BRAVE/R Together advances health equity through four key pathways: healthcare, education, business & economic development, and housing. “This partnership with NTCF is a critical step in addressing barriers to opportunity in 76104,” said Shawn Lassiter, PhD, executive director of BRAVE/R Together. “We’re committed to sustainable, community-led strategies that drive positive change.”

Launched in 2024, the Fund for Good enables NTCF to respond to our region’s evolving needs by directing philanthropic resources to transformative solutions in North Texas. The City of Fort Worth recently identified the Historic Southside neighborhood as a priority community experiencing significant private and public investment to ensure that residents are not displaced, and cultural history is preserved.

Powered by the generosity of NTCF donors, the 2025 Fund for Good grant will help BRAVE/R Together strengthen local businesses, prevent displacement, and preserve the area’s cultural legacy by centering residents in decision-making. The long-term goal is to cultivate an economically vibrant neighborhood that remains deeply connected to its history and community.

“Creating economic opportunity for local residents while preserving historic neighborhoods is essential for Fort Worth’s future,” said Rose Bradshaw, President & CEO of NTCF. “By aligning philanthropic and public investments today, we can ensure long-term impact and drive results for decades to come.”

This grant is part of NTCF’s broader commitment to community development. In 2024, NTCF funded a Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce survey to prioritize community voices in the Historic Northside District. The Foundation also launched the BEACON Fund to support historically disinvested neighborhoods and participates in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Economic Mobility Action Network Cohort, which brings together community foundations nationwide to collaborate on strategies for increasing economic opportunity.

Prior Fund for Good Investments

NTCF’s Fund for Good has previously supported initiatives addressing critical community needs, including:

Affordable Housing: A grant to Presbyterian Night Shelter supported the Journey Home Housing initiative, which repurposed former Seminary student housing into 42 units of affordable housing for individuals and families in South Fort Worth. This initiative provides a stable housing solution with wrap around services that promote long-term well-being and economic stability.

Maternal and Infant Health: A grant to Best Place for Working Parents supported the expansion of the Parent Pass app, a critical tool that connects mothers with essential healthcare and social services for themselves and their babies. By streamlining referrals to vital resources, the app strengthens support networks for families and improves health outcomes.

All Fund for Good grants undergo rigorous evaluation by a volunteer committee of community experts.

The 2025 committee members are:

Michael Appleman

Dennis Chiessa

Fernando Costa

Jennifer Grammer

Janeen Lamkin

Jeffery Postell

Dani Tucker

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Lowy, senior vice president at Hillwood, has served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for five years, most recently as Vice Chair of the Board. Lowy’s leadership comes as the Foundation embarks on a new strategic planning process, set to be unveiled next year.

“It is an honor to step into this role at a transformative time for the Community Foundation. I look forward to working alongside my fellow board members, our dedicated staff, and generous donors to build on the Foundation’s strong legacy and create lasting impact in our region,” said Lowy.

Joining the Board of Directors are:

Becky Nussbaum Gerro, Director of Development, River Legacy Foundation

Lindsay Daniel Livesay, JD, Private Wealth Trust Market Manager & SVP, Bank of Texas Private Wealth

Malathi Ravi, Attorney, Wick Phillips

David Saenz, Ed.D., Senior Education Advisor, Fort Worth Mayor’s Council on Workforce and Education

Stephen Shannon, CEO, Colo Development Partners

“We are thrilled to welcome such outstanding leaders to our Board of Directors. Their expertise and vision will guide the Foundation’s impact for years to come,” said Rose Bradshaw, president & CEO of North Texas Community Foundation. “With their leadership, we are well-positioned to drive meaningful change and strengthen our community for future generations.”

The Community Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors provides governance over strategic planning, community leadership, and the trustworthy stewardship of more than $549 million in charitable assets. Thanks to the generosity of its fundholders, the Community Foundation has granted more than $500 million to nonprofits since its inception in 1981.

North Texas Community Foundation’s Board of Directors include:

Smith A. Brownlie, III, Founding Partner, Cotton Creek Capital

Orlando P. Carvalho, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin, retired

Crystal Flores, Head of Engagement, Ivy League Sisters

Becky Nussbaum Gerro, Director of Development, River Legacy Foundation

Jennifer Grammer, CPA – Tax Senior Manager, Whitley Penn

Stacy Landreth Grau, PhD, Associate Dean – John Roach Honors College, Texas ChristianUniversity

Ryan Heath, Founding Attorney, TrustPoint Legal, PLLC

Kelly Hein, CFO, D3G Capital Management, LLC

Janeen Lamkin, Community Volunteer

Anette Soto Landeros, Chief Strategy Officer, Trinity Metro

Lindsay Daniel Livesay, JD, Private Wealth Trust Market Manager & SVP, Bank of Texas Private Wealth

Meggie Lowy, Senior Vice President, Hillwood

Daniel H. McCarthy, Partner, Wick Phillips Gould & Martin

Winjie Miao, SEVP, Texas Health Resources

Savannah Petronis, Financial Advisor, Baird Private Wealth Management

Horatio Porter, Chief Financial Officer, North Texas Tollway Authority

Malathi Ravi, Attorney, Wick Phillips

David Saenz, Ed.D., Senior Education Advisor, Fort Worth Mayor’s Council on Workforce and Education

Ken Schaefer, President, Schaefer Advertising Co.

Stephen Shannon, CEO, Colo Development Partners

Jeremy Smith, President, Rainwater Charitable Foundation

Joseph D. Taylor, Chairman, Board of Managers, JTaylor

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“We are humbled by Beverly’s generosity and the trust she placed in the Foundation,” said Rose Bradshaw, president & CEO of North Texas Community Foundation. “This is a breathtaking gift, and it is now our duty to honor her vision with integrity and care, ensuring her gift inspires others and improves the quality of life in our region.”

Under the stewardship of North Texas Community Foundation, the Fund will distribute grants annually to support initiatives that align with the philanthropic vision Beverly set forth during her lifetime. The Foundation will ensure the fund’s resources are distributed effectively and sustainably based on her intent.

The first grant from the estate was announced on March 7th, with $500,000 awarded to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden in support of its new masterplan. This gift celebrates Beverly’s profound love for gardens and nature and will be instrumental in bringing the masterplan to life.

“We are grateful for the significant gift from Beverly’s estate,” said Patrick Newman, president & CEO of Fort Worth Botanic Garden. “Her support brings us closer to realizing our vision, creating a space that not only nurtures beauty and tranquility, but fosters connections with nature for generations to come.”

Beverly passed away last year at the age of 88. Born in Fort Worth, she graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in business administration. She poured her business acumen, passion for historic preservation, and keen eye for design into building and managing several businesses, including the Balboa Bay Club and her beloved antique store, Beverly & Company. She spent her final years in Dallas, where she worked tirelessly to secure historic landmark designations for the Jackson and Burgher Residences so that these architectural treasures can be enjoyed by generations of North Texans.

Known for her impeccable style and passion for supporting the causes and charities she cared about most, Beverly made a lasting impact through her support of the arts, young women’s education, historic preservation, animals, land conservation, and vulnerable populations.

“Beverly was a remarkable person,” Bradshaw continued. “Her gift is a true testament to the power of philanthropy and the enduring impact one person can have on an entire community.”

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“Our mission has always been to connect donors to the causes they care about most,” Rose Bradshaw, president & CEO of North Texas Community Foundation. “This milestone reflects a deep-seated culture of generosity in our community. As we look ahead, we remain committed to driving positive change and addressing the needs of our region.”

Over the past year, 1,300 organizations received grants supporting programs in a wide range of areas such as education, healthcare, arts and culture, economic development, and environmental conservation.

Among the highlights are:

> In its inaugural year, the Fund for Good granted a total of $500,000 to support transformative community projects. The fund awarded grants to Presbyterian Night Shelter for their Journey Home Housing program, and to Best Place for Kids for their work with the Tarrant County Maternal & Infant Health Coalition.

> $202,250 in funding was awarded to 18 organizations through ToolBox Grants to build the capacity of organizations serving our most vulnerable communities.

> The Conservation and Environment Fund and Animal Fund grant cycles awarded $290,344 to 29 nonprofits. Nonprofits across the Foundation’s 11-county service area were invited to apply.

The Foundation ended 2024 with total assets of $549 million. New donors opened 35 new charitable funds, and the Foundation received gifts totaling $51 million, which will fuel future investment in our community. The Foundation serves a network of more than 330 individuals, families and businesses across its 11-county region.

“This record-breaking achievement is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our staff, and the resilience of the nonprofit community. Together, we are making a lasting impact across North Texas,” said Dan McCarthy, board chair of North Texas Community Foundation.

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The Conservation and Environment Fund supports projects that promote environmental stewardship and preservation of North Texas’s natural spaces. Funding was awarded to organizations that contribute to the conservation of native Texas species and habitats, protect urban green spaces, and provide educational programs that emphasize the importance of land and resource protection. Grants also support efforts to maintain land for agricultural, wildlife, and botanical purposes.

The Animal Fund provides resources for organizations that care for abused, injured, or abandoned animals, offer equine rescue, shelter, rehabilitation, or adoption services, and provide humane education programs. Funding also supported equine-assisted therapy programs, which bring transformative benefits to both animals and individuals in need.

Eligible organizations in Bosque, Denton, Hill, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, Wise and Young Counties were invited to apply for funding.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors who invested in these grant cycles, this funding will make a significant impact on conservation efforts in North Texas and provide critical resources to animal welfare programs,” says Rose Bradshaw, president & CEO of North Texas Community Foundation.

Grant recipients include:

Conservation and Environment Fund

• BRAVE/R Together: For the conversion of vacant lots into urban gardens and parks.
• By Any Means 104/Southside Community Garden: For the creation of a permaculture station in 76104.
• Camp Fire First Texas: To provide support for Title 1 schools to attend the Texas Outdoor Education Center.
• Child Care Associates: To construct a greenhouse at LVTRise Community Center to provide fresh produce for the center and community.
• Fossil Rim Wildlife Center: For the purchase of a no-till drill to plant native grasses for erosion control and wildlife grazing.
• Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: For the enhancement of native prairie sites at the Center.
• KEEN Group: To provide environmental education field trips to a Texas State Parks Hatchery and Nature Photography classes.
• National Wildlife Federation: To help in the recovery of monarch butterflies through helping Fort Worth ISD students, teachers and community members to create milkweed habitats.
• Native Prairies Association of Texas: For support of a conservation easement in North Texas to protect vital landscape.
• Opening Doors for Women In Need: For support of the Como Community Gardens.
• Streams & Valleys: To provide support for the Trinity Park Trail Enhancement Project.
• Texas Land Conservancy: To provide assistance to landowners without the financial means to finalize conservation easements.
• The Clark Gardens: For the rehabilitation of a pollinator garden.
• University of North Texas Foundation: To support the continued efforts to reestablish, protect and conserve 85 acres of prairie land at Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area.

The Animal Fund

• Buster’s Friends: To support spay/neuter surgeries, specialty animal care, vaccinations and support animal foster homes.
• Community Food Bank: To replenish the supply of dog and cat food for families in need.
• Don’t Forget to Feed Me: For the purchase of cat and dog food to distribute in the community.
• Friends of Arlington Animal Services: To provide spay/neuter surgeries for feral cats served through the Trap-Neuter-Return program and heartworm treatment for dogs.
• Humane Society of North Texas: For the construction of three play yards at the Fort Worth shelter. For the purchase of essential equine equipment, including run-in sheds, round pens, and rope breakaway halters.
• Mid-Cities Community Cats: To provide medical care for feral cats served through the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return program.
• Panther City Feral Cat Coalition: To provide Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return services and medical care for injured and ill cats who are feral or abandoned.
• Ranch Hands Rescue: To provide veterinary services, farrier care, dental care and medication to rescued equine in the animal sanctuary.
• Remember Me Rescue: For the enhancement of the quarantine facilities, covered concrete pad and stock for the rescued racehorses.
• Saving Hope Foundation: To provide free spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and microchips to animals in southeast Fort Worth.
• Spay Neuter Network: To provide spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats in Fort Worth.
• Coalition for Animal Protection: To support the Fort Worth Fix program providing spay/neuter services for pets of low-income residents in Fort Worth.
• All Star Equestrian Foundation: To purchase feed and provide farrier care for the herd of therapy horses.
• Stars and Strides Therapeutic Riding Center: For the addition of two covered loafing sheds for protection of the herd of therapy horses.
• Wings of Hope: For the veterinary services, farrier care, nutritional health and general care of the therapy horses.

For more information about the Community Foundation’s grant cycles, visit: https://northtexascf.org/nonprofits/

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EMAN is a year-long learning network aimed at helping community foundations nationwide develop and enhance their economic mobility agendas. Participating foundations will also receive capacity-building grants to support their work.

By participating in this cohort, North Texas Community Foundation will focus on policy, advocacy, and methods to support economic mobility through ensuring residents are not displaced from homes, retain their businesses, have access to jobs, and understand how they can benefit in generational wealth building while also retaining the culture and history of neighborhoods as large-scale commercial development occurs.

“Working alongside our community has shown us the importance of fostering economic mobility and how crucial it is for building sustainable, equitable futures,” said Whitnee Boyd, EdD., director of community impact at North Texas Community Foundation. “Together, we can deepen our collective impact, ensuring that we address the needs of our growing community with thoughtful, long-term solutions.”

Working alongside our team in the cohort are Sarah Geer, Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Stacy Grau, Texas Christian University, and Jared Williams, City of Fort Worth, who bring valuable expertise and insights to help guide this transformative work.

We look forward to engaging with the following community foundations in our cohort:

ACT for Alexandria

Cambridge Community Foundation

Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Foundation for the Carolinas

Innovia Foundation

North Texas Community Foundation

Rochester Area Community Foundation

Scranton Area Community Foundation

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North Texas Community Foundation announces that a total of $75,000 in general operating funds was awarded to five organizations through the Arts and Culture Fund. The Arts and Culture Fund was established to support visual and performing arts, botanic gardens and historic preservation. This year’s grants aim to increase access and community participation in the arts in neighborhoods across Fort Worth.

The grant recipients for this cycle are:

• Artes de la Rosa
• Kinfolk House
• SiNaCa Studios
• Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society
• TUBMAN Gallery

“Access to the arts should not be limited by neighborhood boundaries. These grants will help bridge gaps and ensure that residents in every corner of Fort Worth can experience and participate in the transformative power of the arts,” said Whitnee Boyd, Ed.d., director of community impact at North Texas Community Foundation.

The Arts and Culture Fund is made possible by the generous contributions of NTCF fundholders who share a commitment to the arts: the Donny Wiley Memorial Fund, the Bob and Betty Crow Family Fund, and the Lunde Family Charitable Foundation. Funding decisions were made by a dedicated grants committee, which carefully evaluated each application to ensure the most impactful use of the funds.

 “Receiving this grant from the Arts and Culture Fund is a tremendous boost for our organization. This grant will enable us to expand our reach and offer more programs where access to the arts has been limited,” said Brenda Sanders-Wise, executive director of the Tarrant County Black Historical & Genealogical Society.

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Three Glen Rose High School seniors are the 2024 recipients of the John and Frances Wasilchak Scholarship. The Wasilchak Scholarship Fund was established in 2006 at North Texas Community Foundation and has awarded nearly $800,000 to 47 Glen Rose High School graduates.

Hannah Balkenbush, Jaxon Heppler, and Emma Schlabs were each awarded $6,000 to be used during their freshmen year of college. The scholarship award is renewable each year of their college careers as long as they remain full-time students and maintain a set GPA.

Hannah Balkenbush will be attending the University of Mary-Harden Baylor this Fall, where she plans to pursue dual degrees in Piano Performance and Biochemistry. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is dedicated to humanitarian causes, having founded Beautiful Hope Ministries to aid survivors of human trafficking. Her aspirations extend beyond college, as she dreams of becoming a neonatal surgeon in developing nations while continuing her impactful work through Beautiful Hope Ministries. During her time at GRHS, Davis actively engaged in extracurricular activities such as varsity choir, tennis, and cross-country.

Another accomplished graduate, Jaxon Heppler, plans on attending Tarleton State University, where he will study Mechanical Engineering. Known for his natural problem-solving skills, Heppler aims to use his education to develop innovative solutions that can make a positive impact globally. During his time at GRHS, Heppler served as captain of the varsity basketball team.

Joining Heppler at Tarleton State University is Emma Schlabs, who will also be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Schlabs’s passion for STEM and innovation is matched by her exemplary leadership at GRHS, where she held positions such as Senior Class President, Student Body President, and Secretary of the National Honor Society. Additionally, Schlabs led her peers as captain of the varsity cheer squad.

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According to the latest Census data, approximately 11% of Tarrant County residents live below the poverty line, struggling to access basic necessities and opportunities for economic mobility. Nonprofit organizations play a pivotal role in addressing the compounding causes and effects of poverty. These organizations serve as pillars of support, offering essential services and programs from food assistance and housing support to educational opportunities and healthcare services. However, for these organizations to effectively operate, they require robust capacity building support.

Capacity building encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at enhancing a nonprofit’s effectiveness. This can include investments in staff training and development, technology upgrades, strategic planning, and governance improvement. While these efforts may not yield immediate, measurable outcomes like direct service programs, they are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of nonprofit organizations.

“Investing in capacity building not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of nonprofits but also empowers them to better serve their communities,” explains Whitnee Boyd, Ed.D., director of community impact at NTCF. “By bolstering their internal capabilities, nonprofits can optimize their operations, attract and retain skilled staff and volunteers, forge new partnerships, and adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities.”

Recognizing the critical need for capacity building support locally, North Texas Community Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2024 ToolBox Grant Cycle. $202,250 in funding was awarded to 18 organizations dedicated to combating poverty and improving the well-being of residents in Tarrant County. Since its inception in 2010, ToolBox has provided more than $3.7 million in grants to 162 nonprofits.

ToolBox grants are intended to be one-time, transformative gifts. Through the latest round of funding, grantee organizations will have the opportunity to invest in strategic planning and fundraising consulting.

“We rely on our nonprofit partners to provide essential services to our community,” adds Rose Bradshaw, president & CEO of North Texas Community Foundation. “By enhancing their operational efficiency, nonprofits can maximize the impact of their services and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals and communities affected by poverty.”

The 2024 grantees are:
>Arlington Life Shelter
>BRAVE/R Together
>Cancer Care Services
>Cowtown Clubhouse
>DASH Network (DFW Asylum Seeker Housing)
>Dental Health for Arlington
>EmpathyHQ
>Fortress Youth Development Center
>Hope Tutoring Center
>KADA (Kreative Architectural Design Academy)
>KEEN Group (Kids Environmental Education Network)
>Literacy United
>Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization
>Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County
>Project 4031
>Tarrant County Academy of Medicine
>Teen Life
>The Welman Project

Grant proposals were reviewed by a volunteer grant committee chaired by Kelly Hanley, and included Michael Appleman, Ruth Assi, Addison Conley, Kippen de Alba Chu, Ayesha Ganguly, Kristie Gibson, Jalyn Gordon, Ebony Jones, Briana Kirby, Adelaide Leavens, Ann Lopez, Natalie Lopez, Brandon Nelson, Savannah Petronis, and Angela White.

ToolBox is made possible thanks to the generous support of Community Foundation donors and endowed funds, including:
>Bob and Betty Crow Family Fund
>Robert A. & Jane W. Ferguson Charitable Fund
>Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation
>Don and Barbara Kirk Endowment Fund
>W.I. Fleetwood Memorial Unrestricted Endowment Fund
>Verna B. and John B. Stubbs Fund
>George C. and Sue W. Sumner Fund
>Lisa & Burch Waldron Charitable Fund
>The Sharon Ann McCulloch-Wells and John W. Wells Endowed Fund
>Doris C. and Harry K. Werst Charitable Fund
>Martin H. and Helen M. Wikierak Memorial Fund
>Jack W. & Paula J. Winter Charitable Fund
>Hazel Vaughn Leigh Youth Assistance Fund

To learn more about ToolBox, please visit: https://northtexascf.org/nonprofits/capacity-building/

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The new board members are:

Crystal Flores, Mortgage Banker & Financial Coach, City Bank

Jennifer Grammer, CPA – Tax Senior Manager, Whitley Penn

Stacy Landreth Grau, PhD Associate Dean – John Roach Honors College, Texas Christian University

Ryan Heath, Founding Attorney, TrustPoint Legal, PLLC

Kelly Hein, CPA

“The Community Foundation is guided by a highly engaged and committed Board of Directors. Their leadership and expertise strengthen our ability to steward our donors’ philanthropic investments, ensuring that together, we continue to make meaningful and lasting impacts in our community,” said Rose Bradshaw, president & CEO of North Texas Community Foundation. “We are thrilled to welcome our new board members.”

With extensive leadership experience, the Community Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors provides governance over strategic planning, community leadership, and the trustworthy stewardship of more than $513 million in charitable assets. The Community Foundation has granted more than $450 million to nonprofits since its inception in 1981. The new board members began their terms effective April 1, 2024.

Board Chair Dan McCarthy added, “We are excited for our new and existing board members to serve together this year. Each member brings diverse skill sets but share the common goal of creating a better future for North Texas through charitable giving.”

North Texas Community Foundation’s Board of Directors include:

Stephanie Brentlinger, Community Volunteer

Smith A. Brownlie, III, Partner & CEO,  Brownlie and Braden, LLC

Orlando P. Carvalho, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin, retired

Kelly Hanley, Community Volunteer

Allen Hodges, President, The Hodges Companies

Anne Holland, CFP®, Holland-Dean Family Office Services

Robert M. Holt, Jr., Investment Advisor & Founder, Holt Capital Partners, L.P.

Janeen Lamkin, Community Volunteer

Anette Soto Landeros, President & CEO, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Meggie Lowy, Senior Vice President, Hillwood

Daniel H. McCarthy, Partner, Wick Phillips Gould & Martin

Phillip W. McCrury, Partner, Kelly Hart

Winjie Tang Miao, SEVP, Texas Health Resources

Savannah Petronis, Financial Advisor, Baird Private Wealth Management

Horatio Porter, Chief Financial Officer, North Texas Tollway Authority

Ken Schaefer, President, Schaefer Advertising Co.

Benjamin M. Scheffler, Partner, KPMG

Jeremy Smith, President, Rainwater Charitable Foundation

Joseph D. Taylor, Chairman, Board of Managers, JTaylor

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