Chuck and Joannie Hensley have partnered with CFT since 2009, and currently have a donor-advised fund and a scholarship fund at CFT.
The Hensleys have been enjoying retirement for more than a decade and have spent a lot of their free time giving back to others through their shared and individual passions. Chuck and Joannie both grew up in Oklahoma, reconnected after college, and have been married for more than 50 years, with two adult children. Before retirement, Joannie was a teacher and Chuck worked in financial services.
In addition to supporting local nonprofits and their church through their family fund at CFT, the Hensleys established a scholarship fund in their name at Oklahoma State University, their alma mater. They’ve also been long-time supporters of the American Indian College Fund, where Chuck served on the board.
“We’re extremely grateful for what we’ve been given and want to help others as much as we can. In 1969, I was blessed with a $250 loan from a bank and a job connection through a friend that helped kickstart my career in Dallas,” said Chuck, who recalls not knowing anyone when he first moved to town. “We want to leave a legacy here in Dallas because this city is one of the reasons we’ve had such success in life. We caught some big breaks and want to pay it forward.”
In addition to their shared passion for education, Joannie has a heart for animals, having volunteered with a local rescue for more than two decades. Chuck also volunteered as a youth football coach, and still keeps in touch with some of those he coached fifty years ago.
The Joan H. Hensley Scholarship Fund will be funded through their estate plan to provide scholarships to North Texas high school graduates seeking a degree or credential at an accredited trade or vocational school or community college.
“We’re focused on supporting motivated students who need the most help in obtaining a career or credential that will enable them to be successful in the workplace. As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand that you can really make a difference if you give someone a chance.”
– JOANNIE HENSLEY
CFT FUND HOLDER
This story was originally featured in our 2023 annual report. For additional details and content, click here.
