PGA REACH foundation names new executive and other North Texas giving moves

Here are some big happenings in North Texas’ world of philanthropy.

What happened: The PGA of America REACH Foundation named longtime employee Scott Kmiec as its executive director.

What the REACH Foundation does: The REACH Foundation helps low-income and underserved communities access golf.

A bit about Scott Kmiec: Kmiec was previously senior director of PGA Career Services and ExecuSearch. He has also served as senior director for the REACH Foundation, where he oversaw the creation of the veteran-focused PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere).

“The Foundation and its impact has held a special place in my life for decades,” Kmiec said in a statement. “The influence our Members and programs have on communities and individuals across the country is what makes it so special.”

Donation: The Moody Fund for the Arts is awarding $475,000 to 70 Dallas arts organizations.

Recipients: The fund was created a decade ago to support arts organizations with budgets under $1 million for nearly a decade. This year, organizations were able to receive up to $15,000, compared with $12,000 in previous grant cycles. The fund and its application process is administered by the AT&T Performing Arts Center, which also staffs the endowment board. The Moody Foundation is one of Texas’ largest foundations.

“We set out to create a unique endowment that would support the growing, diverse and vibrant small arts community in Dallas,” said Frances Moody-Dahlberg, the foundation’s chairman. “We wanted to help these organizations realize their creative vision with projects and programs across our city. We are beyond pleased by the results, and excited at what’s ahead.”

Donation: QuikTrip donated four new Ford550 blocker trucks to the Dallas Police Department last month. They were worth $509,581.

Recipient: Dallas Police Department. The donation came shortly after QuikTrip’s $10 million donation to the Law Enforcement Training Center at the University of North Texas at Dallas.  

Purpose: Blocker trucks protect emergency personnel and motorists involved in crashes and other incidents. Before the donation, DPD had two blocker trucks.

“When the business community cares, the officers feel it, and it makes the officers work that much harder,” said DPD Chief Daniel Comeaux.

What happened: Dallas College hosted 130 case managers, care navigators and success coaches from regional nonprofits for a public training. 

Involved givers: The Case Management Studio is the product of nearly $2 million raised through the Dallas College Foundation, which included gifts from the Addy Foundation, the Harold Simmons Foundation and the McKesson Foundation. A 2025 gift from the O’Donnell Foundation helped the college expand the program. 

A bit about the program: The Case Management Studio was originally funded to train professionals who coached students at Dallas College. The Case Management Forum was the first time the college took the program public. The forum included 11 sessions on several topics including housing insecurity, career preparedness and AI use in case management.

“Case managers — at Dallas College and beyond — and human services professionals work on the front lines every day, helping individuals and families navigate crises, meet basic needs, stabilize income, and explore economic opportunity,” said Kristi Flanders, executive director of Dallas College’s Case Management Studio.

Donation: The National Life Foundation, tied to insurance company National Life Group, in June announced $2,105,686 in donations to Dallas-area and Vermont nonprofits. $832,000 went to 67 Texas nonprofits.

Recipients: Texas nonprofits that received the largest grants included North Texas Food Bank, Parkland Health Foundation, Vogel and The Family Place.

“We are proud to support these efforts through grants that help address critical challenges, including children’s mental health and childhood hunger, while strengthening the vitality and resilience of the communities where we live and work,” said John Mullett, president and CEO of the National Life Group Foundation. 

What happened: A longtime Dallas-based nonprofit that helps children and families facing hardship has changed its name from Rainbow Days to Brighter Days. 

A bit about Brighter Days: Brighter Days has existed for more than 44 years, serving children and adults through its array of programs focused on life skills, mental health, addiction and other related services.

What’s next: The organization will alter its logo and visual branding, but its programs and leadership team will remain the same.

“Brighter Days reflects where we are headed as an organization and the future we want to help create for the children we serve,” said CEO Tiffany Beaudine.