Academy of Dance – TJC

Connecting Dance and Mental Health for Students with All Abilities

40% of children do not have access to live dance experiences and 20% have a mental health disorder. Bringing 3,000 students to a live cultural and educational experience will benefit the children mentally and physically. We have incurred increases in production and student scholarship expenses making this needed opportunity unaffordable for schools. This grant will fund 4 school shows for The Nutcracker and The Snow Queen. One show per production will be sensory sensitive for special needs students.

Achieving Dreams

Breaking Barriers: Transportation as the Bridge to Belonging

For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, transportation is not simply a vehicle – it is the bridge between isolation and belonging. With reliable transportation, Achieving Dreams transforms lives by connecting adults with disabilities to community experiences, real-life skill development, and friendship. This program strengthens families by providing valuable respite to caregivers, many of whom provide 24/7 support, while their loved ones learn, grow, and engage in the community.

Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County

Digitize Client Files and Forms

Cover the cost to scan and safely store all past and current client files and digitally collect client information, all to better serve our clients. The Electronic Document Management system and use of Microsoft Forms and Adobe will allow us to digitize crucial forms and files that are a vital part of a child’s case when they come to Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County (CACSC). This will raise the bar in information security, staff efficiency and most importantly, client care at CACSC.

First Tee Greater Tyler

Woldert Park Short Game Practice Facility Upgrade

First Tee Greater Tyler requests funding to restore the practice greens and install an artificial bunker and dedicated pitching platforms at our Woldert Park facility. Woldert Park is our only standalone practice facility where youth lack access to a golf course during programming, unlike our other locations. This project will improve short-game instruction and skill development for children in North Tyler, most of whom receive scholarship support.

The Fostering Collective

Room to Belong: Expanding Hope for Children in Foster Care

The Fostering Collective seeks to reimagine its Smith County headquarters to strengthen its capacity to serve children and families impacted by foster care. The project will create dedicated space for staff and volunteers, improve collaboration, and support program growth. These improvements will increase our ability to recruit and equip foster and adoptive families, provide critical support and help more vulnerable children experience the safety, healing, and permanence of a loving family.

Hand Up Network

Cool Like That!

Hand Up Network (HUN) has been serving Tyler, Smith County and Greater East Texas since the end of 2018. Our re-sale store serves downtown Tyler from a former church sanctuary and facilitates between 13,000-18,000 transactions per year. Revenue from the store contributes to program support. The AC unit for the store has long passed its repair date and needs replacement. Clients, customers and staff have to endure Texas summer heat and chills in winter. HUN requests funds for this unit.

PAVE East Texas

Smart Classrooms, Stronger Futures

Technology should never be the barrier between a woman and the future she deserves. This project will equip PAVE East Texas programs with updated technology, empowering adult learners to build digital skills, prepare for computer-based GED exams, and gain the confidence needed to pursue higher education, secure meaningful employment and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Tyler Area Buisness Education Council

Tyler Area Talent Retention and Workforce Pipeline Initiative

The Tyler Area Business Education Council seeks funds to implement the Tyler Area Talent Retention and Workforce Pipeline Initiative. Through an expanded Future Leaders of Tyler program and the launch of NEXTyler and a Summer Career and Technical Education Program, Smith County youth will gain leadership development, career exploration, workforce readiness training, and employer connections that strengthen educational attainment, talent retention, and the future workforce of the Tyler area.

Tyler Civic Theatre

Safe Seats, Stronger Stories

Tyler Civic Theatre requests funds to replace aging seating in the Rogers Children’s Theatre, removing safety hazards and expanding year-round educational programming for Smith County women and children. The project will create a safer, more accessible space for youth productions, early childhood performances, Conservatory showcases, family engagement and arts education while increasing reliable access to programming that inspires creativity, confidence and connection.