2026 Opening Keynote: Why Texas & Why DFW
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Welcome to the Communities Foundation, with CEO Wayne White.
Hear the story of the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), one of the largest community foundations in the United States. Based in Dallas and founded in 1953, it manages over 1,300 charitable funds for individuals, families, and businesses with the goal of improving lives through investments in health, wealth, living, and learning.
Key Initiatives:
- North Texas Giving Day: CFT’s largest initiative and the nation’s biggest single-day community giving event.
- Housing Impact Fund: A new five-year, $50 million commitment launched in late 2025 to increase housing access and address regional housing crises in North Texas.
- Educate Texas: A major statewide initiative focused on improving educational equity and academic achievement for students, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged.
- Scholarship Programs: CFT manages over 50 scholarship funds. The 2026 application cycle is currently open, with deadlines ranging from March 1 to May 1,
Why Texas and why DFW - with Charlie Vogt. Charlie Vogt is a prominent technology executive and M&A expert currently serving as a Senior Advisor at Bowen, a growth technology investment bank. He focuses on M&A advisory, capital placement, and supporting the growth of mid-market and large-cap tech companies.
In December 2025, Vogt entered a strategic partnership with YTexas to support the organization's network expansion and influence in Texas. Vogt is recognized as a "five-time CEO" who has led multiple major technology and communications firms through significant transformations. He was responsible for relocating 5 company HQ's to Texas with over 5,000 employees.
Charlie will interview 3 Texas executives in a series of Fireside Chats discussing why Texas is in a lead position in the world, and how Texas businesses can take part in it's success.
