Communities Foundation of Texas Grant Program

Deadline: 30-Jun-21

The Communities Foundation of Texas is seeking applications for its Grant Program to build ladders of economic mobility by vastly increasing the number of young adults who possess post-secondary degrees and credentials of value.

As the community emerges from the pandemic, North Texas’ abundance of industry, educational, and nonprofit partners are well-positioned in this region to meet the learning and navigation needs of young adults in this moment of economic transition and opportunity.

CFT also recognizes that the pandemic has had an impact on student learning and engagement, particularly for high school students.

CFT is seeking applications from providers who target academic recovery and acceleration, with unique dollars available for literacy support for students with learning differences, engaging girls in STEM subjects, and supporting social-emotional wellbeing.

Special consideration will be given to providers who deliver these services to high need middle and high school students.

Funding Priorities

They are seeking applications from organizations and/or collaborations that provide services and programs in one of the following funding priority areas:

Work-based Learning: Programs or collaborations that support paid work-based learning, apprenticeship, internship, and credentialing programs that place workers on a career ladder to a family-sustaining wage in a growth industry, including programs that also provide wraparound supports. Applicants with existing employer relationships and a focus on recruiting and retaining underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged groups will be given preference. Applicants must show a track record of effective, data-driven practice.
Successful Transitions from High School to and through Higher Education: Programs or collaborations that support degree and credential attainment for jobs of the future by promoting successful transitions from high school to postsecondary or work-based learning opportunities. This could also include programs focused on evidence-informed methods to improve teacher quality in key courses and years, the reduction of summer learning loss, student-centered navigation and/or the re-engagement of students in higher education for the purpose of receiving a terminal degree or industry-recognized credential.
Post-Pandemic Academic and Mental Health Recovery: Programs that provide support for students and young adults in one or more of the following:
- Support for students with learning differences/disabilities in overcoming barriers and building confidence and skills with reading. Preference will be given to programs that serve high school students impacted by the pandemic, and young adults participating in Adult Basic Education programs who are pursuing credentials.
- Development of STEM skills that may have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and science career exploration opportunities for girls.
- Building resilience and development of coping mechanisms for youth that may be experiencing mental health issues due to the disruptions to the school year, community, and family life because of the pandemic. Special consideration will be given to providers who deliver these services to high school students.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation from the Internal Revenue Service that has been active for at least two years as of September 1, 2019 (which has or an affiliation with an established organization), and not be in violation of any applicable state, local or federal law, ordinance or regulation.
At least 50% of the population served must reside in one of the following counties: Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Fannin, Grayson, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Montague, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, Wise
Preference will be given to programs that support underrepresented and/or economically disadvantaged populations. Special considerations will be given to programs that target high school students and/or young adults under 34.
Preference will be given to applicants that can demonstrate a track record of effective, evidence-informed, data-driven practice.

Ineligible