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Little House in the Piney Woods: Making Philanthropic History

Little House in the Piney Woods: Making Philanthropic History

Millard’s Crossing is a mini-city filled with 19th century homes in Nacogdoches

Born and raised in Nacogdoches, Lera Millard married a lawyer-turned-congressman and became a congresswoman herself in 1965. When her term ended, she returned to her birthplace and began to restore old homes and antiquities in the town. She ensured the renovation and preservation of her estate through a fund she established at CFT. Today the 37-acre mini-city filled with 19th century homes, a chapel, a log cabin and a school is known as Millard’s Crossing.

Keeping Texas Schools Above Water

Keeping Texas Schools Above Water

After the storm, generosity gives Texas schools a lifeline


In August 2017, over 6 million Texans were impacted by Hurricane Harvey’s devastation. Repairing the damage done to the Gulf Coast region will require years of support.

Hurricane Harvey Recovery Update

Hurricane Harvey Recovery Update

On behalf of Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for your contribution in supporting individuals and families whose lives were uprooted in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.


Smart Justice

Smart Justice

Caruth funds Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute to route mentally ill to care instead of jail


Of Texas inmates, 34 percent have a mental health need, and most have substance use disorders. The state of Texas spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually to provide mental health services to these individuals. Dallas is piloting a better way.

Building  Economic  Security for  Working Families

Building Economic Security for Working Families

CFT seeds nonprofit network to help low-income families


For two years, Communities Foundation of Texas has been working with 10 nonprofits across North Texas who are part of CFT’s Working Families Success Network (WFSN).

Racial Equity Grants

Racial Equity Grants

CFT awards $150,000 in grants to support racial equity work in Dallas


On Jan. 17, 2018, the National Day of Racial Healing, Communities Foundation of Texas announced that a total of $150,000 was distributed across 35 nonprofits to help them facilitate storytelling or implement practical solutions to race-related challenges in Dallas.

Data-Driven Decision-Making Institute Builds Strength

Data-Driven Decision-Making Institute Builds Strength

CFT's D3 Institute was a data bootcamp for agencies


The picture of Dallas that emerged from a study released in 2012 debunked the prevailing thought that the city and the surrounding North Texas region were filled with people earning comfortable incomes....