ARLINGTON, Texas – The Cotton Bowl Foundation announced a distribution of $425,000 in grants to a nine North Texas organizations representing a diverse collection of nonprofits making impacts for those who play, attend and support the game of college football.
 
The nine organizations extended 2024-25 grants were All Stars Project of Dallas ($100,000), Wesley-Rankin Community Center ($60,000), AT LAST! ($50,000), T.R. Hoover Community Development Corporation ($50,000), Metro Sports Fieldhouse ($48,500), Distinctly His Ministries ($40,000), Heart House ($40,000), Teen Life ($25,000) and Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation ($11,500).
 
The number of nonprofits extended grants and the total amount distributed both represent single-year highs for the Cotton Bowl Foundation's grants initiative since its inception in 2016.
 
"We are thrilled to be able to extend grants to so many organizations that are doing so much to make our North Texas community better," said W. Kelvin Walker, Chair, Cotton Bowl Foundation and Cotton Bowl Athletic Association. "Supporting worthy organizations like these is a wonderful way for us to invest in our community and champion children and families all across North Texas."
 
All Stars Project of Dallas
The $100,000 grant given to All Stars Project of Dallas is going to support its after-school development programs involving tens of thousands of inner-city young people and adults from all walks of life as well as its performance programs and bridge-building initiatives.
 
"Through our workforce solutions and youth development programs, young people gain the skills, confidence and professional relationships they need to grow and build new possibilities for themselves and their communities," said Antoine Joyce-Roach, All Stars Project of Dallas Senior Vice President/City Leader. "This generous gift brings us closer to building a stronger, more inclusive Dallas workforce and economy. Together, with partners like the Cotton Bowl Foundation, we're shaping a bright future for Dallas."

Wesley-Rankin Community Center
The Wesley-Rankin Community Center is using its $60,000 grant to enhance its educational programs for children of all grade levels and adults and emphasize math and reading enrichment, social-emotional skills and character development.
 
"Our community center is a unique nonprofit that listens closely to its neighbors and then adapts to meet the evolving needs," said Shellie Ross, Wesley-Rankin Community Center Chief Executive Officer. "We often create solutions for educational needs and skill development when there are none. Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves a fair chance to reach their potential. We thank the Cotton Bowl Foundation for believing in our work and investing in West Dallas!" 
 
AT LAST!
AT LAST! was surprised with $25,000 of its $50,000 grant during North Texas Giving Day 2024, first during the Aug. 23 WFAA-TV Daybreak morning newscast at AT&T Stadium and again on the giving day's final day on Sept. 19. AT LAST! is using its grant to expand its South Oak Cliff footprint to grow its Scholars-In-Residence program.
 
"AT LAST! is incredibly grateful to the Cotton Bowl Foundation for its commitment to underserved youth on the south side of Dallas," said Randy Bowman, AT LAST! Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "A city's civic community reveals its character and savvy through its philanthropic investments. Our community is lucky to have the Cotton Bowl Foundation and its investment in improving educational outcomes of impoverished elementary school-aged kids is the height of compassion, creates a life-long impact in the life of a child, breaks intergenerational poverty and helps grow Dallas by improving the inputs into its future workforce. That's impact!"
 
T.R. Hoover Community Development Corporation
The $50,000 grant awarded to T.R. Hoover Community Development Corporation is being used to enhance, empower and deliver comprehensive, cooperative solutions that make a positive difference in the South Dallas community through offering affordable housing solutions, promoting economic growth and fostering community development.
 
"The funding from the Cotton Bowl Foundation empowers us to continue serving the South Dallas community by enhancing resources and opportunities for those we support," said Sherri Mixon, T.R. Hoover Community Development Corporation Chief Executive Director. "With this partnership, we're able to make a greater impact and foster positive change in our neighborhood. We thank the Cotton Bowl Foundation for its generous support."
 
Metro Sports Fieldhouse
Metro Sports Fieldhouse is putting its $48,500 grant to work to support its mission to utilize sports as a vehicle to help youth develop essential life skills, build and maintain healthy habits and provide exposure to multiple career pathways.
 
"Our vision is to empower thousands of youth annually to realize their full potential and become thriving members of their communities," said Larry Curry, Metro Sports Fieldhouse Founder and Executive Director. "We strive to provide a welcoming space for all youth and families, promote holistic development, foster collaborative opportunities, motivate individuals to reach their full potential and equip youth with necessary tools to become active members in their communities."
 
Distinctly His Ministries
The $40,000 grant extended to Distinctly His Ministries is going to provide funding for its Distinct Sports program, which includes its summer college tour and Football 2 Faith summer camp.
 
"Our Distinct Sports program is designed to train and empower young athletes as leaders both on and off the field," said Lee Jackson, Distinctly His Ministries Executive Director. "We are committed to shaping thriving leaders who contribute in meaningful ways and positively impact their communities."
 
Heart House
The $40,000 grant awarded to Heart House is going to directly impact its mission to combat poverty and promote educational equity through literacy and social-emotional learning for children and families in Vickery Meadow.
 
"We are incredibly grateful to the Cotton Bowl Foundation for its generous grant," said Shannon Hendricks, Heart House Executive Director. "This support empowers us to continue our vital work providing literacy and mental well-being guidance for refugee, immigrant and under-resourced children, making a lasting difference in the lives of the students we serve. Together, we inspire growth, resilience and success in our community."
 
Teen Life
Teen Life is putting its $25,000 grant towards its Support Groups initiative designed to provide a safe place for teens to talk with peers about what is going on in their lives under the guidance of a trusted adult and give them resources to face life's challenges.
 
"Teen Life Support Groups are a lifeline for students who often feel isolated or overwhelmed," said Nino Elliott, Teen Life Executive Director. "Investing resources like these in Fort Worth ISD isn't just an option; it's essential. By connecting teens with trusted adults and resources, we're creating safe spaces where they feel seen, valued and supported through whatever challenges they face."
 
Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation
The $11,500 grant provided to the Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation is supporting its yearlong sports program for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County members.
 
"In partnership with the UT Arlington Kinesiology Department, our sports program is providing underserved youth with opportunities to explore pathways to sports-related careers while benefiting from physical activity, leadership development and team building," said Mary German, Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation Founder and Executive Director. "With the Cotton Bowl Foundation's generous grant, more than 200 students are going to have the opportunity to participate in various facets of our sports program."
 
As a part of the Cotton Bowl Foundation's philanthropic pursuits this year, the official foundation for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic donated dollars beyond its grants initiative that will change lives for years to come in North Texas and across the country.
 
The Foundation extended a $10,000 grant, matching a $10,000 donation from American Airlines for the second straight year, to Tarrant Area Food Bank during the 2024 TAFB Thanksgiving Mega Mobile Market, awarded $200,000 in partnership with the College Football Playoff Foundation to Catch Up & Read, The Educator Collective, Principal Impact Collaborative at UNT Dallas and United to Learn and supported art teachers and programs in North Texas with $75,000 in grants through the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic Art Contest presented by Amazon.
 
This year alone, the Cotton Bowl Foundation has awarded more than $610,000 in grants to deserving organizations striving to make a difference in communities across the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
 
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