ORIX Foundation, the employee-led charitable arm of the Dallas-based financial services company ORIX USA, closed its 2016 annual giving cycle with $2,040,500 in grants to 112 North Texas nonprofit organizations. The foundation increased its investment this year by $212,000, making 2016 the largest giving year since its formation in 2009.

The grants support the growing needs of charities helping children at risk, impoverished families and veterans. In addition to grants given in the regular grant cycle, the foundation raised $163,000 during the holidays to support Heroes for Children, and $50,000 to the Assist the Officer Foundation after the July 7 tragedy in Dallas. Just seven years since its inception, the Foundation has surpassed $10 million in philanthropic giving.

“The life-changing work of local charities was more critical than ever in 2016,” said Carol Greene, Director of the ORIX Foundation. “We saw an increase in organizations working together throughout North Texas – whether to help fallen officers or to create new opportunities for families and children in need. ORIX employees are proud to support and volunteer with these nonprofits.”

This most recent round of grants includes investments in six strategic giving areas:

• Children at Risk. $632,500 to 23 organizations that advocate for and protect North Texas children and teens. This includes $50,000 to Rainbow Days for its Family Connection program that provides year-round services for homeless children.
• Basic Needs. $337,500 to 20 organizations that provide food, clothing and shelter to families and individuals – including $35,000 to Crossroads Community Services to support its innovative food distribution service that provides healthy foods to low-income families.
• Health. $295,000 to 17 organizations to fund programs that boost public health or assist individuals with disabilities. This includes $15,000 to Chase’s Place, a nonprofit school serving students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities.
• Veterans. $112,500 to 8 organizations that address the specific issues and needs of U.S. veterans and their families. This includes $10,000 for Team Rubicon to support its Dallas Training and Service Project that unites the skills of military veterans with first responders to create emergency response teams.
• Education. $533,000 to 35 organizations that prepare children for success through learning – including $55,000 to Wesley Rankin Community Center, a community center in West Dallas that focuses on education and relationships to transform lives.
• Empowerment. $130,000 to 9 organizations that provide intervention programs to build self-sufficiency for individuals and families. This includes $25,000 to Juliette Fowler Communities for intergenerational programs that serve vulnerable children, youth and elders.

ORIX Foundation also gave $215,000 to seven charities in the Columbus, Ohio region. Employees in the Ohio office reviewed and selected these charities based on their impact in changing lives for Columbus-area families. 

ORIX USA employees established the foundation in 2009 to encourage employee philanthropy and support nonprofits that meet the needs of families and children. The work of the organization continues to be predominantly managed by ORIX USA employees who volunteer countless hours of their time to fundraise, conduct site visits, review grant requests and otherwise operate the foundation. The foundation’s next regular grant cycle opens May 1, 2017. For more information, visit orixfoundation.org.