FORT WORTH, Texas (March 2, 2026) – With 42% of Tarrant County households struggling to afford basic needs and nonprofits facing unprecedented demand, United Way of Tarrant County (UWTC) announces the launch of the United Way Institute, a new regional hub for research, innovation and nonprofit capacity building designed to transform how the community understands need, designs solutions and delivers impact. The initiative, made possible by technology leader Dell Technologies, is scheduled to open this spring in Fort Worth.
By integrating countywide data, fostering collaborative innovation and equipping nonprofits with access to critical technology and tools, the Institute will accelerate program development aimed at Tarrant County’s complex social challenges affecting its residents, particularly ALICE households (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
In addition to Dell Technologies, AT&T is a strategic collaborator on the project bringing its Connected Learning Center to the space. The United Way Institute has additional support from GXA Technologies and the Sid Richardson Foundation.
The United Way Institute will bring together subject matter experts, data specialists and community partners to strengthen the organizational capacity of nonprofits, launch innovative pilot programs and build shared solutions that improve workforce mobility, financial stability, literacy, health access and resilience for thousands of North Texas residents.
“At United Way of Tarrant County, we know that isolated efforts cannot solve systemic challenges,” said Adam D. Powell, president and CEO of United Way of Tarrant County. “The United Way Institute represents a transformational leap forward. Research shows leaders should embed innovation and encourage new ideas, yet this often conflicts with the urgent operational demands of running a nonprofit. We want to foster a nonprofit ecosystem that embraces creativity, experimentation and adaptability, while providing resources to strengthen program management and evaluation. We then create a multiplier effect that strengthens the entire community by ensuring every family is supported and every resident is seen.”
Through the United Way Institute, Tarrant County will have unified, accessible data dashboards and research products that highlight service gaps and emerging needs. The Institute’s staff will produce research briefs and integrate United Way ALICE data with open-source and community-level datasets. This will provide nonprofits, funders, policymakers and regional partners with information to align investments around what works strategically.
“Access to advanced technology, skills and innovation is critical for communities to accelerate impact and human progress,” said Carly Tatum, head of Giving & Impact, Dell Technologies. “As a Texas born company, we want to strengthen the backbone of the places we call home while also driving impact and progress around the world. By supporting the United Way Institute’s technology infrastructure and innovation efforts, we’re equipping nonprofit leaders across Tarrant County with the tools, expertise and insights they need to accelerate their important work and close opportunity gaps.”
Beginning in April, the Institute will offer labs, workshops, cohort-based collaboration sessions and individualized technical assistance. Participants will have access to tools to evaluate real data, explore new technologies and receive peer and expert feedback.
“Connectivity, accessibility and innovation are essential to expanding opportunity,” said Linda Caram, AT&T External Affairs. “We’re excited about this collaboration with United Way of Tarrant County and Dell Technologies and look forward to seeing our technology used in ways that will have real impact in the community.”
To learn more about the United Way Institute visit unitedwaytarrant.org/institute.
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