Students in the Giving and Philanthropy course at Texas Christian University’s John V. Roach Honors College were given real decision-making authority over $200,000 in charitable funds—turning classroom learning into direct community impact.
In the course, TCU said honors students conducted semester-long research into local nonprofits, hosted expert speakers, and visited community programs before participating in intensive nine-hour debates to determine funding recipients.
The 15-year-old signature program was divided into two sections—one led by Ron Pitcock, the Wassenich Family Dean, and the other by Sarah Vartabedian, assistant professor of professional practice in the Roach Honors College. TCU said each class was given $100,000 to donate to Fort Worth-area nonprofits selected through a student-led process.
The students gathered in the debate chamber of Scharbauer Hall for the debates, which marked the culmination of their semester’s work.
The week before finals, they returned to the same space—this time joined by representatives from six local nonprofits. TCU said that each student group took the stage to present the nonprofit they had chosen, explaining what inspired their decision, the impact they observed, and why the organization’s mission mattered.
Nonprofits Selected and Award Amounts:
- Hope Farm — $55,000
TCU said the organization guides at-risk boys to become Christ-centered men of integrity.
- Gill Children’s Services — $47,500
Provides last-resort financial assistance to children in Tarrant County. - Methodist Justice Ministry — $37,500
Offers free legal services and support for community members impacted by family violence, child abuse, and neglect. - DASH Network — $30,000
Supports people seeking asylum in North Texas. - The WARM Place — $20,000
Provides grief support for children and their families after the death of a loved one. - Cloud Covered Streets of Fort Worth — $10,000
Offers showers, laundry, haircuts, and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Don’t miss what’s next. Subscribe to Dallas Innovates.
Track Dallas-Fort Worth’s business and innovation landscape with our curated news in your inbox Tuesday-Thursday.
R E A D N E X T
-
North Texas has plenty to see, hear, and watch. Here are our editors' picks. Plus, you'll find more selections to "save the date."
-
Premature babies diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) face the risk of rehospitalization, delayed brain development, and respiratory problems throughout childhood. No FDA-approved therapies are available for BPD—which is why the new FDA designation for AyuVis's drug candidate, AVR-48, could lead to game-changing impact.
-
MAA has long made its presence known with marquee projects across the Panther City. Now it's put down roots with a new office on West 7th Street, adding to its offices in Dallas, Austin, Cincinnati, and Charlotte.
-
“Some moments are priceless.” Fort Worth-based Bison Coolers .... reflecting on the company's Google Super Bowl ad appearance, via LinkedIn. Despite the Cowboys missing out on Super Bowl LIX, a Fort Worth family business scored big during the championship game. Bison Coolers, founded by former Southwest Airlines employee Jeremy Denson in 2011, was featured in Google's "50 States, 50 Stories" campaign highlighting how small businesses use AI technology and the tech giant’s Gemini for Workspace. The opportunity almost slipped away when Denson initially dismissed Google's email as a routine update while at a trade show, according to the Dallas Business…
-
In the heart of Fort Worth's eclectic Magnolia Village neighborhood, PS1200 is an eye-catching sight. The "public space with private moments" at 1200 6th Avenue comprises a public space, a park, eight row-house apartments overlooking the park, six offices within the park, and a restaurant and two retail spaces. The key attraction, though, is those eight apartments with their swooping Quonset hut-like arches:
