The Data Capacity Building Initiative

The Data Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI) is a multi-year program designed to empower community-based organizations (CBOs) by providing data-driven tools and resources, enhancing their capacity to address community challenges effectively. The DCBI brings together UWMD Impact Partners in learning cohorts, leveraging UWMD's strong partnerships with over 200 CBOs. In partnership with the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI), participants are equipped to utilize data from the Community Vulnerability Compass (CVC) to analyze the challenges in their communities and foster sustainable progress through collaboration and capacity building. The primary goals of the initiative are to promote measurable social impact, facilitate data-informed decision-making, and advance equity.

Purpose of This Application

This application is designed to identify and select community-based organizations in North Texas to participate in Cohort 5 of the Data Capacity Building Initiative (DCBI). We invite competitive and innovative partner organizations of UWMD to submit proposals. 

Eligibility for Participation in the Data Capacity-Building Initiative

1. The organization must be a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3).
2. The organization must be a partner of United Way Metropolitan Dallas. A partner is any organization actively involved in UWMD programs, initiatives, and projects (e.g., Southern Dallas Thrives, SIA, Health, Community Impact Grants, etc.).
3. The proposed organization must serve one of the following zip codes: 75069, 75074, 75211, 75212, 75215, 75216, 75217, 75220, or 75228.
4. The organization must align with driving impact toward our Aspire 2030 goals. Competitive applicants will address at least one impact area — Education, Income, and/or Health.

If you've already submitted an application for a previous DCBI cohort, it will remain on file. You're welcome to update it to strengthen your submission, or leave it as is. No action is required.

Please note: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas does not fund organizations that support inherently religious activities, including religious worship, instruction, or proselytization. Faith-based organizations should take steps to separate inherently religious activities from those UWMD supports.

Overview:

Business for Good is a partnership between the University of Texas at Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, connecting upper-level business students at UTD with North Texas nonprofits to strengthen the social sector through strategic and innovative projects. 

Each semester, selected nonprofits supervise a project of their choice in collaboration with a small team (3-4) of student consultants. Each student completes 60 hours of service toward the project over a three-month cycle, including weekly coaching and in-class instruction. Students learn by engaging with nonprofit professionals and developing an entrepreneurial, philanthropic mindset - using business as a force for good. Nonprofit leaders benefit from the chance to direct (or delegate to rising staff) a team project focused on what their organizations need.

NEW this term: In addition to 60 hours of project-related work, our students are expected to complete 40 additional hours of service. Selected organizations can access this motivated and talented volunteer pool by including organizational daily needs and events in the application.

Project Opportunities for Nonprofits:

Earned Revenue Strategy - Increasing revenue through creative means, such as sales, services, or fees.

Marketing Plan - Comprehensive planning to promote mission, services, and brand through various channels, including advertising and PR.

Social Media Strategy - Leveraging social media platforms to engage supporters, build community, and amplify message.

Business Model Analysis - Examining current business practices to identify areas of improvement and develop more effective and sustainable business models.

Program Evaluation - Assessing the impact and effectiveness of existing programs to inform future decision-making and ensure successful outcomes.

Performance Management & Succession Planning - Developing systems and processes to measure employee performance and prepare for leadership transitions.

Data Analytics - Utilizing statistical techniques and data visualization tools to extract insights, inform decision-making, and measure organizational performance.

Other - A project that falls outside the above categories but is still critical to advancing a nonprofit's mission or goals, such as strategic planning, diversity and inclusion initiatives, or disaster preparedness.

Application Cycles:

· Fall 2026 open now: Apply by August 31. Projects run September 1 - December 8.

· Spring: Apply in January. Projects run February–early May.

* Organizations may submit up to four project proposals per cycle.

Project Requirements:

· Open to all nonprofits, including PACs, government agencies, and those outside North Texas.

· Must address a strategic need (not routine staff tasks)

· Must align with student skill sets, as suggested by the above project categories

* Must be scoped for completion by a team within three months.  Multi-phase/multi-semester project proposals are welcome and should include measurable goals for each three-month cycle.

Contacts:

MaryBeth Fickel

Program Manager, Social Entrepreneurship

Jindal School of Management, UT Dallas

mb.fickel@utdallas.edu      972-883-5958 

Robert Wright

Assistant Professor of Practice

Jindal School of Management, UT Dallas

rgw091000@utdallas.edu