
Ben Leal and Data for Impact at The Addy Foundation
From Deconstructing Dallas by Deconstructing Dallas
September 19, 2025 · 30 min · Season 8 · Episode 14
About this episode
Ben Leal discusses the impact of philanthropy in North Texas and the challenges faced by nonprofits.
In this episode, hosts Ryan Trimble and Shawn P. Williams sit down with Ben Leal, President of the Addy Foundation, to explore how philanthropy is shaping North Texas and beyond.Ben shares his journey from government service to nonprofit leadership, and now to guiding one of Dallas’ most intentional family foundations. He opens up about: The Addy Foundation’s mission – how its focus areas (education, healthcare, civic engagement, cultural competency, and social services) are driving impact across Dallas–Fort Worth. Challenges facing nonprofits today – from fundraising uncertainty to the pressures of advocating in a polarized climate. The power of data and storytelling – how nonprofits can balance analytics with mission delivery, and why a clear distinction between goals and outcomes matters. Supporting small nonprofits – the Addy Foundation’s innovative approach to leveling the playing field for minority-led and grassroots organizations. Keys to lasting donor relationships – why good stewardship, transparency, and thoughtful follow-up go further than flashy pitches. Interview begins @5:33 This conversation arrives just after North Texas Giving Day, a region-wide tradition that…
People in this episode
Hosts: Ryan Trimble, Shawn P. Williams
Guest: Ben Leal
Topics covered
- philanthropy
- nonprofit leadership
- data and storytelling
- fundraising challenges
- supporting small nonprofits
- donor relationships
Keywords
- Addy Foundation
- North Texas Giving Day
- nonprofit challenges
- data analytics
- donor stewardship
- minority-led organizations
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Addy Foundation
Places: North Texas, Dallas, Dallas–Fort Worth
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