By Karissa Condoianis | Contributor
The State Fair of Texas is pleased to open the third and final grant cycle for 2020. In addition to the core three grant categories: capacity building for nonprofits, economic development, and educational programming, the State Fair has added a new category for social and racial justice. The State Fair of Texas is committed to fighting for racial equity in America. In addition to a new anti-racism resource guide, adding this new grant category, the State Fair will continue to work with partners who specifically address effects of systemic racism within the criminal justice system, employment, food insecurity, transportation, and education sectors. It is their hope through offering grant funding and resources that they can continue supporting the Black community and amplifying their voices. Nonprofit organizations in the South Dallas/Fair Park neighborhood serving residents in zip codes 75210, 75215, and 75228 are welcome to apply. Applications will be accepted starting today through Friday, September 11. To learn more and apply, visit BigTex.com/Grants.
“Now, more than ever, organizations in South Dallas need our support. COVID-19 has revealed long-standing privilege, disparities, and inequities that exist, leaving our most vulnerable neighbors exposed to a harmful threat,” said State Fair of Texas Vice President of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances, Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew. “As the data continues to come out from Black and Brown communities showing increased mortality rates from COVID-19, we must ensure nonprofits already on the ground, with the historical and cultural knowledge, receive the resources they need to serve.”
Applications will be 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 capacity building, economic development, education, and social and racial justice 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.
Since the creation of the Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances department in 2016, the Fair has invested more than $2.1 million in support of many great initiatives, sponsorships, and partnerships within the South Dallas/Fair Park area.
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 the Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances department in 2016, the Fair has invested more than $2.1 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 through the end of 2019.
The State Fair of Texas is committed to giving back to the community and fighting for a better tomorrow. “We cherish the many partnerships and collaborations that help grow our ability to serve. We continue to listen and learn from our community because it is through our collective efforts that we make the greatest impact and can serve as many lives as possible.”
Editor’s Note: To apply for a grant, please visit BigTex.com/Grants, today through Friday, September 11, 2020. If you’re looking to learn more about how you can get involved, visit BigTex.com/Community, to explore our new anti-racism resource guide, in addition to other resources and initiatives highlighting South Dallas nonprofits like ServeSouthernDallas.org.
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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 2021 exposition runs September 24 through October 17 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.