In a recent feature with Forbes, Julie Diaz, President & CEO of The Dallas Foundation, reflected on her decades-long journey in nonprofit leadership—and the deep sense of purpose that guides her work today. From a childhood surrounded by educators and musicians to leading Texas’s first community foundation, Diaz shared how her commitment to people, place, and progress continues to shape meaningful impact across Greater Dallas.

Here’s the full article, highlighting how she’s driving lasting change in Dallas:

Philanthropic Passion

Raised in a family of educators and musicians, Julie Diaz’s early nonprofit career naturally gravitated toward the arts, public media, and education. For three decades, she honed her skills in marketing, fundraising, board development, and the myriad other essential elements in nonprofit leadership. When the opportunity arose to join The Dallas Foundation, it was a natural fit to dovetail Diaz’s nonprofit experience with her passion for people and community.

“What I loved about The Dallas Foundation was its broad mission of serving Greater Dallas. I was excited to work closely with donors on the causes they care about while understanding the spectrum of issues facing the local community and striving to make a difference,” she says.

Now, nearly six years after joining the organization, Julie Diaz has settled confidently into her role as CEO. As The Dallas Foundation looks toward celebrating its centennial in 2029, Diaz brings her signature forward-thinking style to set the stage for the next generation. Leading a “small but mighty” team of 28 people, Diaz says the basis of The Dallas Foundation’s next chapter will be to understand the evolving community issues and ensure donors and nonprofits alike feel heard, represented, and supported.

Many nonprofits still face a post-COVID-19 pandemic hangover that impacts their organizations today. The Dallas Foundation understands those challenges and provides opportunities and solutions to help move the organizations forward, either through grantmaking and/or advocacy.

“Ultimately, the nature of our work brings people together while identifying additional adjacent services that positively influence critical issue areas such as early childhood development, workforce development, housing, and economic empowerment,” Diaz says. “The Dallas Foundation thrives on being nimble and collaborative, adapting to the changing needs of our community and fostering partnerships that help drive positive change. The work is sometimes challenging, but it is always stimulating and rewarding.”

History in the Making

Proudly Texas’s first community foundation, The Dallas Foundation has granted over $1.2 billion to more than 8,000 nonprofit organizations since its inception. In 2024 alone, The Dallas Foundation mobilized more than $90 million.

“On an impact scale, that’s big money,” Julie Diaz says. “We’re working systematically to improve outcomes, particularly around children and families. That means making sure children in Dallas have access to health care, early education, and ultimately graduate high school and obtain a post-secondary credential so that we help build a sustainable workforce. It also means considering issues that impact families’ livelihoods, such as access to quality childcare, adequate housing, and reliable transportation—all essential for individuals and families to reach their full potential.”

A Trustworthy Partner

The Dallas Foundation has partnered with over 1,200 families, individuals, and professional advisors to steward wealth toward impactful change—aligning donors’ passions with areas of need in the community.

“As a community foundation, we’re inherently a hyperlocal organization,” says Diaz, noting that an impressive 70% of grantmaking stays within Greater Dallas. “We understand local challenges and need areas, which allows us to act as catalysts and mobilizers in truly making a difference and maximizing impact.”

Diaz also places a profound importance on creating a meaningful and personal experience for every donor. The Dallas Foundation helps families transfer philanthropic wealth to the next generation, instilling charitable values in their children and grandchildren.

“Our donors trust us to uphold their philanthropic legacies,” Diaz concludes. “It is an honor to translate their generosity into fueling the work of serving our community into perpetuity.”