The Bank of America Tower in Fort Worth, Texas, stands at 547 feet tall and comprises 38 floors. Completed in 1984, it is the city’s second-tallest building.
My desk sits on the 32nd floor. I have 360 degree views through six-foot windows.
According to people much smarter than me, I can see over 25 miles in each direction on a clear day. Today is a clear day.
That means I can see the entire city of Fort Worth.
Fort Worth boasts nearly 1 million residents in 200 neighborhoods. Over 300 parks, nearly 300 schools, 18 libraries, 45 fire stations, 11 police stations, and nearly 2400 restaurants. And at least two rodeo arenas. Not a fire ant in sight, at least from this height.
I can also see the nearly 8,000 nonprofit organizations working their tails off to make our city – and world – a better and more healthy place to live.
Right here in Fort Worth we have our very own living, breathing, “right-here, right-now” versions of Martin Treptow.
For those of you who don’t know, Martin Treptow, of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, was a World War I soldier who died in 1917. On Treptow’s body was found a journal, and in that journal he wrote these inspiring words: “I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.” Many of our nonprofit workers live life each day by these same values.
Fort Worth’s nonprofit organizations are the unsung superheroes of our city – and your city, too! If, that is, superheroes traded capes for volunteer t-shirts and worked on causes that weren’t quite as flashy as saving the world from aliens. But don’t be fooled by their lack of capes; nonprofits are on the frontlines, solving some of Fort Worth’s trickiest problems. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, providing education for underserved communities, or advocating for policy change, these organizations are like the duct tape of the social world—holding things together when the system might otherwise fall apart.
Fort Worth’s nonprofits fill gaps in services that are often left unaddressed by the government or profit-driven businesses. Think of them like that one friend who shows up with snacks when you’ve completely forgotten about lunch. If you’re in need of food, healthcare, or affordable housing, there’s a good chance that a nonprofit will step in to fill that need. If for-profit businesses were the body, nonprofits would be the unsung organ you don’t always appreciate but really can’t live without—like your spleen. Maybe it’s not glamorous, but the body (or society) would really struggle without it.
Fort Worth’s nonprofits are also all about advocacy and raising awareness. They’re like that friend who can’t help but bring up important topics at parties—except instead of talking about the latest TV show, they’re raising awareness about climate change, social justice, and mental health. Through education campaigns, social media posts, and a bit of good ol’ fashioned politicking, nonprofits have the power to shift public opinion and influence policy changes. Thanks to them, we’re more aware of societal issues we may have otherwise ignored, like hunger, homelessness, and the increasingly complex world of tech ethics.
Fort Worth’s nonprofits are also community builders. They don’t just throw resources at a problem; they’re about empowering people to create change. Think of them as the ultimate personal trainer, but instead of crunching abs, they’re crunching social problems. Whether it’s offering job training programs, mentorship, or providing a safe space for people in need, nonprofits are there to strengthen the community fabric. They provide the tools for individuals to empower themselves, and by doing so, they foster a sense of pride, hope, and ownership within the community. It’s like handing someone a fishing rod instead of just a fish—except, in this case, the fish is affordable housing and the rod is the support system they need to thrive.
Fort Worth’s nonprofits are innovative. When it comes to problem-solving, nonprofits are like that cool kid in class who always has creative solutions. Since they don’t have the same bureaucratic red tape as government agencies or the profit-driven motives of businesses, nonprofits can be more flexible and innovative in their approaches. They’re willing to experiment, try new things, and sometimes even fail, but that’s what makes them such valuable contributors to solving problems. After all, if you never fail, are you even trying to solve anything? Nonprofits get a gold star for attempting new ideas and having the courage to pivot when something doesn’t work out.
Fort Worth’s nonprofits are often the first responders in times of crisis. When disaster strikes, they’re the ones with the boots on the ground, the blankets to distribute, and the much-needed resources to provide. In these moments, they’re like the equivalent of your friend who shows up with an emergency kit when you’ve been stranded on the side of the road. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. Whether it’s responding to a natural disaster or helping communities recover from economic hardship, nonprofits step in to ensure that people don’t just survive—they thrive again.
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Fort Worth’s nonprofits, though, is that they focus on creating sustainable change. They’re not in the game for quick fixes or one-off solutions; they’re all about addressing the root causes of social problems. They want to do more than just put a Band-Aid on a wound—they want to heal it for good. This means tackling systemic issues and pushing for long-term reforms that will help future generations. They’re like that friend who doesn’t just help you move once, but shows you how to build a proper shelf system so you don’t keep asking for their help every time you buy a new bookcase.
In the end, my city’s nonprofits are the ultimate problem-solvers, tackling issues that affect people in real, tangible ways. They might not wear capes or get their own blockbuster movie (yet), but without them, our world would be much more chaotic and less connected. They’re here to fill in the gaps, advocate for change, empower individuals, and innovate for a better future. So next time you’re out there trying to figure out how to solve a social problem, remember—there’s probably a nonprofit already working on it, and they could probably use your help.
I love the view from my window.
Bill Arnold is the Executive Director of Blue Diamond Recreation, a nonprofit corporation that provides restorative recreational opportunities for veterans challenged by the effects of war. Bill served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, deployed to Iraq in 2004, and was cited for bravery in combat. For over 28 years, Bill has served as a history teacher, coach, and administrator at Fort Worth Country Day. In 2025, Bill donated his time and talent to The Philanthropy Lab. We are grateful for his contributions to our summer blog series!
