Blog Posts

As we near another anniversary of our “American Experiment”, I’m reminded of the many freedoms we enjoy as U.S. Citizens contained in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. You only have to catch a little bit of news to recognize that not everyone around the...

When I received my Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from the American College of Financial Services I was awarded a nice certificate to frame and hang in my office and a gold lapel pin. The pin did not boldly proclaim “CAP” or “The American College”, it...

My youngest child is graduating from high school this year, so I am particularly mindful of all the students receiving scholarships from East Texas Communities Foundation this Spring. Members of our staff, myself included, are...

Easter is the central event for the hope held by Christians around the world. The long weekend forever marks the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. His sacrifice gives all of His believers hope in an eternal future without suffering, without death and without...

I recently had the opportunity to visit with the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Smith County, Robert Manley. Habitat has a permanent endowment fund at ETCF known as the Jack Wilson Legacy Endowment Fund. It is a regular occurrence for me to meet with new local...

East Texas Communities Foundation awarded more than $19.9 million in grants to over 800 different nonprofit organizations in 2024. “ETCF is honored to connect generosity with need,” said Kyle Penney, President of East Texas Communities Foundation. “Thanks to the...

I don’t know about you, but I have spent the majority of my adulthood unaware of the broad power wielded by the President of the United States. Growing up, “I’m Just A Bill” from Schoolhouse Rock led me to believe the President had an important, but limited role, to...

I was in the fourth grade when Jimmy Carter faced off against Gerald Ford in the presidential election of 1976. That election was the first presidential election I had any chance of understanding, and my teacher did a good job trying to use the opportunity to help a...

As a child I remember receiving the Sears and JC Penney Christmas catalogs in the fall and meticulously compiling a wish list complete with page numbers, item numbers and detailed product descriptions. I wanted to be sure it was crystal clear to my parents that I...

Thanksgiving Day is almost overlooked today due to the commercialization of black Friday, but the fact that most commercial activity is still paused on Thanksgiving Day should serve as a reminder of the importance of giving thanks. Setting aside time for giving thanks...