IMPACT REPORT 2025
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO: BUILDING OUR SECOND CENTURY—TOGETHER
Dear United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Community,
As we look back on the past year, I am reminded of the extraordinary power of our mission: uniting the community to create access and opportunity for all North Texans to thrive. Together, we are driving measurable impact across education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity that change lives for generations.
What makes United Way of Metropolitan Dallas unique is our ability to bring people together—corporate leaders, grassroots organizations, policy advocates and neighbors—around shared goals. We invest in proven solutions, scale innovation and create lasting systems change. This approach means that every gift of time, talent or resources multiplies to strengthen our community in ways no one organization could achieve alone.
This year marked our Centennial Anniversary, a celebration of 100 years of progress driven by generations of North Texans. From major philanthropic investments to once-in-a-lifetime moments of community pride, our Centennial year honored the past while laying the foundation for the future.
The spirit of Dallas United is at the heart of our work. We’ve seen it in transformational commitments like the $5 million gifts from the Eugene McDermott Foundation and Carol and Kevin March—investments that power groundbreaking initiatives in education, income and health. We’ve seen it in the leadership of our Board of Directors—including our board chairs, Antonio Carrillo, president and CEO of Arcosa, and Terri West, chair of the Texas Instruments Foundation—whose guidance and generosity fuel everything we do. We’ve seen it in visionary leaders like Steven Williams, CEO of PepsiCo, who led our movement to new heights—and energized our mission by bringing new change-makers into the fold—during his tenure as Annual Campaign chair. And we’ve seen it in you—our supporters—whose belief in this mission ensures that more than 1.7 million lives are changed each year.
Together, our future begins now. As we enter our second century, we are more determined than ever to accelerate progress toward our Aspire United 2030 goals. With Jim Burke, president and CEO of Vistra, stepping in as chair of our 101st Annual Campaign, we are sharpening our focus on workforce development—an area where investment today will open opportunity for countless North Texans tomorrow.
As we launch into our next century of impact, the opportunity before us is greater than ever. With bold vision, strategic investment and community-wide commitment, we can create exponential impact—building a North Texas where every individual and family has the resources and opportunity to thrive.
I am deeply grateful for your partnership and invite you to continue this journey with us. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Together, let’s shape the next 100 years of progress.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Sampson
McDermott-Templeton President and CEO
In the past year, we worked with supporters like you to change the lives of more than 1.7 million North Texans—over 20% of our region’s population.
698,000
laid the groundwork for continued educational success.
571,000
received assistance to get and keep better jobs and build savings for the future.
473,000
gained access to the health and wellness resources necessary to live longer, healthier lives.
WE’RE ADVANCING MEASURABLE GOALS
We have big dreams for all of Big D—but we don’t just dream. We take a uniquely strategic, data-driven approach to community impact work. We set and track quantifiable 10-year goals, and leverage a third-party evaluator, to drive meaningful change.
We Invest in Grassroots Change
PROGRESS TOWARD OUR GOALS
Education
Income
Health
EDUCATION FOR ALL
Program Partner
Program Partners
GREATER FINANCIAL STABILITY
Program Partners
Program Partners
Program Partner
A HEALTHIER NORTH TEXAS
Program Partner
Program Partner
The New Collective Impact Work Initiative at Redbird
In 2024, Southern Dallas Thrives expanded its programming with the launch of the Collective Impact Work Readiness Initiative at Redbird Station, in partnership with Dallas College and Ascend Dallas, and with support from Arcosa and PepsiCo. This initiative is designed to expand career pathways for workers and increase opportunities in high-growth industries.
Campus-Based Community Hubs
School resource hubs serve as vital community centers, enhancing students’ social-emotional and academic experiences by providing essential support and resources, such as school uniforms, hygiene kits and snack packs.
Improving Food Access
Throughout the year, we worked with partners to combat food insecurity through initiatives such as our collaboration with Goodr, which organizes popup grocery stores, food distributions, and grocery deliveries; our support of free summer meals programs; and our Food and Health Resources Fair, which connected our neighbors with healthy food and vital resources, thanks to the support of Tom Thumb and Albertsons.
Partnerships Drive Greater Impact
Southern Dallas Thrives Corporate & Social Impact Funding Partners
Government & Collaborative Foundation Partners
Volunteering: Aspire United Volunteer Series
During our historic Centennial year, the Live United movement created historic hands-on impact through our Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments. The groundbreaking series began with our Food and Health Resources Fair and culminated with a two-day STEM Fest at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science. At many of the events, we partnered with top Dallas sports teams to champion the spirit of our community.
Each volunteer activation was strategically positioned as a community-centered celebration of our work to improve access to education, income and health in North Texas. The flagship events were the drumbeat for our Centennial Celebration and Concert, mobilizing close to 5,000 volunteers for a year-long show of impact:
“At TI, being a good neighbor is core to who we are. I take pride in seeing our employees volunteer in the community, putting our shared ambitions and values into action. That’s why sponsoring the Aspire United Volunteer Series during United Way’s Centennial year made such sense for us—it brought thousands of volunteers together—TIers, those from other companies and community members—to create meaningful change. Our partnership with United Way reinforces why I’m proud to be part of TI—beyond the next innovations in semiconductor technology, we’re collectively building a stronger future for North Texas.”
This year, we touched more lives than ever before through our Aspire United Volunteer Series presented by Texas Instruments—mobilizing our neighbors and corporate partners to power initiatives that will change lives for decades to come. We look forward to building on this momentum as we launch into our second century of service.
Together, We Created a Once-in-a-Century Impact
Throughout our Centennial anniversary year, the Live United movement came together like never before, in an inspiring show of force that amplified our collective impact both this year and as we launch into our second century of service to North Texas.
Thank you to the tens of thousands of change-makers who invested, advocated and volunteered during this historic year. Your dedication to North Texas positively impacted 1.7 million of our neighbors this year—and will touch individuals and families for generations to come.
Historic Investments in the Future of Our Community
As we celebrated our Centennial anniversary and looked ahead to our second century of impact, we were amazed to see a groundswell of support for our mission. Over the past year, our movement benefited from the generous support of individual change-seekers, corporate partners, foundations and more.
This year included two transformational gifts that will drive measurable, generational progress in education, income and health. In December, The Eugene McDermott Foundation generously committed $5 million, a testament to the McDermott family’s enduring commitment to innovation and opportunity. Then, in April, longtime supporters Carol and Kevin March pledged a remarkable $5 million gift, continuing their legacy of investment in North Texas and their commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Honoring Philanthropist Margot Perot
In 2024, the J. Erik Jonsson honor was awarded to Margot Perot, one of Dallas’ most humble and impactful leaders. She has dedicated decades of selfless contributions to education, financial stability and healthcare, alongside her unwavering support of community-focused initiatives in North Texas.
CEO Advisory Council
These local business leaders provide strategic networking and diverse thinking to help guide progress toward our Aspire United 2030 goals.
Co-Chairs
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Curt FarmerChairman, President and CEO,
Comerica -
Haviv Ilan
President and CEO, Texas Instruments
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Jim Burke
President and CEO,
Vistra Corp.
We Leverage the Power of Social Innovation
For 100 years, we’ve embraced an entrepreneurial mindset to continually adapt to our community’s challenges and opportunities. Part of this strategy includes partnering with innovative grassroots organizations through our Social Innovation Lab, programs that identify, support and amplify social entrepreneurs whose work aligns with our goals in education, income and health.
Social Innovation Incubator
This 14-week organizational and leadership development program is designed for innovative, early-stage startups. The Incubator provides entrepreneurs with mentorship and guidance that empowers them to create a validated business plan and begin launching their ventures. The initiative also establishes a stronger, more diverse pipeline of ventures that are ready for the Social Innovation Accelerator.
“The Incubator really helped us answer the question, ‘Who are you, and why are you who you are?’ Fast forward to the Accelerator, and we already knew what our differentiator was. We were already dialed into our work, into who we are, our value proposition, our customers.”
Social Innovation Incubator Investors
WOMEN OF TOCQUEVILLE FUND FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN
Social Innovation Alumni Program
Social Innovation Accelerator Investors
Impact Investing
Over the past five years, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has harnessed the power of impact investing—backing for-profit ventures that deliver meaningful social change and then reinvesting the returns into new, high-impact initiatives. In partnership with the DRK Foundation, we launched the North Texas United Impact Fund to direct targeted investments into historically underinvested communities. This fund seeks out and supports promising early-stage nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises that are moving the needle in education, income and health. Since its inception, the fund has made three major investments—Child Poverty Action Lab, Texas Water Trade and Lone Star Justice Alliance—each set to receive $300,000 over three years to fuel their transformative work.
The program culminates at The Pitch delivered by Amazon, which—with the support of our Centennial Innovation sponsor, Goldman Sachs—this year united 1,000 change-makers from across North Texas. The energy, excitement and impact were unforgettable, as five finalists pitched their bold ideas for life in our community, competing for game-changing funding and the title of Social Innovator of the Year.
“United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is certainly not your father’s United Way. It’s an amazing interpretation of the best that United Way can be.”
Advocacy: Mobilizing for Meaningful Change
Advocacy is one of the most effective and meaningful ways to speak up about issues affecting North Texans. That’s why for this year’s legislative session, we went above and beyond to make our voices heard.
Texas United Way Capitol Day: This year, we traveled to Austin for our biggest advocacy day yet, uniting 50 dedicated change-seekers to push for legislation that will improve the lives of our neighbors. Guided by our key policy priorities—to improve early literacy and numeracy, increase access to affordable, high-quality childcare and early childhood education programs, and protect and strengthen food access systems and outcomes—our delegation visited 30 Texas House and Senate legislative offices over a three-day stint. During Capitol Day, the Texas Senate passed a resolution honoring United Way of Metropolitan Dallas for 100 years of service to the community. Special thanks to the sponsors who helped make the day a success: the Women of Tocqueville, Texas Regional Bank and Debbie McComas.
All Eyes on Austin: Months before lawmakers returned to the House and Senate chambers, we hosted All Eyes on Austin, a three-part webinar series featuring expert panelists who equipped our delegation with the information needed to be successful advocates for North Texas. And those efforts paid off.
Improving Access to Childcare: In May, we learned that Texas lawmakers voted to provide an extra $100 million in childcare scholarships for low-income families. This is a win for our entire region, as childcare has become unaffordable for many North Texas parents and caregivers. With this historic funding, more people will be able to become financially stable adults and save up for the future. But our engagement efforts didn’t stop there.
Capitol Hill Day: In July, we capped off a successful legislative session by traveling to Washington, D.C. for the United Way Worldwide Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day. The trip gave us a chance to meet with several North Texas congressional offices and advocate for federal policy positions that align with our Aspire United 2030 goals.
As we launch into our second century of impact, advocacy will be as important as ever for driving progress toward our goals. When we speak up with one voice, united, we can ensure North Texas benefits from policies that improve all of our lives.
WITH DALLAS UNITED, WE’RE DRIVING MEANINGFUL CHANGE ACROSS NORTH TEXAS
* Partners with logos featured support United Way of Metropolitan Dallas with investments of $1 million and above
PARTNER WITH US
Century Circle Supporters
- Margot Perot
- The Eugene McDermott Foundation
- Karen and Tom Falk
- Margaret Simmons Endowment Fund
- Carol and Kevin March
- Thomas W. and Lillian Kangerga Sowell Charitable Trust
- Corrine and Tom Greco
- Lyda Hill Philanthropies
- The Richard and Mary Templeton Foundation
- Beth and Greg Delagi
- Karen and Michael Hames
- Hoblitzelle Foundation
- Kaori Mitsuhashi and Michael D. Hsu
- Ronit and Haviv Ilan
- Robert Kaplan
- Caren and Peter Kline
- Manju and Venu Menon
- Debbie and Dave Rader
- The Rose Family Foundation
- Terri and Mike West
- Christy and Steven Williams
- Shawna Wilson and Thomas Frei
Fueling Lasting Impact: The United Way Tocqueville Society
In North Texas, generosity runs deep—and nowhere is that more evident than in our Giving Societies. These visionary leaders are more than donors; they are change-makers who invest their time, talents and resources to create a stronger community for all.
This year, the Tocqueville Society continued to grow in both size and impact. As part of our Centennial celebrations, we had the privilege of welcoming Stéphanie and Jean-Guillaume de Tocqueville to Dallas. Their visit was more than a celebration—it was a bridge between our local legacy of giving and the global history of the Tocqueville Society, a powerful reminder of philanthropy’s ability to transform the future. Meanwhile, the Tocqueville Society continued its steady growth throughout the year, with 187 new members, bringing our network to 1,110 members strong, united by a shared commitment to drive bold solutions across education, income and health. This momentum is set to crescendo in 2026, when we mark the 40th anniversary of the Tocqueville Society in Dallas.
“Dallas was the first place where I discovered philanthropy and the linkage between Tocqueville and philanthropy. People united by the same values—they give their time, their money to the common good—these are the characteristics of a Tocqueville member.”
We also celebrate the inspiring work of our other Giving Societies:
- Women of Tocqueville, championing opportunities for families across North Texas through their Fund for Women and Children, which has infused vital funds into local initiatives such as the Social Innovation Incubator
- March Tocqueville Fellows, a rising generation of leaders shaping the future of philanthropy
- Teens United, passionate young advocates already making their mark on our community
Together, this powerful movement of philanthropists is helping to write the next chapter of United Way’s story—and the impact they’re making today will resonate for generations to come.
Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society 2025 Leadership
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Steven Williams
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Erin Nealy Cox and Trey Cox
Tocqueville Society Co-Chairs
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Laura and Jason Downing
$25,000 Tocqueville Society Circle Co-Chairs
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Michael Hsu
$100,000 Tocqueville Society Circle Chair
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Mandy Austin, Michelle Horton, Michelle Thomas
Women of Tocqueville Co-Chairs
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Katie Rose
Women of Tocqueville Chair-Elect
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Dee Brown
Women of Tocqueville Vice Chair
Financial Statement Fiscal Year 2025
Support & Revenues| 47,530,671 |
|
|---|---|
Grant & Contribution Revenue | |
Government Contract Revenue | |
UWMFMD (Foundation) Grant | |
Other Revenue Sources | |
In-Kind Goods & Services |
| Expenses | 47,858,175 |
|---|---|
Program Services | |
Fundraising | |
Management & General |
| Assets | 58,348,890 |
|---|---|
Current Assets | |
Land, Building & Equipment | |
Other Long-Term Assets |
| Liabilities & Net Assets | 58,348,890 |
|---|---|
Current Liabilities | |
Without Donor Restriction | |
With Donor Restriction |
WE’RE GREATER WHEN WE’RE UNITED
Together, we have accomplished so much in our first century, improving the lives of millions of families and neighborhoods. In our next hundred years, we will extend our unwavering commitment to every pocket of the region because we know North Texas can be even greater, for all its people.
We believe a shared purpose does more than inspire and motivate. It unites, compounds and multiplies our efforts.
We believe in the power of opportunity and its ability to transform people’s everyday lives and future.
We believe the most common resources in some communities should not be the most unattainable in others.
We believe in creating solutions greater than the barriers people face.
We know progress must be proven.
We are a strategic force for good, cultivating success in all corners of North Texas—today and for generations to come.
We are United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, proudly driving positive change for 100 years. And we look forward to creating an even greater future for North Texas, making it a place everyone is proud to call home.
Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Live United.
