S.M. Wright Foundation

The S.M. Wright Foundation is a nonprofit organization primarily focused on supporting and stabilizing the lives of inner-city, underprivileged children and less fortunate families. Established in 1998 by the Wright family following the death of the civic leader Dr. S.M. Wright Sr., the foundation aims to provide comprehensive assistance in areas such as hunger relief, educational support, health promotion, social services, and economic empowerment[1][2].

Mission and Objectives

The foundation's mission is to move families from dependency to self-sufficiency and restore stability within communities. It accomplishes this by offering various programs and services that cater to the diverse needs of disadvantaged populations[1][2].

Programs and Services

• Beds for Kids Center: Established in 2010, this program provides new beds to disadvantaged children in the North Texas area, aiming to ensure every child has a proper place to sleep[4].
• South Dallas Community Food Center: Offers weekly distributions of groceries, hot meals, bus passes, and gas cards to low-income families that meet federal poverty guidelines[4].
• South Dallas Community Clothing and Resource Center: Supplies clothing, hygiene products, household items, appliances, and furniture to meet the needs of local low-income families[4].
• North Texas Furniture Bank: Provides furniture and household items to families, helping them create a comfortable living environment[4].
• Foundation Business and Investment Series: Offers educational sessions on financial management, entrepreneurship, and personal finance to encourage economic stability[4].
• S.M. Wright Mattress Agency: Assists families affected by natural disasters or home fires by providing emergency bedding support[4].
• Annual Community Events: Organizes significant events like the Back-to-School Event, Thanksgiving Feast, and Christmas in the Park celebration, which attract thousands of attendees annually[1][2].

Leadership and Governance

The foundation is led by a board of directors that includes Debra Wright as Founder and Chairwoman Emeritus, S.M. Wright II as Co-Founder, President, and CEO, and Cullum Clark as Board Chair[1][5]. The board prioritizes formal orientation, ethical practices, and performance assessments to ensure effective governance[5].

Financial Overview

As a nonprofit, the S.M. Wright Foundation relies heavily on contributions for its operations, with no additional sources of revenue from program services or investments[3]. Executive compensation and operational expenses are managed to ensure the foundation's stability and effectiveness in serving its mission[3].

Tax Status

The S.M. Wright Foundation is a 501(c)(3) registered organization, making donations tax-deductible[3].

Conclusion

Through its multifaceted approach to addressing poverty and providing essential services, the S.M. Wright Foundation stands as a cornerstone of support for underprivileged families in the Dallas area, striving to empower communities towards self-sufficiency.