North Texas Giving Day: A Region-Wide Effort to Support Local Nonprofits
More than 3,600 local nonprofits are seeking donations on September 18, during the 17th annual North Texas Giving Day. The participating nonprofits help to provide food access, housing, education, and health services, among other needs, to residents throughout the region. During the event, 100% of the tax-deductible donations go to nonprofits across 20 counties in North Texas.
Over $70 million was raised for over 3,200 nonprofits through North Texas Giving Day last year, according to the Communities Foundation of Texas. It is the foundation’s largest community initiative.
This year’s surge in participation comes as nonprofits seek new funding amid reductions in funding from federal, state, and local sources, said Wayne White, president and CEO of Communities Foundation of Texas.
The Impact of Funding Cuts on Local Nonprofits
A recent survey conducted by Communities Foundation of Texas, the Dallas Foundation, and the North Texas Community Foundation found that among the about 700 local nonprofits surveyed, 56% experienced funding decreases — over $127 million in total losses. Federal funding cuts alone accounted for $71.6 million, foundation grants declined by $19 million, and state and local funding dropped by $17.4 million, according to the survey.
These cuts severely impacted social services, education, youth programs, housing, hunger, and food access, which collectively experienced $74 million in losses, according to the survey.
“Those that are in need, and those that are doing great work to provide for those in need, have a need that this community in North Texas can actually meet,” White said. “If we don’t do it ourselves, it’s not going to get done. The time is now, and the need is great.”
North Texas Giving Day: A Life-Changing Event
North Texas Giving Day is the largest regional giving event in the nation, and it has raised over $635 million over the past 16 years, according to the foundation. The official “North Texas Giving Day” is Thursday, but the giving campaign began on August 28. Many participating organizations are matching funds to double each donation’s impact, White said.
Participation in the event can be life-changing, especially for organizations such as It’s a Sensory World!
Teacher Karen Rocha reads a book to Danai Makwembere, left, and Jacob Crespo at It’s a Sensory World! on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Farmers Branch. Teacher Jocelyne Perez, right, helps the students communicate.
Angela Piazza / Staff Photographer
It’s a Sensory World!: A Success Story
It’s a Sensory World! serves children with developmental differences. It’s celebrating its 10th year of participation and has raised $380,541 since 2015, according to the Communities Foundation of Texas. Those funds have allowed It’s a Sensory World! to provide students with a safe space to do therapy homework while having their sensory needs met, said Angela Stephens, the organization’s executive director and co-founder.
Stephens credits Giving Day donations with enabling security improvements, including a campus-wide system with cameras and GPS trackers for field trips.
Jonathan Thomas, an assistant teacher, helps student David Henke (left) sort photos of vegetables from photos of fruits at It’s a Sensory World! on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in Farmers Branch.
Angela Piazza / Staff Photographer
