By: Karissa Condoianis | Guest Contributor
The State Fair of Texas announced that more than $483,000 in grants were awarded to 67 organizations in the southern sector of Dallas during 2019.
The State Fair received a competitive pool of grant applications during its three annual cycles for 2019. Applications were reviewed by a committee composed of State Fair of Texas board members and community members with expertise in nonprofit and grant review processes. Applicants are selected according to their alignment with the Fair’s focus on education, capacity building, and economic development targeting our neighboring zip codes. Criteria for approval assesses the program’s impact in the South Dallas area, collaborations with other local entities, program design along with its implementation and evaluation methods, and overall sustainability of the program. Those receiving funding will allocate the money strategically to build stronger communities in the South Dallas/Fair Park neighborhoods.
“Giving back to nonprofits in the local community is essential,” said State Fair of Texas Vice President of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances, Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew. “It is not only a part of our mission to be involved in our local community, but we are also committed to providing resources that help organizations better serve and build their capacity in the process. In addition to our funding, we also provide signature programs, training, and technical assistance to support schools, nonprofits, and local businesses in the South Dallas/Fair Park area.”
Sixty-seven organizations received funding in three different grant cycles for 2019:
- 37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
- African American Museum
- After8toEducate
- Alliance for Greater Works – Faith and Philanthropy Institute
- AZAR Foundation
- Baylor Scott & White Health Wellness Institute
- Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute
- Bishop Arts Theatre Company
- Braswell Child Development Center
- BridgeBuilders
- Bridge La Crosse
- Cara Mia Theatre Company
- CARDBoard Project
- Carter’s House
- Circle of Support
- Cornerstone Child Development Center
- Crossroads Community Services
- Dallas Afterschool Network – Recess!
- Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
- Dallas Foundation for the Mayor’s Back to School Fund
- Dallas Innovation Alliance
- Dallas ISD State of the District Luncheon
- Dallas Leadership Foundation
- DFW Urban League Young Professionals – STEAM Conference
- Dolphin Heights Neighborhood Association, Inc.
- Don’t Believe the Hype Foundation
- Education is Freedom
- Engage Dallas
- First Choice Social Services
- Frazier Revitalization
- Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas
- Green Careers Dallas
- Hey Chica Summit
- ilooklikeLOVE
- Inner-city Development Center – South Dallas Workforce Training Center
- Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders
- Jubilee Park and Community Center
- Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Collegiate Academy
- Kimball High School – NXT Fest Lip Sync Battle
- KwanzaaFest
- Lone Star Justice Alliance
- Mayor’s Rising Star Council
- Miles of Freedom
- Nancy Liberman and T.J Cline Summer Basketball Camp
- North Texas Capacity Builders
- Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce
- Park South Family YMCA
- Rockteen Youth Foundation – Stomp Wars
- ScholarShot
- Social Venture Partners
- South Dallas Cultural Center
- Southern Dallas Link
- SouthFair Community Development Center
- St. Philip’s School and Community Center
- T.R. Hoover Community Development Center
- TMJ Dance Project
- Today Foundation
- Undies for Everyone
- United Way
- University of Texas at Arlington
- Viola’s House
- Who’s Who in Black Dallas
- Wilmer-Hutchins High School – NXT Fest Lip Sync
- Young Leaders, Strong City
- Young Women’s Preparatory Network
- Youth Revive
- Zan Wesley Holmes Community Outreach Center
The State Fair of Texas continues to expand outreach programs, placing a special priority on promoting community involvement at the local level. Whether it’s through the Big Tex Summer Sampler Camp for kids, Community Engagement Day, Big Tex Urban Farms, or the Fair’s other signature programs, there are several initiatives the Fair has developed and continues to invest in, in addition to grants and sponsorships. Since the creation of our Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances department in 2016, the Fair has invested nearly $1.8 million in support of many great initiatives, sponsorships, and partnerships within the South Dallas/Fair Park area. Along with offering financial resources, the State Fair of Texas has connected with more than 200 local organizations to foster community relationships, form partnerships, and develop initiatives that work to make a positive impact, with more than 292,000 people being served thus far.
The State Fair is dedicated to the bright future of its community and the well-being of all who call South Dallas home.
The next State Fair of Texas grant cycle opens Monday, February 24, with a submission deadline of Friday, March 6. To learn more on how to apply or other State Fair opportunities, please visit BigTex.com/Grants
About the State Fair of Texas
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2020 exposition runs September 25 through October 18 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.
