The Dallas Foundation

Our Rising GENerosity members gathered at Maplewood Private Social Club for a summer evening of connection, conversation, and community. It was wonderful to spend time together, strengthen relationships, and celebrate a shared commitment to creating a stronger Dallas.

Through Rising GENerosity, the next generation of philanthropists come together to learn, engage, and make a meaningful impact in our community.

Interested in joining a community of young professionals committed to giving back? Visit: https://www.dallasfoundation.org/our-impact/rising-generosity/

We’re proud to share that our President & CEO, Julie Diaz, has been named a finalist for D CEO’s inaugural Leadership Excellence Awards in the category of Intentional Leadership.

Julie’s leadership continues to shape the future of The Dallas Foundation and the communities we serve. Under her guidance, the Foundation surpassed $100 million in annual contributions for two consecutive years, reached historic levels of grantmaking, and welcomed a record number of new funds from donors committed to making a lasting impact.

Beyond these accomplishments, Julie has built a culture grounded in collaboration, trust, and purpose while helping position the Foundation for its next century of impact.

This recognition reflects the vision and leadership she brings to our work every day. Congratulations, Julie, on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to celebrating alongside all of the finalists this September when the winners are announced.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Dawn Townsend to Chief Operating Officer at The Dallas Foundation.

Since joining the Foundation in 2015, Dawn has played a key role in advancing our mission, strengthening donor engagement, and elevating our impact across the community. As COO, she will provide leadership across Operations, Technology, and Strategic Initiatives, helping ensure the Foundation is well-positioned to achieve the goals of its strategic plan and serve Dallas for generations to come.

Please join us in celebrating Dawn and this exciting new chapter of leadership at The Dallas Foundation.

What happens when community needs change, organizations evolve, or future generations take on stewardship of a fund? How can donors be confident their philanthropic goals will continue to be honored for years to come?

In our latest Ask an Expert, Erin Rae Osenbaugh, Manager of Donor Services, shares how we help donors define, document, and preserve their intent through personalized philanthropic advising, thoughtful stewardship, and long-term partnership.

Learn how The Dallas Foundation works to ensure every fund remains true to the purpose and values that inspired it, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

https://www.dallasfoundation.org/ask-an-expert/how-does-a-community-foundation-make-sure-your-donor-intent-is-honored/

Our fundholders recently had the opportunity to visit Metrocare Services as part of our 2026 nonprofit donor site visit series.

Guests toured Metrocare’s impressive new facility, heard more about their impactful work across Dallas and beyond, and connected with team members helping expand access to critical behavioral health services for children, families, and individuals in our community.

These visits are designed to connect donors directly with the organizations making an impact in Greater Dallas.

If you’re interested in joining an upcoming fundholder site visit, please reach out to your fund steward.