https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/a2zu21xqvchwjcgw4ks8d/h?rlkey=wxx31jdgfjq0gtbn9ittgi1zi&dl=0
PHOTO CREDIT: Kim Leeson/Texas Women’s Foundation
DALLAS, Texas, November 15, 2023 – On November 12th at Frito Lay headquarters, The Village Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation gave $165,000 in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations whose missions support the African American community in North Texas. Since 2017, the group has distributed $1,158,000 in grants to 55 nonprofits.
Established in 2017, The Village’s mission is to honor, sustain and expand the legacy of African American women’s philanthropy by funding organizations and initiatives that positively impact the African American community in North Texas. The Village was borne out of a desire to harness the collective giving power and influence of female African American philanthropists and provide opportunities for connection.
2023 grantees are as follows:
- Abide Women’s Health Services – Easy Access Clinic support
- Bold Idea, Inc. – Support for ideaSpark Coding Clubs program
- Denton Black Film Festival Institute, Inc. – 2024 “Black JOY” festival
- O.P.E. Farm Inc. – Young Men’s Leadership Development program
- I AM a Golfer Foundation – Expansion of programming pillars
- Mercy Street Inc. – Mentoring and leadership programs support
- Noggin Educational Foundation – STEM Strong Sisters program
- Randolph W & Dr. Lael C. Melville Family Foundation – Health and wellness
- The Compelling Why – Success Session (seminar) support
- The GEMS Camp Inc – “The GEMS School Year Experience” summer camp program
- Under 1 Roof – Funds for homeless families and individuals
- Youth Revive – Implementation of Hope Squad at Lincoln High School
Sheri Crosby Wheeler, executive co-chair and membership management and engagement chair of The Village Giving Circle at TXWF, said, “From health and mental health services to education and homelessness, the needs are many. I’m proud that The Village Giving Circle continues to impact incredible organizations that are positively helping those who need it. I want to thank our members and donors who have contributed to make it happen.”
Dena Jackson, interim president and CEO of Texas Women’s Foundation, said, “The collective impact of The Village Giving Circle at TXWF is impressive, and I applaud all those who have worked hard to raise funds, research the nonprofits that most need it and help out. Well done!”
Executive team includes Sheri Crosby Wheeler, Co-Chair and Membership Management & Engagement Chair; Rhonda Williams, Co-Chair and Development & Strategy Chair; Aliah Henry, Communications & PR Chair; Cheryl Bass, Finance Chair; Renee Sample, Grants Chair; Christa Brown Sanford, Legal Chair.
Co-founders and founding officers are Lisa Montgomery and Shonn Brown. Additional founding officers include Cheryl Alston, Annika Cail, Frances Cudjoe-Waters, Vera Ingram, Diane Reeves, Christa Brown Sanford and Shawn Wills.
For more information about The Village Giving Circle and grants, visit https://www.txwf.org/village-giving-circle/.
About Texas Women’s Foundation:
As Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) nears its 40th year, it is clear that now more than ever is the time to elevate Texas women. By working with women, families and communities, they are building a stronger, more equitable Texas. TXWF raises funding from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $7.1 million in investments that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through timely research, advocacy, grants and strategic initiatives. Since inception in 1985, TXWF has invested $78.9 million in women and girls. Their statewide research on issues affecting women and girls provides decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs in the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and leadership initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the gender lens investing movement and has deployed 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now
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