Dallas Foundation’s Summer Grant Cycle 2024

The Dallas Foundation’s Summer Grant Cycle is a funding initiative designed to disburse funds from its Community Impact Fund and various Field of Interest Funds. The Community Impact Fund strategically aligns with the foundation's core priorities: "Strong & Healthy Start" and "Community & Economic Resilience." Field of Interest Funds are tailored to donor-specific causes, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to both broad community needs and individualized philanthropic interests. This approach reflects the foundation's mission to support a diverse range of impactful projects within Dallas County. The grant cycle targets nonprofit organizations operating in Dallas County, focusing on specific beneficiaries and impact goals. Key areas of support include initiatives that build a strong and healthy start for children, with a particular emphasis on prenatal to three care, family homelessness, and child and youth mental health. This focus aims to address foundational well-being and development during critical early life stages. Additionally, the cycle addresses critical needs by providing essential resources such as food, clothing, emergency shelter, and healthcare to low-income, indigent, homeless, or ill children and families, directly impacting their immediate survival and stability. A significant priority is Community & Economic Resilience, which encompasses education and workforce development, including Pre-K12, out-of-school time programs, and post-secondary access. This also extends to economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and employment initiatives, and housing and neighborhood infrastructure, covering affordable housing, property support, transportation, utility access, and access to parks and recreation. The foundation also prioritizes support for children with intellectual and physical disabilities, including disabled, blind, and deaf children, as well as educational programs for intellectually and developmentally disabled children to foster productive lives. Furthermore, older adults, particularly low-income older adults, are a target beneficiary, ensuring support for this vulnerable demographic. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the focus areas inherently suggest desired outcomes. For "Strong & Healthy Start," expected outcomes include improved health and developmental indicators for young children and reduced family homelessness. For "Critical Needs," the expected outcomes involve increased access to basic necessities and improved well-being for vulnerable populations. In "Community & Economic Resilience," anticipated results include enhanced educational attainment, increased employment and entrepreneurial success, and improved access to affordable housing and essential infrastructure. For children with disabilities and older adults, the goal is improved quality of life, greater independence, and enhanced support services. The foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in a belief that investing in these key areas will lead to a more resilient, healthier, and equitable Dallas County.