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The Science of Giving

The Science of Giving

The Caruth Scholars continue Will Caruth's passion for medical and scientific research

A current beneficiary of Will Caruth’s largess, Kim Orth is a Caruth Biomedical Scholar and professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Her research focuses on bacteriahost interactions and contributes lifesaving knowledge about pathogens that cause everything from bubonic plague to food poisoning.

WILLIAM WALTER CARUTH, JR. started a construction and building supply company during the Great Depression. He went on to achieve legendary success in land development before his death in 1990. A passionate philanthropist, Caruth gave generously to his favorite causes: education, scientific and medical research, and public safety. In 1997, the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation at CFT made a major grant to UT Southwestern Medical Center to create Caruth Scholars in Medical Research. The program enables 20 of the world’s brightest young medical scientists to work in the most promising areas of research under the school’s prestigious faculty, whose concentration of Nobel laureates is the world’s highest. Will Caruth wanted to support scientists making profound discoveries. Today’s medical scientists continue to discover the effects of his generosity.

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....