At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we’re thrilled to announce a $15.5 million investment from The Stephens Greth Foundation to support communities across North Texas in building brighter, healthier futures.  

This incredible investment is the largest philanthropic gift in our organization’s history. It will help expand proven programs, support new approaches to persistent challenges and direct resources where they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across the region. 

What is The Stephens Greth Foundation? 

The Stephens Greth Foundation is a private foundation that strives to empower individuals, strengthen families and promote a brighter, healthier and more compassionate future for all.  

Rooted in North Texas and the Permian Basin, the foundation was created in honor of Autry C. Stephens and carries forward his values—among them community, compassion and opportunity. Its giving focuses on educational excellence; healthcare access; animal welfare; women and children; first responders, veterans and their families; and the local organizations and entrepreneurs that drive community transformation.  

How will The Stephens Greth gift be used? 

The grant will help advance education, income and health outcomes across North Texas by supporting: 

• Five United Way-led initiatives: Healthcare Navigators, Once Upon A Month, Pathways to Work, social innovation and the Data Capacity Building Initiative, which strengthens the impact of local nonprofits by empowering them with micro-level, hyper-local data from the Community Vulnerability Compass, developed in partnership with PCCI 

• Our Community Impact Fund, which provides grants to local organizations driving progress in our focus areas of education, income and health  

These initiatives reflect The Stephens Greth Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to education and healthcare and helping individuals, families and communities reach their full potential. The funding will provide both targeted support for high-impact programs and the flexibility needed to respond to emerging needs and pursue long-term solutions that strengthen communities. 

“This transformational gift reflects the power of visionary philanthropy to create meaningful change across North Texas,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton president and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “The Stephens Greth Foundation’s leadership demonstrates a deep belief in the importance of investing in solutions that strengthen communities and improve lives. Their generosity will help United Way continue advancing innovative solutions, strengthening community partnerships and delivering measurable impact for North Texans. We are profoundly grateful for their trust and partnership.” 

How does this gift support United Way’s work in education, income and health? 

United Way’s mission to improve access to education, income and health aligns closely with the goals of The Stephens Greth Foundation.  

This historic investment reflects the foundation’s belief that strong communities are built by people willing to work hard, take responsibility and help others move forward. Through its partnership with United Way, the foundation is supporting locally informed efforts that can strengthen families, open doors and help communities across North Texas prosper for generations to come. 

“At The Stephens Greth Foundation, we believe meaningful change happens when organizations have both the vision and the capacity to tackle complex challenges over the long term,” said Lyndal Stephens Greth, executive chairman of The Stephens Greth Foundation. “Humility, hard work, integrity, compassion and a belief in opportunity earned and shared—these values guide our family’s philanthropy and our commitment to organizations that create real, lasting change. United Way of Metropolitan Dallas consistently brings people together, invests strategically and delivers measurable results for North Texas. We are proud to support their work and look forward to the difference this investment will make for generations to come.” 

Jim Burke, annual campaign chair for United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, said the foundation’s leadership demonstrates the extraordinary impact that philanthropic partnerships can have on a community. 

“This is an extraordinary investment in North Texas and in the people who call this region home,” Burke said. “The Stephens Greth Foundation is setting a powerful example of what’s possible when leaders invest in organizations with the reach and experience to make a real difference. I believe their generosity will inspire others across our business and philanthropic communities to get involved and build on this momentum.” 

As we enter our second century of community impact, this unprecedented gift will help deepen our impact across North Texas. Together, United Way and The Stephens Greth Foundation are building on a shared vision for a stronger community—one where more individuals and families have the opportunity to thrive.