HOPE Farm Wins Pegasus Prize and $50K Grant from The Dallas Foundation

Fort Worth-based HOPE Farm is the recipient of the Pegasus Prize and a $50,000 grant after its selection during The Dallas Foundation’s Rising GENerosity launch party and Pegasus Prize Pitch event Nov. 8.

Most of the attendees at the event voted for HOPE Farm, organizers said. inspired by the nonprofit’s innovative approach to working directly with parents and teachers to create accountability and a life plan for each individual, with a goal of guiding at-risk boys toward becoming men of integrity.

“The Pegasus Prize is all about supporting organizations that are finding new and creative ways to solve challenges in our community,” Vickie Allen, chief impact officer of The Dallas Foundation, said in a statement. “This year’s winner, HOPE Farm, shows how innovative thinking can make a real difference, and we’re proud to help them expand their work in Dallas.”

Providing long-term guidance for at-risk boys

Photo: HOPE Farm

Founded 25 years ago, HOPE Farm is a long-term leadership development program that guides at-risk boys, without the benefit of a positive male role model in their homes, from the time they’re 5 to 7 years old until high school graduation and beyond.

HOPE Farm currently operates across three campuses, two in Fort Worth and one in Dallas.

“Winning The Dallas Foundation Pegasus Prize really highlights the importance of HOPE Farm’s mission to nurture young boys into becoming men of integrity,” Victor Neil, VP of communications and development for HOPE Farm, said in a statement.

Photo: HOPE Farm

“Obviously, the funding is critical to expand our programs, but this award also serves to amplify our voice and extend our reach within the community, allowing us to deepen our impact in the lives of fatherless boys, offering them mentorship, faith-based guidance, and a pathway to realize their potential,” Neil added. “We’re so grateful for The Dallas Foundation’s trust and belief in our vision to bring hope and transformation to future generations.”

At the event, The Dallas Foundation awarded two additional grants of $10,000 each to the two other finalists:

:: Building Community Workshop: A nonprofit community design center seeking to improve the livability and viability of communities through the practice of thoughtful design and making.

:: Spin the Spectrum: A nonprofit dedicated to the active inclusion of autistic/neurodivergent individuals in society through instructional and vocational programs in DJ education and music production.

The Pegasus Prize is a social innovation grant awarded to organizations breaking new ground in addressing community needs. Known for championing transformative initiatives, the Pegasus Prize recognizes nonprofit organizations that apply creative, data-driven, and cost-effective solutions to persistent challenges impacting Dallas County residents.