Communities Foundation of Texas
Melissa Hardage has worked primarily in the nonprofit sector, with their most recent position being Director of Donor Engagement at Communities Foundation of Texas since July 2021. Before that, they held the role of Senior Officer, Donor Engagement at the same organization starting in November 2018. Prior to joining Communities Foundation of Texas, Melissa served as a Donor Initiatives Officer at the organization starting in November 2010. Earlier in their career, they worked as a Match Support Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star from July 2007 to July 2008, and as a 4th Grade Teacher at Teach For America from June 2006 to June 2007.
Melissa Hardage has a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Community Practice, which they obtained from Baylor University. Melissa completed their Master's program from 2008 to 2010. Prior to this, Melissa also attended Baylor University from 2002 to 2006, where they earned their Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Public Relations.
Communities Foundation of Texas
Communities Foundation of Texas has been a partner with donors for raising the quality of life in our community for more than 60 years. CFT provides effective ways to make meaningful charitable contributions while realizing significant tax advantages. CFT handles the investment of the gift, listens to the donor's priorities and manages charitable grants to worthwhile causes. The value of a gift can be granted out completely in a short period of time or it can be nurtured to provide a long legacy of charitable support. The foundation's experience in the nonprofit community and with donors results in a unique relationship with powerful benefits. A community foundation, as the name implies, is a public charity created as a vehicle for charitable giving. The defining characteristic of a community foundation is that it represents the donors' charitable interests and adds value through its wealth of community knowledge, along with the leadership of its board of trustees and the services of a professional staff.