12:00 AM CDT on Friday, August 24, 2007

BY ROBERT MILLER/ Dallas Morning News Business
romiller@dallasnews.com

The Dallas Women's Foundation gave $583,085 to 61 nonprofit agencies in Dallas, Denton and Collin counties during its spring grant cycle.

Grants for the fiscal year ending June 30 came to more than $1,013,408.

The foundation's mission is to help women and girls reach their full potential.

To receive a Dallas Women's Foundation grant, the program must serve at least 75 percent girls and women.

"Funding programs supporting women and girls improves the community overall because their education and self-sufficiency are passed down to future generations," said Becky Sykes, executive director of the Dallas Women's Foundation.

Funding for the spring cycle comes from the Mrs. H.L. (Ruth Ray) Hunt Memorial Fund, the Dallas Women's Foundation operating budget and donor-advised funds, Wachovia and anonymous donors.

In addition, Commercial Real Estate Women of Dallas provides funding for programs that promote economic self-sufficiency, education and prevention.

Verizon Communications Inc. helps fund domestic violence programs promoting prevention, awareness and recovery and ones that use technology to advance program areas.

Chase partially funds the Dallas Women's Foundation's Emerging Agency Leadership Program, which helps agencies operating on small budgets with minimal staffs.

The spring cycle grants were made in several categories:

• Economics for women: $260,185 – Angels Recovery House, Austin Street Centre, Buckner Children and Family Services Inc., CampFire USA Lone Star Council, Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, Dallas Bethlehem Center, Dallas County MHMR Dallas Metrocare Services, Family Gateway, Forrest Outreach Foundation, Fred Moore Day Nursery School.

Also, the Housing Crisis Center, Interfaith Housing Coalition, Planned Living Assistance Network of North Texas Inc., the Stewpot of First Presbyterian Church, Teens at Work, Texas HOPE Literacy Inc., Trinity Presbyterian Church-ODIS, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Vogel Alcove and the Wilkinson Center.

• Education: $104,600 – Educational First Steps, Empowering Women as Leaders, Helping Angels Inc., Jewish Family Service, Lifeline Shelter for Families Inc., Magdalen House, Nasher Sculpture Center, Parkland Foundation-Injury Prevention Center, South Dallas Business and Professional Women's Club Inc., Mi Escuelita Preschool Inc., Peacemakers, Plano ISD Education Foundation, SER Child Development Center and Texas HOPE Literacy Inc.

• Family violence recovery: $118,800 – Brighter Tomorrows Inc., Family Place Inc., Galaxy Counseling Center, Genesis Women's Shelter, Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, Mental Health Association of Greater Dallas and Mosaic Family Service.

• Health services: $20,000 – Agape Clinic at Grace United Methodist Church.

• Prevention programs that encourage girls to discover their identity and empower their lives: $69,500 – Boys and Girls Club of Collin County, Circle of Support, Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas, New Beginning Center and Our Friends' Place.