The Dallas Foundation

Our fundholders recently visited the Park South YMCA as part of our 2026 Nonprofit Fundholder Site Visit Series.

Guests toured the newly renovated facility, learned more about the YMCA's longstanding impact in South Dallas, and saw firsthand how investments in early childhood education, food access, and community programming are helping strengthen the neighborhood. Attendees also rolled up their sleeves alongside GROW North Texas to refresh and replant flower beds, helping further beautify the campus.

These site visits are designed to give fundholders a closer look at the causes they champion and the organizations creating meaningful impact across Dallas. Family-friendly volunteer opportunities like this one also provide a chance to engage the next generation in giving back.

Interested in joining an upcoming site visit? Reach out to your fund steward to learn more.

Every mother and child deserves the opportunity for a healthy start.

Our Chief Impact Officer, Vickie Allen, recently shared with CBS News Texas why addressing maternal mortality and improving early childhood outcomes is a critical investment in the future of Dallas County.

Through our Bold Steps, Bright Futures strategic plan, The Dallas Foundation is investing $2 million over the next four years to support innovative solutions that expand access to care, strengthen families, and create healthier futures for generations to come.

Watch Vickie’s recent interview with CBS: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/north-texas-moves-to-address-maternal-mortality-crisis/

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, this week we recognize the importance of protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of older adults across our community.

For more than 60 years, The Senior Source has been a trusted resource for older adults and their families, providing advocacy, education, financial safety initiatives, and support that empowers seniors to age with dignity, independence, and connection.

With a partnership spanning more than six decades, together with our fundholders, we have helped direct more than $1.4 million in support of The Senior Source’s mission.

We’re proud to support an organization that ensures older adults have the tools, guidance, and support they need to thrive.

Learn more about The Senior Source’s impact and our partnership: https://www.dallasfoundation.org/perspectives/partners-for-progress/partners-for-progress-the-senior-source/

Our Rising GENerosity members gathered at Maplewood Private Social Club for a summer evening of connection, conversation, and community. It was wonderful to spend time together, strengthen relationships, and celebrate a shared commitment to creating a stronger Dallas.

Through Rising GENerosity, the next generation of philanthropists come together to learn, engage, and make a meaningful impact in our community.

Interested in joining a community of young professionals committed to giving back? Visit: https://www.dallasfoundation.org/our-impact/rising-generosity/

We’re proud to share that our President & CEO, Julie Diaz, has been named a finalist for D CEO’s inaugural Leadership Excellence Awards in the category of Intentional Leadership.

Julie’s leadership continues to shape the future of The Dallas Foundation and the communities we serve. Under her guidance, the Foundation surpassed $100 million in annual contributions for two consecutive years, reached historic levels of grantmaking, and welcomed a record number of new funds from donors committed to making a lasting impact.

Beyond these accomplishments, Julie has built a culture grounded in collaboration, trust, and purpose while helping position the Foundation for its next century of impact.

This recognition reflects the vision and leadership she brings to our work every day. Congratulations, Julie, on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to celebrating alongside all of the finalists this September when the winners are announced.

Our 2026 Summer Grants Cycle is now open!

The Dallas Foundation is proud to support nonprofits working to strengthen the health and well-being of Dallas County residents. We are honored to partner with organizations creating meaningful, lasting impact across our community.

Funding priorities include:
• Healthcare Access
• Parks & Recreation
• Family Economic Stability & Critical Needs
• Mental & Emotional Health

These grants are funded through donor-designated funds and awarded in alignment with donor intent, helping ensure support reaches the programs and communities our donors care about most.

Applications are open through June 26, 2026.

Need help getting started? Be sure to watch the recording of our virtual information session for guidance on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and the application process.

Apply now: https://www.dallasfoundation.org/our-impact/grant-opportunities/

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Dawn Townsend to Chief Operating Officer at The Dallas Foundation.

Since joining the Foundation in 2015, Dawn has played a key role in advancing our mission, strengthening donor engagement, and elevating our impact across the community. As COO, she will provide leadership across Operations, Technology, and Strategic Initiatives, helping ensure the Foundation is well-positioned to achieve the goals of its strategic plan and serve Dallas for generations to come.

Please join us in celebrating Dawn and this exciting new chapter of leadership at The Dallas Foundation.

What happens when community needs change, organizations evolve, or future generations take on stewardship of a fund? How can donors be confident their philanthropic goals will continue to be honored for years to come?

In our latest Ask an Expert, Erin Rae Osenbaugh, Manager of Donor Services, shares how we help donors define, document, and preserve their intent through personalized philanthropic advising, thoughtful stewardship, and long-term partnership.

Learn how The Dallas Foundation works to ensure every fund remains true to the purpose and values that inspired it, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

https://www.dallasfoundation.org/ask-an-expert/how-does-a-community-foundation-make-sure-your-donor-intent-is-honored/

Our fundholders recently had the opportunity to visit Metrocare Services as part of our 2026 nonprofit donor site visit series.

Guests toured Metrocare’s impressive new facility, heard more about their impactful work across Dallas and beyond, and connected with team members helping expand access to critical behavioral health services for children, families, and individuals in our community.

These visits are designed to connect donors directly with the organizations making an impact in Greater Dallas.

If you’re interested in joining an upcoming fundholder site visit, please reach out to your fund steward.

Our Women’s Philanthropy Institute members and guests gathered at Hugs Cafe for an inspiring night centered on connection, community, and purpose. Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated dinner, paired wines, and meaningful conversations with women who are passionate about creating lasting impact across Dallas. We were also grateful to hear from Hugs founder Ruth Thompson and CEO Lauren Smith about the organization’s growing impact and expansion.

Through WPI, we come together to learn, lead, and invest in initiatives that strengthen our community, proving the power of collective philanthropy in action.

Interested in joining a network of women making a difference together? Visit: https://www.dallasfoundation.org/our-impact/womens-philanthropy-institute/