By Tricia White
The State Fair of Texas announced that $100,000 in grants and sponsorships have been awarded to 9 organizations in the Southern Sector of Dallas during the summer grant cycle of the 2022 year. The State Fair opened this second grant cycle to nonprofit entities in the South Dallas/Fair Park community that provide educational programming opportunities to youth during the summer, bridging the knowledge gap while school is out of session.
With education at the core of our mission, we believe it’s critical to support the kids in our community, especially in the summertime.
“With education at the core of our mission, we believe it’s critical to support the kids in our community, especially in the summertime,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. “In addition to hosting our signature program, Big Tex Summer Sampler, we support our community partners through grant funding to meet our goal of providing as many high-quality summer learning and enrichment opportunities as possible for students in South Dallas.”
The State Fair of Texas traditionally hosts three grant cycles per year – one in the spring, one in the summer, and one in the fall. The summer grant cycle received highly qualified and competitive applications this year. Applications are reviewed by a committee comprised of diverse stakeholders with expertise in nonprofit and grant review processes. Summer applicants are selected according to their alignment with the Fair’s focus on education and providing educational programming for youth in our neighboring zip codes while school is out of session. Those receiving funding will allocate the money strategically to prevent learning loss and provide programming for youth in the South Dallas/Fair Park neighborhoods. To receive funding, each grantee completed three training sessions presented by the State Fair of Texas and Perot Museum of Nature and Science that provided resources and guidance on science and STEM activities that each agency can utilize when planning their summer programming.
Nine organizations received funding during the 2022 summer grant cycle:
- African American Museum of Dallas
- Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute
- Bold Believers United
- Braswell Child Development Center
- BridgeBuilders
- Cornerstone Baptist Church
- Jubilee Park & Community Center
- St. Philip’s School and Community Center
- TR Hoover CDC
The State Fair of Texas continues to expand outreach programs, prioritizing promoting community involvement at the local level. Whether it’s through the Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards, 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 creating our Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances department in 2016, the Fair has invested more than $3 million in support of many significant 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 600,000 people being served thus far.
“Beacon Hill’s Summer Bridge Program exists to help students in South Dallas maximize their academic success,” said Kayla Carthel development manager of Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute. “The students in this area have been historically overlooked and underserved. The goal of our Summer Bridge Program is to help these students bridge achievement gaps in math and reading, provide remedial instruction if necessary, and help them get ahead for the next school year. Because of support from organizations like State Fair of Texas, we are able to equip our students to succeed in the summer, the school year, and beyond.”
“We are a proud recipient of funds from the State Fair of Texas to continue the ministry and mission of St. Philips’s School and Community Center,” said Margertree Holmes, chief community advancement officer of St. Philip’s School and Community Center. “Over 75 years ago, a group of concerned African American neighbors responded to a need in the South Dallas community that focused on children’s safety and growth. This Summer we will continue in the same vein providing education and service-learning with a growth mindset in a safe and nurturing environment. It is necessary to offer such programming in this part of the city to further promote academics, athletics, faith, culture, and service on a continuous basis. The summer camp environment allows scholars to learn while having fun, experience new relationships, and explore new interests. The collaboration with State Fair of Texas advances the hope that we really are better together.”
The collaboration with State Fair of Texas advances the hope that we really are better together.”
- Margertree Holmes, St. Phillips School
The State Fair of Texas said that it is through collective efforts that they are able to make the most significant impact and serve the bright future of South Dallas and the well-being of all who call it home.
There is one remaining grant cycle in the 2022 fiscal year. To learn more about how to apply for a grant in the future or other State Fair opportunities, please visit BigTex.com/Grants. For more information on all of the 2021 grant recipients and the Fair’s work in the community, check out the Annual Report.
Start planning your visit to the 2022 State Fair of Texas now at BigTex.com/Plan.