A group of Dallas nonprofits will embark on a four-month journey this week to learn how they can amplify their impact in some of the city’s most poverty-stricken areas.

Deion Sanders [Screenshot via Stand Together video]

It’s a new $21 million initiative from former Dallas Cowboy and pro football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and the national nonprofit Stand Together, backed by billionaire and Koch Industries CEO Charles Koch.

As part of the Prime 5 Catalyst Program, 12 nonprofits will each receive a $25,000 grant as well as instruction from top business leaders on how to grow and scale their work.

“I’m proud to support these impressive groups as they work to build a brighter future for Dallas.”

Deion Sanders

“We are building a team of highly impactful organizations that are united in helping the people of Dallas to improve their lives,” Sanders said in a statement. “I’m proud to support these impressive groups as they work to build a brighter future for Dallas.”

Stand Together has been providing nonprofits with business management and growth expertise on a national level. It’s supported by The Seminar Network, a Koch-led group of business and philanthropic leaders who joined forces to foster social change in America.

Since its launch in 2016, Stand Together has helped 72 nonprofits, including organizations with Dallas ties such as Youth Entrepreneurs, Urban Specialists, ACE Scholarships, and Cafe Momentum.

Chad Houser (left) started Dallas-based Cafe Momentum to provide culinary training and life skills to at-risk youth coming out of juvenile detention. [Photo courtesy of Stand Together]

BRINGING THE NATIONAL PROGRAM TO A LOCAL LEVEL

With Prime 5, Stand Together is working with Sanders to bring its national program down to a local level, a first for the nonprofit.

“We’re excited about what we’re learning and what we’re building in the city of Dallas,” Evan Feinberg, executive director of Stand Together, told Dallas Innovates.

Last fall, Stand Together and Sanders put out a call for organizations to take part in the Prime 5 program. Out of 100 nonprofits evaluated, Stand Together selected 12 for the initial cohort.

The Dallas participants reflect some of the nonprofit’s key focus areas of poverty, education, workforce development, and criminal justice. They include: Advocates for Community Transformation, Akola Project, Behind Every Door, Bonton Farms, Dallas Life, Education Opens Doors, Interfaith Family Services, Mercy Street, Miles of Freedom, Oasis Center, The Concilio, and WiNGS.

Suzanne Borman (left), a nurse in WiNGS’ Nurse Family Partnership program, works with a client. WiNGS is one of 12 Dallas nonprofits selected for the initial cohort of the Prime 5 Catalyst Program. [Photo courtesy of Stand Together]

“They all bring together these common themes — that each and every person is capable of tapping into their unique gifts and talents and contributing to others,” Feinberg said. “In the process, they not only add value to others, but can lift themselves up.”

The Dallas cohort will meet this week for the first time and then monthly over the next fourth months. That program is slightly shorter than Stand Together’s national program, which usually lasts six months.

“They all bring together these common themes — that each and every person is capable of tapping into their unique gifts and talents and contributing to others.”

Evan Feinberg

Since all the nonprofits are local, Feinberg said there will be more time for face-to-face sessions. The program will culminate in a Dallas event in early May with business leaders, influencers, and members of Stand Together’s national Catalyst program.

Feinberg said the nonprofit is looking at replicating this local cohort model its piloting in Dallas, but it also will continue to balance those efforts with its national movement.

“The kickoff for this Prime 5 Catalyst program is an inspiring moment for us at Stand Together because we know it’s just the beginning of something that can have so much impact on so many peoples’ lives in Dallas,” Feinberg said.