As a long-standing Dallas institution, the State Fair of Texas has a unique appreciation for the local support that makes such a big event possible every year. The Fair aims to give back through our partnerships with local organizations and initiatives, while expanding outreach programs, and placing a special priority on promoting community involvement. Our impact focuses on three areas that complement our mission - social capital, human capital, and financial capital. Our core initiatives concentrate on fostering long-term sustainability by targeting issues at their roots - building capacity of nonprofits, supporting education in local schools, and proactively examining opportunities for economic development.
As a neighbor in the South Dallas/Fair Park community, we are committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that are providing services in this area. We understand that these organizations, like ours, depend on year-round generosity from citizens, volunteers, corporations, and other nonprofit organizations. In order to extend our hand to the members of our community that are bringing about positive change, the State Fair of Texas offers grants and sponsorships to local nonprofit organizations at specific times throughout the year.
Looking to the future, we strive to continue to listen and build relationships in the community and are excited to explore new ways to leverage our resources.
All giving received through North Texas Giving Day will support the Big Tex Scholarship Program. Established in 1992, the Big Tex Scholarship Program has awarded college scholarships to more than 3,000 students for a total of nearly $15 million. Eligible recipients include graduating high school seniors around the state of Texas who have participated in competitive youth livestock events held at the State Fair, graduating seniors from six Dallas ISD high schools in the Fair Park area, and eligible seasonal employees of the State Fair of Texas. Recipients receive a $6,000 scholarship, renewable in pre-determined increments (paid by semester or term) if the student maintains a 3.0 GPA while working towards a degree at a Texas university and/or college.
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. Visit BigTex.com.
Diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity (DBIE) are fundamental components of the Fair's mission and culture. Diversity encompasses all the characteristics in which people may differ and ensuring they are represented in the organization. Belonging is ensuring all persons feel they genuinely belong, are valued, and relied upon, empowered, and ultimately matter. Inclusive environments strive to provide a space where all individuals are welcome and thoughts, ideas, and perspectives of all individuals hold value. Equity is addressing the cultural and historical factors that impede a level playing field for those impacted by systemic racial injustice, social injustice, and oppression. The State Fair recognizes that racism and systemic injustice exist. We are committed to addressing this externally with our programming and partners, but know it begins with our internal work to dedicate time and resources to focus on our organizational culture.
The State Fair of Texas is continuing an intentional journey of exploration to identify how to build the core values of diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity into all aspects of our operations. We will continue to proactively examine opportunities and adopt practices that promote diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity in the workplace.
Organization name
State Fair of Texas
Causes
Arts, Culture & Humanities, Community Improvement, Education - K-12
Operating Budget
$10,000,000 or more
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Equity Statement
Equity Statement
Address
PO Box 150009 State Fair of Texas