As the largest community foundation in Texas, CFT manages more than 1,200 charitable funds and stewards nearly $1.5 billion in charitable assets. Over the past 15 years in Collin County, CFT has made grants totaling more than $100 million to over 900 local nonprofit organizations. CFT proves that families, individuals, businesses, and organizations can make a difference in their communities with whatever they have to give—and with ease.
CFT is celebrating increased impact in Collin County over the last 5 years, as it has been committed to creating a greater physical presence and expanding support. The expanded reach included opening a new office location in Hall Park in 2018, hiring additional staff, and increasing grant funding to nonprofits based in or serving Collin County.
“We’ve been able to help individuals, businesses, families, and nonprofits be more strategic and connected in their giving,” said Jeri Chambers, CFT’s senior donor engagement officer, Collin County. “There is great need in Collin County, and there’s a great deal of success that’s here. At some point in your life journey, you may want to turn that success into significance, impact, and legacy. We’re here to guide you in that process, so you can clearly identify your passions and give with purpose.”
CFT established the Collin County Impact Fund, an endowment fund focused on supporting Collin County needs and opportunities. Anyone can give to the fund – and in any amount. Donations to the fund help support Collin County nonprofit organizations in perpetuity, creating meaningful impact where support is needed most, for generations to come. Collin County organizations assisted by the fund apply through a letter of inquiry process and qualify for funding consideration if 75% or more of the organization’s clientele are Collin County residents.
“Nonprofits who receive grants from the fund have been identified as those who are making the biggest impact in the areas of greatest need,” Chambers said.
Since 2018, the Collin County Impact Fund has supported 10 nonprofit organizations from across the county in growing and expanding their services to community members in need. The fund has grown to more than $1.3 million in charitable assets, with a short-term goal of reaching $2.5 million to provide even greater support for nonprofits year after year. Chambers noted that some of the fund’s latest nonprofit recipients are working to get local students from high school to college, diminish food insecurity, and support youth in the region.
For Collin County residents who want to start their charitable giving journey, the staff at CFT are eager and ready to start a dialogue about the causes that mean the most to them. With CFT, the opportunities to be a philanthropist are endless.
A Donor-Advised Fund at CFT can be opened with $5,000 or more, which can then be easily accessed via an online portal anytime a new donation opportunity of interest arises. It’s similar to an online banking experience, but for charitable giving. Individuals can also start a fund for a beloved organization, establish scholarship funds, or create a fund in a specific cause or interest area, which allows CFT to utilize its expertise to allocate funding to organizations within that area of need.
“Start a conversation with CFT, and I bet we can find a connection point or a way to achieve your giving goals,” said Chambers. “If you’re looking to give your time, talent or treasure, we’re here to connect you with nonprofits that align with your passions.”
CFT’s annual North Texas Giving Day is coming up on Sept. 22, and this year’s charge is to “find your passion and give with purpose.” Last year, over $66 million was raised through North Texas Giving Day for more than 3,000 local nonprofits. Those who wish to donate can browse nonprofit organizations by ZIP code, cause area, and more, and can give directly online with as little as $5.
Joining CFT in their efforts to maintain the vitality of Collin County has never been simpler or more fun. To learn more about Communities Foundation of Texas and start a complimentary charitable giving conversation, connect with one of the organization’s experts either at 214-750-4226 or [email protected].
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