With funding from Wells Fargo, the Dallas-based T.D. Jakes Foundation announced more than $9 million in grants to 13 organizations across the U.S., marking the next phase of a transformative 10-year, up to $1 billion collaboration aimed at empowering communities and driving lasting change.

Kelley Cornish

The foundation said that building on an initial $9 million philanthropic investment announced last year, which funded 16 organizations, this new cycle reaffirms its commitment to economic empowerment through innovative solutions.

“We’re deeply committed to supporting organizations that are making tangible differences in communities,” Kelley Cornish, president and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation, said in a statement. “Through this partnership with Wells Fargo, we’re investing in innovative solutions that align with our mission to promote financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being. This milestone is a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared vision for a brighter future.”

Darlene Goins

The foundation said that these initial grants created measurable impact by supporting financial literacy programs, affordable housing projects, and career development opportunities, among other initiatives. It said the second round of funding seeks to strengthen and expand that legacy.

“We believe philanthropy can be a catalyst for positive change,” said Darlene Goins, head of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo. “With these grants, we’re excited to work with the T.D. Jakes Foundation to expand the impactful work and capacity of local and national organizations that focus on economic empowerment and community transformation.”

The foundation said this second $9 million in funding is a bold statement of the T.D. Jakes Foundation’s belief that access to opportunity can change the trajectory of communities for generations to come.

Grants awarded

Per the foundation, here are the organizations receiving grants:

Wiley University – $1,500,000
Develop property near campus for homeownership, entrepreneurship, and integrated learning experiences.

Paul Quinn College – $1,500,000
Address housing, transportation, and food insecurity for students.

Morehouse College – $1,500,000
Transform mental health services on campus.

2025 International Leadership Summit – $1,500,000
Hosted by the T.D. Jakes Group, empower leaders worldwide by offering workshops, keynotes, and panel discussions focused on leadership, innovation, and social impact.

Lightship Foundation – $500,000
Enable entrepreneurs to raise venture capital and scale their businesses.

Power52 Foundation – $500,000
Engage 200 community members in educational workshops on energy and disaster preparedness.

Kingdom Cares Center – $500,000
Nurture small businesses with mentorship and programs in business planning, financial management, marketing, legal compliance, and more.

Bonton Farms/Grocery Connect – $500,000
Improve health outcomes and empower the community by teaching essential online skills and expanding access to broader resources.

United MegaCare – $500,000
As part of T.D. Jakes Group, it will host events supporting food security in local communities.

Joint Center – $500,000
Develop a long-term plan for economic mobility that can be executed at the community level.

Operation Hope – $450,000
Combine policy analysis with community engagement to elevate the national conversation on economic empowerment and drive policy solutions.

Milken Institute – $250,000
Offer an intensive educational course, industry conferences, as well as competitive internships and professional development.

Green Teen Summit – $100,000
Prepare a new generation of leaders by equipping them with essential workforce readiness skills in a growing economy.

Founded in 2020, The T.D. Jakes Foundation is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being in communities.

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