Women's Philanthropy Institute (Mary M. Jalonick Women's Philanthropy Institute)

Women's Philanthropy Institute

The Mary M. Jalonick Women's Philanthropy Institute (WPI) is a program established by The Dallas Foundation to educate, inspire, and empower women donors to become confident and engaged philanthropists. Members learn about community needs and organizations addressing those needs through direct visits and strategic evaluation.

Geographic Scope: North Texas / Greater Dallas area

Program Details:

• Typically visits 4-5 nonprofit organizations in the Dallas area each year
• Members receive education on how to strategically evaluate nonprofits, including review of financial documents and organizational structure
• At year-end, members vote on which organization receives the largest grant
• Grant funding is raised through member contributions and the Mary M. Jalonick Women's Philanthropy Institute Endowment Fund (established 2018)

Eligibility:

• Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Must serve North Texas communities
• Organizations are selected by WPI members through their evaluation process

Award Amounts:

• Lead grants: $25,000 - $50,000
• Standard grants: $10,000 - $12,500
• 2020: $150,000 awarded total ($50K lead grant + eight $12,500 grants)
• 2019: $65,000 awarded total ($25K lead grant + four $10,000 grants)

Impact:

• Since 2013, women engaged with WPI have recommended over $15 million in grants
• In past 5 years, over 200 women have participated
• Members granted over $15.5 million through the Institute and personal giving