North Texas Community Foundation awards major grant to support Historic Northside revitalization
Fort Worth, Texas – A major investment aimed at preserving culture, supporting small businesses, and guiding responsible growth is set to shape the future of one of Fort Worth’s most historic neighborhoods. The North Texas Community Foundation has awarded a $250,000 multiyear grant to the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce through its Fund for Good initiative to support the Historic Northside District Main Street pilot.
The funding will help sustain and expand the pilot program, one of two corridors designated by the City of Fort Worth under the Main Street America pilot initiative. The program provides a structured approach to revitalization while ensuring development aligns with community priorities and long-term neighborhood stability.
Investment supports revitalization and community stability
The grant reflects the foundation’s broader commitment to community development in Fort Worth’s Historic Northside. As surrounding areas experience increased development and investment, the pilot offers a coordinated framework to guide growth while protecting neighborhood identity and local businesses.
The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will oversee implementation efforts, coordinating small business support, public-private partnerships, cultural programming, and community engagement along the North Main Street corridor.
Since launching, the Historic Northside District Main Street pilot has recorded more than 440 small business assistance touchpoints, delivered district-wide programming, and helped align approximately $84 million in active and planned corridor investments. Cultural initiatives such as the annual Sonidos del Summer concert series attract more than 9,000 visitors each year to Marine Park, reinforcing the district’s cultural vitality.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker emphasized the significance of the investment, stating, “The North Texas Community Foundation continues to champion bold, community-driven solutions that strengthen Fort Worth through its Fund for Good grant, and the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Historic Northside Main Street pilot could not be more deserving of the award. This strategic investment will play a major role in the long-term revitalization, economic growth and community pride in one of our city’s most historic neighborhoods.”
Addressing growth pressures while preserving identity
The Historic Northside is home to approximately 11,000 residents, nearly 97 percent of whom identify as Hispanic or Latino. The neighborhood has long served as a gateway to the city and remains deeply rooted in cultural heritage.
An Urban Land Institute Advisory Services Panel found that nearby growth trends contributed to property value increases of about 60 percent between 2016 and 2021. This surge underscores the urgency of coordinated, community-informed strategies to manage development pressure and prevent displacement.
“Thanks to generous donor support, the Fund for Good invests in long-term strategies to address our region’s evolving needs,” said Rose Bradshaw, president and CEO of North Texas Community Foundation. “This investment in the Main Street pilot helps ensure that as development occurs, residents and local businesses can continue to thrive in the place they call home.”
The pilot has advanced key milestones, including the formation of a resident-led Community Action Committee, development of district design guidelines, rezoning efforts in progress, and expanded stabilization resources for residents and small businesses. Community Design Fort Worth is conducting a cultural asset mapping initiative, while partnerships with Texas A&M Law School’s Economic Justice Initiative provide legal assistance for heirship issues. Collaboration with Trinity Habitat for Humanity has connected homeowners with essential repair resources.
The grant will also strengthen organizational capacity, supporting staffing, coordination, and long-term implementation efforts. Funding will help launch a Missing Middle Housing study, a priority recommendation from the Urban Land Institute panel, to better understand housing needs and identify context-sensitive solutions that support neighborhood stability.
“The Historic Northside is a place with deep history, culture and community leadership,” said Ericka Garza, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We are focused on building durable, community-informed structures supporting residents, small businesses and cultural life today and for future generations of the Northside community. Together with District 2 Councilman Carlos Flores, we will coordinate work thoughtfully and pragmatically as the district continues to evolve and grow.”
Launched in 2024, the Fund for Good directs philanthropic resources toward transformative solutions for emerging community challenges. As Fort Worth continues major development projects in the area, including Panther Island, leaders say aligning investment with community priorities is essential to ensuring growth strengthens rather than displaces the Historic Northside community.
