THE FOUNDATION FOR POSSIBILITY

Conserve, Contribute, Create

How a gift from the Bowden Opportunity Fund is helping turn corporate waste into resources for schools

In 2018, the Bowden Opportunity Fund granted over $1 million to 21 local nonprofits, the largest single grant cycle in North Texas Community Foundation’s history. One of those nonprofits, The Welman Project, was brand new. Their first-ever grant from the Bowdens helped set the trajectory for The Welman Project for years to come. Today, the nonprofit continues to fulfill its mission of distributing surplus materials from local companies for creative reuse in Texas schools. In 2022, the organization expanded into “Dad’s Garage,” a makerspace for teachers and members of the community to meet, participate in workshops and more.

The Welman Project donated over $2.5 million in resources to 4,450 educators in 2022 alone.

“ The Bowden grant in 2018 enabled The Welman Project to hire its very first employee, allowing us to have regular hours of operation for the first time. That gift was the launching point to where we are today, open five days a week for teachers to receive free materials. We’re so grateful to Don for being an early believer in our work and taking a chance on helping a young organization grow.”

TAYLOR WILLIS Executive Director,

The Welman Project

DON AND LINDA BOWDEN BELIEVED IN GIVING BACK. THIS PHILOSOPHY motivated them to donate a portion of their closely held stock prior to the sale of their successful business, Wholly Guacamole/Fresherized Foods, to establish a fund at North Texas Community Foundation. Today, their fund carries on their legacy of generosity.