(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – Known for fueling growth and innovation in the community, the South Dallas/Fair Park Opportunity was created by the Dallas City Council in 1989. The organization helps boost neighborhoods around Fair Park through loans and grants that drive business and human development.
Since 2020, the SDFPOF board has approved more than $2.7 million to help local organizations and entrepreneurs expand opportunities in South Dallas.
The SDFPOF Human Development Notice of Funding Availability provides grants to nonprofits for new or expanded programs that create measurable improvements in workforce participation, small business growth, health, public safety or educational outcomes.
The SDFPOF’s board recommends grants and loans to the city manager and City Council for South Dallas businesses and nonprofits whose projects align with the fund’s goals.
Applications for the fund’s 2026 Human Development grants opened Oct. 14 and will remain open until Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.
Eligible programs must operate within the fund’s designated service area or serve a population where at least 90% of the program beneficiaries are residents of that area. $200,000 per year is available to support transformative human development initiatives in the community.
To help applicants get started, the city’s Office of Economic Development will host two information sessions – both with virtual options – to walk through the process and answer questions.
- Oct. 30
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Park South Family YMCA
2500 Romine Ave. - Nov. 20
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
South Dallas Cultural Center, Multi-Arts Room A
3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave.
Those interested in attending an information session may RSVP at https://www.dallasecodev.org/m/NewsFlash/Home/Detail/1167.