Grant Impact Stories

Impact stories explain how charitable giving has helped local organizations and changed lives in our community and beyond.

all Scholarships CFT For Business Donor-Advised Funds Complex Assets Planned Giving

Smart Justice

Caruth funds Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute to route mentally ill to care instead of jail

Of Texas inmates, 34 percent have a mental health need, and most have substance use disorders. The state of Texas spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually to provide mental health services to these individuals. Dallas is piloting a better way.

Play it Forward

W. W. Caruth, Jr. Fund and many others at CFT supports public parks

In the 1960s, CFT leaders like Charles Sharp understood that public spaces help make cities great. That philosophy continues today at CFT. A recent grant of $5 million was made for safety and security at Klyde Warren Park, the deck park built in downtown Dallas.

Time for Tier 1

Swift Action Raises $4.245 Million to help UTD Advance to Tier 1

Through the use of government matching funds, we helped raise money to advance University of Texas at Dallas to a Tier 1 university in Texas.

Jan Pruitt Compares CFT to a Kitchen Table

Jan Pruitt, CEO of North Texas Food Bank, shares her perspective on CFT’s role in the community

North Texas Food Bank Executive Director, Jan Pruitt, gives a nonprofit angle on our impact and involvement with the community.

Overflowing Gratitude: A Wave of Generosity

Rosine Foundation Fund of CFT expedited the design and construction of SMU's Calatrava Fountain

Calatrava Fountain – 2001 In 2001, a $1.5 million gift from the Rosine Foundation Fund of CFT expedited the design and construction of a sculpture-fountain outside Southern Methodist University’s Meadows Museum.

Entertaining New Ideas: Cultural Change

Eisemann Center for Performing Arts opens in 2001 thanks to CFT fund holders

Eisemann Center for Performing Arts – 2001 Charles and Ann Eisemann are longtime supporters of the cultural arts in Richardson, especially the symphony orchestra. The Eisemann Foundation Fund of CFT granted $2 million to the city of Richardson to support a new performing arts venue.

Building Goodwill

Many CFT fund contribute to Goodwill Industries campaign

Goodwill Industries – 2001 When Goodwill Industries was in the midst of a $16.7 million building campaign in 2001, CFT decided to help. Goodwill’s capital campaign sought to raise money for a new facility that would triple to 3,000 the number of people served at its west Dallas facility.

Wings of an Angel: Transformed by Philanthropy

Texas Discovery Gardens Butterfly Garden gets wings thanks to Rosine Foundation Fund for Texas Discovery Gardens at CFT

Texas Discovery Gardens Butterfly Garden 2001 Her mother’s passion for butterflies as well as education and conservation, inspired Mary Anne Sammons Cree to recommend a $2.5 million grant from the Rosine Foundation Fund for Texas Discovery Gardens.

In the Line of Duty: Honoring Fallen Heroes

CFT funds Dallas Police Memorial

Dallas Police Memorial – 1999 Dallas police officers, who have lost their lives serving the city’s citizens are honored at the Dallas Police Memorial. A grant from CFT was used to build and dedicate the memorial to our Dallas Police fallen heroes.

Dog Gone Generous: Pet Project

Phoebe Perry honors her husband with gift to SPCA of Texas

SPCA of Texas – 1998 The SPCA of Texas has a tough job -- caring for animals without the support of government funding. Generous contributions from CFT donors like Phoebe and Russell Perry help make the SPCA’s job easier.

Concerted Effort: Music to Our Ears

Perot Fund at CFT gives Dallas Symphony Orchestra grant

Perot Fund Symphony Grant – 1985 Thanks to H. Ross Perot’s $10 million donation through a fund established at CFT, the community foundation became a player in the construction of the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, named in honor Perot’s friend and business associate.

Christmas Coach: In the Vanguard of Giving

Caruth gives Children’s Medical Center a van in lieu of gifts to honor his customers

Children’s Medical Center Van – 1975 Children’s Medical Center was the recipient of a new passenger van made possible by the W.W. Caruth Jr. Foundation Fund of the Dallas Community Chest Trust Fund.

Giving to Learn: An Edifice for Education

Carr P. & Ruth Collins Learning Center – 1973

Carr P. & Ruth Collins Learning Center – 1973 The Carr P. and Ruth Collins Learning Center on the Dallas Baptist College (now Dallas Baptist University) campus was named for the couple as a reminder of the generosity made possible by the fund they established at the Dallas Community Chest Trust Fund.

Investing in Entrepreneurs: Big News for Small Business

Caruth Institute of Small Business Management – 1969

Caruth Institute of Small Business Management – 1969 A generous $200,000 gift from the W.W. Caruth Jr. Foundation Fund initiated the establishment of the Caruth Institute of Small Business Management at Southern Methodist University in 1969.

The Early Years of Daycare

Pearl C. Anderson Day Nursery - 1958

Pearl C. Anderson Day Nursery - 1958 It was not enough for working mothers in Garland to find jobs in 1958; they also had the challenge of arranging oversight for their kids in a city without daycare facilities.

Are you ready to begin your philanthropic journey?

At Communities Foundation of Texas, one of our goals is to empower you as a donor. Our Donor Services team can provide customized research and advice that is designed to enhance your effectiveness. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about a giving program to fit your needs.

Request a Consultation

Find your Cause with the Giving Guide

Our searchable index of local nonprofits

Quiz:

Is your nonprofit eligible for a grant from CFT?

CFT Careers

"Top Place to Work" in DFW

We seek to provide an outstanding environment where our staff can succeed in bringing visionary philanthropists and worthy causes together.