The BEACON Fund at NTCF supports community development in historically disinvested neighborhoods. In 2025, BEACON awarded operational support to 22 nonprofits focused on housing, jobs, education, healthcare, and other foundations of a thriving community. Beyond funding, BEACON brings grantees together for a year‑long cohort that strengthens relationships, encourages shared learning, deepens organizational capacity and amplifies community impact.
As part of the BEACON cohort, grantees partnered on neighborhood-based Early Action Projects in collaboration with organizations serving the same communities. Because community development work creates impact over time, progress is not always easy to see early on. These projects offered a way to build momentum while long-term efforts continued to take shape.
Arlington
Arlington’s Early Action Project, Financial Confidence Starts Here: Empowering Families. Building Futures., recognized Financial Literacy Month by offering practical and culturally relevant financial education. Families engaged in interactive activities and accessed trusted resources designed to build confidence and support long-term stability.
Collaborating Organizations: Grace Lutheran Church, the Hispanic Real Estate Brokers Association, Tarrant County Academy of Medicine, and Water from the Rock.
Fort Worth – Eastside
On the Eastside, Stories that Impact Our Community brought residents of all ages together through art and storytelling. The event featured art exhibits, live performances, poetry, and food, creating space for neighbors to share stories and celebrate their community.
Collaborating Organizations: Community Frontline, 4 Saints Episcopal Food Pantry, Jewel’s Comfort Keeper, Maroon 9 Community Enrichment, and the Thank You Darlin’ Foundation
Fort Worth – Northside
BEACON grantees on the Northside collaborated on the Northside Community Book Exchange, launching small free lending libraries throughout the neighborhood. Hosted at community-centered locations along the Northside corridor, the project expanded access to books while encouraging connection and learning in everyday spaces. The lending libraries can be found at Artes de la Rosa, Casa Azul, and Northside Inter-Community Agency.
Collaborating Organizations: Northside Inter-Community Agency, Artes de la Rosa, the Historic Northside District, and Literacy United
Fort Worth – Southside
In the Southside, BEACON partners hosted a Community Garden Workday focused on care and stewardship of a shared neighborhood space. Community members worked side by side to strengthen the garden near Van Zandt Guinn Elementary, reinforcing a sense of shared ownership.
Collaborating Organizations: BRAVE/R Together, Hope Farm, the National Juneteenth Museum, and Create + Collaborate.
Fort Worth – Westside
The Como Community Garden Block Party transformed the Como Community Garden into a lively neighborhood gathering space. Residents enjoyed food, entertainment, seed distribution, giveaways, and access to local resources. The event was made possible through collaboration among all working together to support community wellness and connection.
Collaborating Organizations: Building Pathways, CHAMP, Como Lions Heart, Opening Doors for Women in Need, and 619 Productions
