Rooted in the Jewish teachings of Tzedakah and caring for the most vulnerable while protecting their dignity, The Morton H. Meyerson Family Foundation invests in innovative, resilient leaders pursuing economic, educational, and social equity. Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for the just and righteous giving required of Jews. The Foundation funds effective non-profit organizations led by “change agents” who are passionate, competent, and kind. By partnering with education initiatives and programs which assist resilient students with demonstrated financial need to complete college, the Foundation seeks to break the poverty cycle.
The Rainwater Charitable Foundation (RCF) is a private family foundation based in Fort Worth, Texas founded by Richard E. Rainwater in 1991. Since its formation, RCF has funded initiatives centered around children, believing that high-quality education can transform the life trajectories of children and families. Our education grant making focuses on families and children in resilient communities that stand to benefit the most from our funding and partnership. Over time our educational funding has evolved from a focus on critical needs to a blend of school-based work and systems, understanding that schools are a fundamental lever of change both for neighborhoods and for society as a whole.
Born into a family of educators, Leann Maxwell, coach and owner of Panther City Partners, got an early start working as a peer academic advisor at the University of Texas at Austin. Over the next 15 years, her career included working as a middle school teacher teaching theatre arts, leadership, and special education reading and math, as a high school librarian, and as an academic advisor at both UT Austin and Texas Christian University. For nearly a decade, Leann has worked as an independent academic coach for college students and educational consultant to universities. She incorporates her skills as a teacher, librarian, academic advisor, researcher, life coach, and listener to build relationships with students guiding them in pursuit of higher education and their shift to adulthood. Panther City Partners is excited to partner with the Dream Big Determined Scholars Program as Scholars navigate college.
