The State Fair of Texas is proud to announce that more than $528,000 in grants and sponsorships has been awarded to 59 organizations in the Southern Sector of Dallas during three grant cycles for 2020–with more than $250,000 of it being awarded to 34 local nonprofits this week, in the final grant cycle of the year.
“The pandemic and events of this year have brought hardship and loss for many, and some of those most hard-hit include our neighbors,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. “There is always need in our community, but we know that these grants are exponentially more powerful this year. By partnering with local nonprofits and providing them with financial support and resources, together we increase our impact on the community and will emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever.”
The State Fair received a competitive pool of grant applications during its three annual cycles for 2020. Applications were reviewed by a committee composed of a diverse group of stakeholders with expertise in nonprofit and grant review processes. Applicants are selected according to their alignment with the Fair’s focus on education, capacity building, and economic development targeting our neighboring zip codes. Criteria for approval assesses the program’s impact in the South Dallas area, collaborations with other local entities, program design along with its implementation and evaluation methods, and overall sustainability of the program. Those receiving funding will allocate the money strategically to build stronger communities in the South Dallas/Fair Park neighborhoods, while also combatting new hardships brought on by the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 crisis has presented so many new challenges for our local community and continuing to support these organizations right now is essential to ensuring sustainability for these agencies serving on the front lines, providing necessary resources in this area,” said State Fair of Texas Vice President of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances, Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew. “This year has forced us to adapt and find new, innovative ways to stand with our community. In addition to awarding grants, we continued to provide resources helping organizations collaborate to serve more effectively while building their capacity in the process. We also offered virtual signature programs, trainings, and technical assistance to support schools, nonprofits, and local businesses in the South Dallas/Fair Park area.”
Fifty-nine organizations received 72 awards in three different grant cycles for 2020:
- 2 Inspire Peace
- 38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
- 826 Dallas Project
- African American Museum
- Baylor Scott & White Health and Wellness Center at the Juanita J. Craft Recreation Center
- Beacon Hill Preparatory Institute
- Big Brother Big Sister
- Bishop Arts Theatre Center
- Bold Believers United
- Bonton Farms
- Braswell Child Development Center
- BridgeBuilders
- Bridge Lacrosse
- Building Community Workshop
- Carboard Project
- Carter’s House
- Catch Up & Read
- Circle of Support
- Cornerstone Baptist Church and Development Center
- Crossroads Community Services
- Dallas Afterschool
- Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
- Dallas Innovation Alliance
- Dallas ISD
- Dallas Leadership Foundation
- Dallas Fort Worth Urban League Young Professionals (DFWULYP)
- Dolphin Heights Neighborhood Association
- Education is Freedom
- Empowering the Masses
- First Choice Social Services
- First Step Community Empowerment (FSCE)
- Foundation Communities
- Frazier Revitalization
- Friends of the South Dallas Cultural Center
- Goodr Foundation
- Hopeful Solutions
- iLookLikeLove
- Innercity Community Development (ICDC)
- Jubilee Park and Community Center
- LipGloss For Love
- Mayor’s Star Council
- Miles of Freedom (MOF)
- Mill City Association
- Park South Family YMCA
- ScholarShot, Inc.
- Second Chance Initiative/DEC Southern Dallas work
- Social Venture Partners
- South Dallas Cultural Center
- Southern Dallas Link
- Southern Dallas Progress Community Development Corporation
- Southfair Community Development Corporation
- St. Anthony Community Center
- St. Philip’s School and Community Center
- T. R. Hoover Community Development Center
- TMJ Dance Project
- Trinity Restoration Ministries
- United Way of Metropolitan Dallas
- University Crossroads
- Youth Revive Inc.
The State Fair of Texas continues to expand outreach programs, placing a special priority on promoting community involvement at the local level. Whether it’s through the virtual Big Tex Job Fair, virtual Community Engagement Days, Big Tex Urban Farms, or the Fair’s other signature programs, there are several initiatives the Fair has developed and continues to invest in, in addition to grants and sponsorships. Since the creation of our Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances department in 2016, the Fair has invested more than $2 million in support of many great initiatives, sponsorships, and partnerships within the South Dallas/Fair Park area. Along with offering financial resources, the State Fair of Texas has connected with more than 200 local organizations to foster community relationships, form partnerships, and develop initiatives that work to make a positive impact, with nearly 600,000 people being served thus far.
The State Fair of Texas is honored to give back to its community in this crucial time of need. We cherish the many partnerships and collaborations that help grow our ability to serve. The State Fair promises to continue listening and learning from our community because it is through our collective efforts that we make the greatest impact and can serve as many lives as possible. Together, with our community, we are dedicated to the bright future of sunny South Dallas and the well-being of all who call it home.
To learn more about how to apply for a grant in the future or other State Fair opportunities, please visit BigTex.com/Grants.
# # #
About the State Fair of Texas
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2021 exposition runs September 24 through October 17 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.
