2024 REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY
WHERE IMPACT TAKES ROOT
Brenda is a Texas-based artist, writer, and educator born in Mexico City.
She currently lives in Fort Worth, where she shows, teaches, and maintains her artistic practice.
Front - River Legacy Park by Brenda Melgoza Ciardiello
LETTER FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply grateful for the impact we have made together. Our mission has always been to create meaningful change through charitable investment and collaborative partnerships. This past year reinforced the strength of our community and the dedication of those working to build a brighter future for North Texas.
Throughout 2024, we saw firsthand the power of philanthropy. Families welcomed healthy newborns with the support they needed, communities gained access to safe and affordable homes, students flourished in enriching learning environments, individuals found new pathways to economic mobility, and critical landscapes were preserved for future generations. Each step forward was made possible by the dedication of our partners, the generosity of our fundholders, and the resilience of those we serve.
Everything we do is made possible by our wonderful fundholders. This year, we welcomed 35 new funds and we were honored to develop legacy plans for donors whose vision and generosity will support our community for generations to come. NTCF donors enabled the Foundation to grant an astounding $47 million to nonprofit organizations in 2024, an all-time record for the Foundation.
Behind these numbers are stories of people who bring tremendous passion to their giving, leveraging their creativity and strategic thinking to help organizations deepen their impact. We are humbled by the positive change created by our donors’ charitable investments.
Thanks to you, we’re here for good, forever.
ROSE BRADSHAW PRESIDENT & CEO
DAN M CCARTHY BOARD CHAIR
Bringing Impact Home
How donors are opening the door to affordable housing
“Investing in permanent supportive housing is crucial for ending chronic homelessness in our community. These investments provide the stability and support necessary for residents to overcome barriers, improve their health, and lead stable, fulfilling lives.”
– KENNY MOSLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR , RENAISSANCE HEIGHTS FOUNDATION
Over the past 5 years, median home prices in North Texas increased 67% while median income grew 27%. Today, more than 1 in 3 households in Fort Worth pay more than 30% of their income for housing. North Texas Community Foundation donors are committed to addressing the region’s housing challenges through impactful investments in affordable and supportive housing. NTCF’s Fund for Good and the Flora Fund are creating pathways to stability and opportunity for local residents.
The Fund for Good harnesses the power of collective giving to support transformative solutions to our community’s evolving needs. In 2024, generous donors helped the Fund provide $250,000 to help Presbyterian Night Shelter transform former student housing into a vital resource for families. This new affordable housing complex helps residents achieve lasting independence by combining stable
housing with supportive services, like job training, mental health counseling, and financial literacy education — giving residents the tools to rebuild their lives.
Named in memory of beloved community leader, Flora Brewer, the Flora Fund honors her legacy of compassion and community service. In 2024, the Fund made a $1.5 million grant to Renaissance Heights Foundation to build 16 permanent supportive housing units in Southeast Fort Worth. For Flora’s loved ones, this investment is a reflection of her enduring impact. “My mother believed that everyone deserved a place to call home and a community that cared,” shared her son, Evan Mead-Brewer.
“This grant helps make that vision a reality.”
Kenny Mosley with residents at Renaissance Heights
Giving Back to Move Communities Forward
How one North Texas couple is helping create pathways to independence
Steve and Debbie Bryant of Colleyville, Texas, are driven by a shared passion to create meaningful change for underserved communities. As college sweethearts, the couple bonded over their love for Tennessee Football and their desire to give back. Today, they use their donor advised fund at NTCF to support organizations that provide resources and mentorship to help break the cycle of poverty. Their mission is clear: empower people to achieve independence, fulfillment, and dignity, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Steve credits much of his success to the guidance of mentors throughout his career. He especially values programs that focus on building strong, suppor tive relationships with those who may not have access to the same networks. With a keen interest in economic mobility, the couple is passionate about supporting organizations that help individuals overcome systemic barriers and envision new possibilities for their lives.
The Bryants are strategic in their giving, preferring to support smaller organizations where their contributions can truly make an impact. Debbie’s desire to be more engaged prompted the Bryants to reach out to the Community Foundation for guidance. In 2024, the NTCF team worked closely with the Bryants to connect them with nonprofits that reflect their values and philanthropic vision.
After thoughtfully reviewing proposals and visiting organizations to witness their missions firsthand, Steve and Debbie provided multi-year grants to Building Pathways, Family Pathfinders and Create & Collaborate. Their generous and flexible support will help these organizations expand, strengthen their operations, and continue delivering essential services to those who need them most.
“Many people don’t realize how accessible donor advised funds are as a tool to promote charitable giving. I am hopeful that NTCF can help more people discover this resource.”
– STEVE BRYANT
Steve and Debbie Bryant at the Colleyville Nature Center
Growing Support for Natural Treasures in North Texas
How local donors are digging in to protect the region’s open spaces
“ We have an opportunity, responsibility, and urgency right now to protect natural areas and to preserve critical watersheds and green and blue spaces across our city. Leaving this city better than we found it starts now.”
– MATTIE PARKER, FORT WORTH MAYOR
According to the Texas Demographic Center, more than a half million people have moved to north Texas since 2020. As development increases, preserving our green spaces has never been more important. These open spaces—parks, nature centers, community gardens, or protected wildlife areas—are sanctuaries for both residents and local wildlife. Understanding the importance of protecting and nurturing these spaces, North Texas Community Foundation donors are making efforts to safeguard these spaces for future generations.
The Good Natured Fund, a partnership led by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, is a bold initiative to preserve 10,000 acres of open greenspace over a span of five years. NTCF stewards the Good Natured Fund to ensure that Fort Worth retains access to wide open spaces.
The Murray James Nature Center Endowment Fund was established in 1987 to help preserve the Nature Center as a premier destination for outdoor education
and enjoyment. Thanks to Murray’s vision, the fund has grown into a permanent endowment, recently surpassing $1 million. This achievement enables the endowment to help enhance and restore one of the nation’s largest urban sanctuaries.
In addition, NTCF’s Conservation & Environment Fund directly supports nonprofits that protect open spaces and promote environmental stewardship across North Texas. In 2024, the fund supported 14 organizations that are making a tangible impact on the preservation of our region’s natural spaces.
These ongoing efforts help ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and benefits of North Texas’ unique green spaces.
Whether through a personal donation or support of a collective fund, every contribution helps create a sustainable future.
Michael Perez, Laura Harrison and Marty Leonard at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Setting the Stage for Future Success
How Maroon 9 is shaping the next generation of leaders
Teenagers from underserved communities possess incredible potential, but they may not always have access to the resources and opportunities that support their growth. Programs like the Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization are vital in developing their strengths and fostering longterm success.
Maroon 9 empowers teenagers through creative arts, mentorship, conflict resolution and college & career readiness. Through its year-round, outof-school programs, Maroon 9 creates a safe and nurturing space for teens to explore their creativity, build self-confi dence, and acquire essential skills that will help them excel in all aspects of life.
In 2021, the organization received its first grant from NTCF, marking the beginning of a meaningful partnership with the Foundation. Additional support from NTCF fundholders and ToolBox grants have fueled Maroon 9’s growth, expanding its budget from $5,700 to over $100,000, and enabling the organization to serve more than 250 teens annually. With this continued support, Maroon 9 is poised to expand its positive infl uence, helping to shape the next generation of leaders and creatives.
“Maroon 9 has grown from a two-week virtual after school program to year-round free musical theatre programs and major productions for the community. Maroon 9 is here to stay and I will never forget the role NTCF played in our path to sustainability.”
– SHAVONNE DAVIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MAROON 9 COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT ORGANIZATION
Students performing “Bone Soup: A Kwanzaa Story” at Jean McClung Middle School
Arlington Disaster Recovery Fund: Ready to Weather Any Storm
In partnership with the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, the City of Arlington established a disaster recovery fund at NTCF. This fund provides a ready mechanism to accept and distribute donations following an emergency, accelerating recovery efforts for the community.
Community Matters 2024: The Art of Philanthropy
NTCF hosted our annual Community Matters event on March 1st at the Crescent Hotel.
The 2024 program highlighted our region’s vibrant arts community and philanthropy’s vital role in sustaining it.
2024 Highlights
Connecting donors, organizations and dollars to fuel impact in our community.
Accelerating Progress: NTCF
Awarded Funds to Participate in Gates Foundation Network
NTCF was invited by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to join their Economic Mobility Action Network. This opportunity enables us to collaborate with community foundations nationwide to learn best practices and accelerate economic mobility in our region.
Fleetwood Memorial Fund for First Responders: 50 Years of Supporting Texas’ Bravest
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Fleetwood Memorial Foundation Fund at NTCF awarded a total of $50,000 in grants to the police and fire departments of Fort Worth and Arlington. Since its establishment in 1974, the Fund has given $6 million to the families of first responders injured or killed in the line of duty.
Fund for Good: Investing in Healthier Futures for Mothers and Babies
In 2024, NTCF’s Fund for Good awarded $250,000 to Best Place for Kids in support of its collaboration with the Tarrant County Maternal Health Coalition. The program seeks to improve health outcomes for local mothers and infants by helping local hospital systems connect mothers to vital resources through the Parent Pass app.
Professional Advisor Highlights
Professional Advisor of the Year: Janet L. Hahn
Shareholder, Decker Jones, PC
Professional advisors play a critical role in strengthening our region through charitable giving. Over 80 percent of new donors are referred to the Foundation by accountants, attorneys, and investment advisors. We work together to create tailored giving vehicles designed for local philanthropic impact and maximum tax deductibility. In recognition of these important relationships, the Foundation names a Professional Advisor of the Year.
We are pleased to recognize Janet L. Hahn as the Professional Advisor of the Year. As an estate planning attorney, Janet guides clients in making informed decisions to secure their legacy for current and future generations. Alongside the Decker Jones team, she supports business enterprises, their owners, directors, and managers. Janet also provides expert counsel to business owners and their families, helping them navigate succession planning for both their businesses and family ownership groups.
Beyond her professional work, Janet is deeply committed to her community. She has served on numerous charitable and civic committees and boards such as The Women’s Center of Tarrant County, the Tarrant County College Foundation, Baylor Scott and White All Saints Medical Center and Women Steering Business.
WE THANK THE PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS WITH WHOM WE WORKED TO SERVE CLIENTS IN 2024
STEWART ALCORN
Frost Bank
MICHAEL G. APPLEMAN, JD
Cantey Hanger, LLP
PETE BENENATI, JD
Benenati Law Firm, PC
BRUCE BENES, CPA
DVS CFO
BETHANY L. BROOKS, JD
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, PC
MICHAEL V. BOURLAND, JD
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, PC
SMITH A. BROWNLIE III, CPA
Cotton Creek Investment Co., Ltd.
BRADLEY G. BRUCE, CPWA®, CEPA, CIMA®
mFORCE Capital
SEAN BRYAN, JD
Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP
THOMAS CAMPBELL, JD
McDonald Sanders, PC
PAUL DAVIS, CPWA
Baird Private Wealth Management
E. KIM DIGNUM, CFP ®, CHFC®
Dignum Financial Partners
LEVI DILLON, JD, CPA
TrustPoint Legal, PLLC
WILLIAM L. DISMUKE, JD
Dismuke & Waters, PC
DAVID P. DUNNING, JD
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, PC
JIM EGGLESTON, JD
Eggleston King Davis, LLP
JEAN ANN FISHER, CRPC®
Wells Fargo Advisors
TENA G. FOX, JD
Leach Fox Law, PC
BILL GAMMILL, CFP ®, CLU
CBG Wealth Management
DAVID J. GOODMAN, JD
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, PC
KAREN H. GORDON, JD
Gordon & Sykes, LLP
JENNIFER GRAMMER, CPA
Whitley Penn
JANET L. HAHN, JD
Decker Jones, PC
KONRAD S. HALBERT
First Financial Trust
RYAN HEATH, JD
TrustPoint Legal, PLLC
KELLY R. HEIN JR., CPA
MARGARET E. HOLLAND, JD
Holland, Johns & Penny, LLP
ROBERT M. HOLT, JR., CFA
Holt Capital Partners, LP
KAREN TELSCHOW
JOHNSON, JD
Telschow Johnson Law, PLLC
ROLAND JOHNSON, JD
Harris, Finley & Bogle, PC
MELINDA M. JOHNSTON
Raymond James
KERRY A. KNOX
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
EMILY LANDRY, CPA
Whitley Penn
KATE LUMMIS NORRIS, CFP ®
Lone Oak Trust Company
DANIEL H. MCCARTHY, JD
Wick Phillips
APRIL A. MCCOOL, CPA
Graham & Jones, PLLC
PHILLIP W. MCCRURY, JD
Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP
MARK L. MCLELAND, CPWA®, CIMA®, CPFA
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
CHARLES B. MILLIKEN, JD
Decker Jones, PC
DARREN B. MOORE, JD
Bourland Wall & Wenzel, PC
COLIN L. MURCHISON, JD, LLM
Jackson Walker, LLP
JEFFREY N. MYERS, JD
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, PC
HENRY B. PAUP, JD
Paup, Shutt & Associates, PC
SAVANNAH J. PETRONIS, CFP ®
Baird Private Wealth Management
JEREMY R. PRUETT, JD
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, PC
ANDREW ROBINSON, CFP ®
Baird Private Wealth Management
MEGAN SANDERS, JD
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, PC
MILES SAWYER-WICKER, CFP ® , AIF®, CLU
Tack Advisors
BENJAMIN M. SCHEFFLER, CPA
KPMG LLP
ROBERT R. SCHULZ, CFP ®
Schulz Wealth
SHANNON L. SCHUMACHER, CPA
JTaylor
KAYLA SMILEY
Bank of Texas
AUSTIN M. SMITH, CFA®, CFP ®
Schulz Wealth
JOSEPH D. TAYLOR, CPA
JTaylor & Associates, LLC
GARY F. WESTENHOVER, JD
Attorney at Law
JOHN W. WRIGHT, JD
McDonald Sanders, PC
Financials & Investments
INVESTMENT MANAGERS
Luther King Capital Management
Mason Investment Advisory
Services, Inc.
OUTSIDE INVESTMENT
MANAGERS
Bank of Texas
Capital Creek Partners
The Capital Chartroom
CF Private Equity, Inc.
Equitable Advisors
First Financial Trust
Holt Capital Partners
J.P. Morgan
Legacy Financial Services
Merrill Lynch Wealth
Management
mForce Capital
Morgan Stanley Wealth
Management
Raymond James
Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.
Tiedemann Wealth Management
Wallace Capital Management
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C. AUDITORS
Sproles Woodard, L.L.P.
INVESTMENT COMMITT EE
Stewart Alcorn, Chair
Brad Bourland
Stephanie Brentlinger
Smith Brownlie
Crystal Flores
Kelly Hein
Mark Rich
Joe Taylor
Welcome, New Funds
Whether through a donor advised fund to give back to their favorite causes, a field of interest fund to support a special focus area, or an agency endowment fund to support their favorite nonprofit’s mission in perpetuity, our donors are making a positive and lasting impact in our community.
Anonymous (9)
Arlington Disaster Response Fund
Coll Family Foundation
Colonial Country Club Employee and Family Scholarship Fund
Dallas St. Clair Charitable Fund
David Wolf Charitable Foundation
Dream Big Fort Worth Determined Scholar Fund
Eddie M. Lesok Charitable Fund
Exchange Club Christmas Fund
Fort Worth Community Land Trust Agency Fund
Fort Worth Regional Development Foundation
Green Legacy Foundation
Gretchen and David Miller Family Charitable Fund
Heartsill Family Foundation
Josh & Kimberlyn Dyer Family Fund
Lorna and Ryan Heath Family Fund
Mebane Atteberry Charitable Fund
Margaret and Richard Wolf Memorial Fund
Mark and Rebecca Allen Charitable Foundation
MBH Charitable Fund
McLeland Family Foundation
Schuessler Family Charitable Fund
Tarrant To & Through Partnership Fund
The Grand Fund
Tom and Ellen Harris Charitable Fund
Tyler & Brian Crumley Family Foundation
Whitley Penn Philanthropic Fund
Board of Directors 2024-2025
Our board is led by community members whose diverse backgrounds, talents and experiences guide our work. They generously volunteer their time and expertise to help us make lasting investments in our community.
Daniel H. McCarthy Chair Meggie Lowy Vice-Chair
Stephanie BrentlingerSmith A. Brownlie, IIIOrlando P. CarvalhoCrystal FloresJennifer GrammerStacy Landreth Grau
Kelly HanleyRyan HeathKelly HeinAllen HodgesAnne HollandRobert M. HoltJaneen LamkinAnette Soto Landeros
Chair Emeriti
STEWART ALCORN
JEFF ALEXANDER
TOM CRAVENS
JAMES B. DEMOSS
CHRIS HUCKABEE
BILL LANDRETH, JR.
GARLAND M. LASATER
ANN LOUDEN
ALFRED SAENZ
Phillip W. McCruryWinjie Tang MiaoSavannah PetronisHoratio PorterKen SchaeferBenjamin M. Scheffl er
Jeremy SmithJoseph D. Taylor
North Texas Community Foundation drives meaningful change through charitable investment.
The Foundation helps donors meet the needs of our community by providing tax-efficient strategies to support the causes they care about most. We serve a network of generous individuals, families and businesses intent on shaping the future of North Texas for good, forever.
