$4.4 Million in Grants Awarded Benefit North Texas Women and Girls

Dallas Women's Foundation's 224 grants focus on Economic Security and Leadership for women and girls

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Oct 17, 2016, 03:06 ET

DALLAS, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas Women's Foundation, today announced it committed $4.4 million through 224 grants benefiting women and girls during its fiscal year which ended June 30, 2016. The grants underscore the Foundation's long-term commitment to strengthening economic security and leadership opportunities for women and girls in the region.

"Women's economic security and leadership directly impact the economy and future of North Texas," explained Roslyn Dawson Thompson, president and CEO of Dallas Women's Foundation. "Women and girls in our region are most likely to suffer the consequences of poverty; 53 percent of all poor households in North Texas are headed by a woman, often with children. And women are dramatically underrepresented in leadership positions. That is why we are focused on economic security and leadership. Through the generous support of our donors, we are investing in women and girls to create a powerful and positive ripple effect throughout our community."

In fiscal year 2016, Dallas Women's Foundation awarded 44 percent of its grants ($1.9M) to economic security initiatives, up from 43 percent ($1.7M) in 2015. The investment in education and leadership programs also continues to grow, with 14 percent ($636,000) of the Foundation's grants in 2016 compared with 13 percent ($503,191) the previous year.

The Foundation's Economic Security, an invite-only, multi-year grants cycle, is awarded and reviewed each spring. The current cohort of grantee partners include: Dallas County Community College District/Transformance, WiNGS, Junior Achievement, Girls, Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Collin County, Jewish Family Service, Senior Source, and Metrocrest Services.

The Foundation's community grant cycle takes place each fall and spring. Some of the fiscal year 2016 Dallas Women's Foundation community grantees include:

Agape Resource & Assistance Center (Collin County): More than 4,000 people were turned away from Collin County shelters, 75 percent of those women, in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Agape serves single women, moms and their children who are homeless in the Collin County area. Agape is expanding its capabilities, and will open two additional facilities for women.
Communities in Schools of North Texas (CISNT) (Denton and Wise Counties): For 22 years, CISNT has been the sole provider of comprehensive dropout prevention services to students in the area. The organization's Lunch with a Leader program serves 4^th and 5^th grade girls from low-income backgrounds that are at risk of dropping out. Adult role models provide the girls an opportunity to learn leadership skills and behaviors, social and communication skills, and professional etiquette.
Wesley-Rankin Community Center (Dallas County): Wesley-Rankin Community Center serves the low-income community of West Dallas, in the 75212 zip code. This area is home to more than 1,900 low-income families, where the median household income is $28,802. The Wesley-Rankin Community Center's Academy offers high-quality education programs, leadership training and community advocacy for women.

The Foundation's grants selection process includes a financial review, site visits by trained volunteers and board approval. Grants are also given through the Foundation's more than 50 Donor Advised Funds. To learn more about Dallas Women's Foundation, its grant strategy and a full list of grantees, please visit https://www.dallaswomensfdn.org/2016/why-us/current-grantee-list.

About Dallas Women's Foundation
Dallas Women's Foundation is the largest regional women's fund in the world. It is a trusted leader in advancing positive social and economic change for women and girls. The Foundation was built on the belief that when you invest in a woman, there is a ripple effect that benefits her family, her community and her world. Dallas Women's Foundation has researched, funded and demonstrated the ripple effect since 1985 in North Texas, granting more than $32 million since inception and $4.4 million annually to help create opportunities and solve issues for women and girls. With the support of its donors, the Foundation unlocks resources to improve education and quality of life, give voice to issues affecting women and girls, and cultivate women leaders for the future. For more information, visit www.DallasWomensFdn.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.