Communities Foundation of Texas

We're here to make year-end giving easy and effective, and there are many tax benefits to partnering with us. CFT's charitable giving funds can easily accept non-cash gifts, such as appreciated securities, real estate, privately held stock, or appreciated assets. Charitable funds held in one of CFT’s investment options can grow over time, making the potential long-term effects of your fund more impactful! To ensure contributions count for 2024, check out our list of year-end giving deadlines: https://lnkd.in/gMptYfJN

CFT trustee Matrice Ellis-Kirk was recently honored at AT&T Performing Arts Center's annual Bravo! Gala. Matrice was a founding member of the Center’s Board of Directors when it was created in 2000 and served as Chair from 2016 to 2020. She was involved in the Center’s creation and construction and has been a steadfast supporter. She's made such an impact across our community.??? What a wonderful evening celebrating the arts and one of our incredible board leaders. Congratulations, Matrice!

Through the expertise and partnership of our Advisory Council, CFT connects individuals, families, and businesses to meaningful giving opportunities that align with their passions and purpose. At this year’s Advisory Council Breakfast, we celebrated the achievements of our advisors whose efforts fuel positive impact across North Texas. Join us in welcoming our newest members, Laura J. Brown, MBA, CAP?, CTFA from Northern Trust and Sherell Jefferson, CWS?, CEPA? from BNY Wealth! Thank you to each council member for your trust, insight, and partnership. Advisors can explore more resources at: cftexas.org/advisors

Join United to Learn for its Women's Forum, Bridging Differences: Ensuring a Path to Productive and Compassionate Discourse on Friday, December 13, held here at CFT. CFT Board Chair, Richie Butler, will join a panel discussion on how schools can prepare youth for productive and compassionate discourse regardless of varied lived experiences. Learn more and register for free at: https://lnkd.in/gdayBNgf

Communities Foundation of Texas President & CEO, Wayne White, has been named to the Dallas 500 for the second year in a row!? ? D CEO's?signature publication, the Dallas 500, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of uplifting influential North Texas executives.? ? Congratulations to Wayne and all honored. Learn more and see the full list of this year's honorees: https://lnkd.in/gCpWyYab

For many in our community, housing stability is a crucial first step toward lasting change. Since 2021, CFT has granted $3 million to Housing Forward for their Rapid Rehousing efforts, including a $1 million grant earlier this year. Sarah Kahn, President and CEO of Housing Forward, joined our staff meeting this week to share the strides being made to support people experiencing homelessness in North Texas. Their collaborative initiatives have resulted in a 24% decrease in unsheltered homelessness since 2021, and innovative programs like Street to Home are now housing people in as little as six weeks, a process that once took nearly a year. With support from CFT and the dedication of over 150 local partners, Housing Forward is setting a national example for collaboration. Learn more: housingforwardntx.org Pictured: CFT’s Robert Kent and Celeste Arista Glover with Sarah Kahn

Kerri Briggs, Ph.D., will take the helm of Educate Texas at Communities Foundation of Texas as Executive Director in December, working to strengthen public and higher education systems across Texas. “Schools and public education are a promise and an investment?that our country makes to young people and their future – we must get it right. I look forward to building on Educate Texas’ strong history and reputation while bringing a fresh perspective to our work that supports education here locally and across the state." - Kerri Briggs Read more about Kerri at: cftexas.org/KerriBriggs

Happy National Philanthropy Day! ?? National Philanthropy Day celebrates the charitable work of individuals, families, and businesses that has a tremendous impact in our communities. National Philanthropy Day falls during National Community Foundation Week. Today and every day, we are thankful for our fundholders, trustees, advisors, staff, and nonprofit partners in furthering our mission of thriving communities for all. #CommunityFdnWeek, Council on Foundations, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global)

Giving Opportunity: Chuck and Joannie Hensley created a donor-advised fund and scholarship fund at CFT to support the causes that matter to them, both now and beyond their lifetimes. “We want to leave a legacy here in Dallas because this city is one of the reasons we’ve had such success in life. We caught some big breaks and want to pay it forward.” - Chuck Hensley Read more about the Hensley's and other local stories of generosity at: cftexas.org/gratitude

At the heart of our work at Communities Foundation of Texas are our fundholders—champions of community who believe in the power of giving back. This evening, we celebrated their impact and the lasting difference they’re making in the cause areas they care about. CFT granted $158 million to nonprofits in FY24, with $90 million of that coming from those who have charitable funds at CFT. Fundholders gave $6.7 million in grants to nonprofits through North Texas Giving Day this September, which helped raise a record-breaking $68 million. With more individuals, families, and businesses choosing CFT as their giving partner, our collective impact continues to grow. Join us as a champion of giving by opening a charitable fund for your family or business. Visit cftexas.org/donors/ to learn how.