The Dallas Foundation, which is said to be the first community foundation in the state, has given $150,000 through the Mary M. Jalonick Women’s Philanthropy Institute 2020 grants.

The grants were awarded to nine nonprofits that made an impact in Dallas-Fort Worth in 2020.

After8toEducate received the institute’s major award of $50,000, while eight other nonprofits each received $12,500. Among those nonprofits are Agape Clinic, Aspire, Shared Housing Center, Vickery Trading Company, Bonton Farms, Interfaith Family Services, and Vogel Alcove.

“These funds granted by The Women’s Philanthropy Institute will help us continue to provide resources to more than 4,000 homeless students enrolled in Dallas Independent School District, guiding them to healthy and productive lives,” Jorge Baldor, After8toEducate Founder and Board Chair, said in a statement.

Jorge Baldor

After8toEducate is said to be the first all-encompassing program for supporting unsheltered high school youth in Dallas. These students are more likely to fall behind academically, according to After8, which could result in them dropping out of school.

After8 aims to help the over 4,000 homeless students in Dallas Independent School District by offering community resources and teaching self-sufficiency. The nonprofit also provides residential services for homeless youth.

The After8toEducate program is housed at the Fannie C. Harris Youth Center, a former DISD elementary school. [Images: Courtesy of After8toEducate]

After8’s all-around solution helps unsheltered teens grow academically, emotionally, and socially.

“This year’s members could not have picked a more timely or impactful organization to support than After8toEducate, and we are thrilled to support them with these funds,” Matthew Randazzo, CEO of The Dallas Foundation, said in a statement.

Randazzo says that the Women’s Philanthropy Institute is a critical part of the organization’s mission. The institute was created in response to female donors who wanted to learn more about their community and its needs.

The Dallas Foundation CEO Matthew Randazzo

The institute’s members visit around five DFW nonprofits a year, which is followed by them evaluating the nonprofit, including a review of financial documents and organizational structure, alongside The Dallas Foundation’s chief impact officer.

From this process, a nonprofit is chosen each year to receive the institute’s largest grant. 

“Through this program, women philanthropists are inspired and empowered to become confident and engaged donors,” Randazzo said.

Over 200 women have participated in this program in the last five years, during which time more than $15.5 million has been given through grants.

Julie Diaz, who is Vice President of Philanthropic Partnerships at The Dallas Foundation says the nonprofits who received funding this year are making a monumental impact across North Texas.

Julie Diaz, Vice President of Philanthropic Partnerships at The Dallas Foundation [Image: The Dallas Foundation]

Typically, the Women’s Philanthropy Institute visits four to five nonprofits in the region each year. After each visit, its members learn how to evaluate a nonprofit, from review of financial documents to organizational structure, led by The Dallas Foundation’s Chief Impact Officer.

At year end, the group takes a vote on which nonprofits will receive the largest grant from the Mary M. Jalonick Women’s Philanthropy Institute Fund held at The Dallas Foundation. Grant money is raised by contributions from members, and more than 200 women have participated in program and activities, granting more than $15.5 million to the community through the Institute and their personal giving in the last five years.

At the end of 2020, the foundation awarded its annual Pegasus Prize of $50,000 to Dallas-based Impact Ventures.

Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.

Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.