy (ELP) program seeks to educate, engage, and broaden the philanthropic impact of the next generation of leaders in North Texas to ensure that our region’s legacy of generosity continues to thrive and grow. We hope that young professionals with a mind and heart for their community can learn to set their personal strategies for giving, have a deeper understanding of how to approach philanthropic issues, and connect with others who have a diverse background but share a commitment to be engaged.

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Learn more about our Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy cohorts:
CFT's 2018-2019 Innaugural Cohort Awards $50,000 to one local nonprofit

CFT's 2019-2020 Cohort Awards $50,000 to three local nonprofits 

CFT's 2020-2021 COHORT AWARDS $25,000 TO ONE LOCAL NONPROFIT

Check out how ELP alumni helped their companies hone giving priorities:

Read the full story here
 
 

Program Information

We hope that young professionals with a mind and heart for their community can learn to set their personal strategies for giving, have a deeper understanding of how to approach philanthropic issues, and connect with others who have a diverse background but share a commitment to be engaged.
 

Learn More
Photo Archive

2018-19 Cohort:

Cohort Photos

Session Nine

Graduation Celebration & Check Presentation 

2019-20 Cohort:

Holiday Cocktails & Conversation

Board Service Session

 

2020-21 Cohort:

elp's ntx giving day 2020: give big drive-by 

changemakers connect: celebrating cft's 2021 ntx giving day


2022 Cohort: 

ELP Session One

ELP Session Three 

ELP Session SIX 
 
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A Special Thanks

We sincerely appreciate the generous funding provided by an anonymous funder to support the launch of the ELP program.

Special Thanks to our Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy Steering Committee: 
Aline Bass, Megan Bowdon, Jennifer Lan, Noble Modu, Gunnar Rawlings, Tucker Robinson, DeVaughdric Ross, Jose Manuel Santoyo, Sally Sha, David Shields, and Lucas Shelton

Where giving thrives, communities thrive too.

Side by side, we can build a thriving community for all.

Learn more about our community impact