Dallas, Texas · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Culture. Community. Connection.
Using Ballroom culture, cultural events, and empowerment programming as a catalyst for community engagement and resource connection.
Mission Statement
More Than Culture. A Catalyst To Connection.
The TOC Foundation recognizes that culture can be a powerful gateway to services.
Rather than expecting underserved communities to navigate complicated systems alone, we create trusted and culturally responsive spaces where people can build relationships, receive education, develop leadership skills, express themselves, and connect with organizations capable of addressing additional needs.
The TOC Foundation empowers underserved and marginalized communities by using Ballroom culture, cultural events, and empowerment programming as a catalyst for community engagement and resource connection. We bridge the gap between communities and critical resources, including health and mental health services, housing support, employment opportunities, education, and leadership development, while creating affirming spaces where individuals can connect, grow, and thrive.
- 01
Culture
Using Ballroom and cultural programming to create engagement and belonging.
- 02
Connection
Connecting individuals with trusted community organizations and critical resources.
- 03
Empowerment
Developing knowledge, confidence, leadership, and self-advocacy.
- 04
Opportunity
Creating pathways toward education, employment, health, stability, and personal growth.
Our Approach
Ballroom As A Catalyst To Connection
Ballroom is more than competition and entertainment.
For many Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+, transgender, gender-expansive, and other underserved individuals, Ballroom has historically created spaces for chosen family, creativity, mentorship, identity, resilience, and community.
The TOC Foundation builds upon that cultural foundation by creating programming that connects community engagement with real pathways to information, services, and opportunity.
See our impact- —Health education
- —Mental health resources
- —Housing resources
- —Employment resources
- —Educational opportunities
- —Leadership development
- —Mentorship
- —Community building
- —Cultural arts
- —Resource navigation
- —Personal development
Our Programs
Programming Built With Community, Not For It
Ballroom For Us
A culturally responsive Ballroom-centered initiative using events, education, mentorship, and community engagement to create affirming spaces while connecting participants to resources and opportunities.
Vogue Academy / Ballroom 101
An educational and cultural arts program teaching the foundations, history, techniques, etiquette, and cultural significance of Ballroom.
Black Gay Chat
A facilitated community conversation and empowerment space designed to encourage honest discussion about issues affecting Black gay men and the broader community.
B.L.A.C.K. Academy
Building Leaders and Cultivating Knowledge
A leadership and personal development initiative focused on giving participants practical knowledge and tools for navigating adulthood, leadership, community, education, employment, finances, and civic life.
Ballroom Thrives
Programming focused on members of the Ballroom and LGBTQIA+ community age 40 and older.
Community Resource Connection
The TOC Foundation works with community organizations and service providers to help connect participants with appropriate external resources.
Impact
From The Ballroom Floor To Community Impact
Years of grassroots engagement, mentoring, cultural events, and resource connection — now formalized as a nonprofit.
- Community Members Reached
- 0+
Community Members Reached
- Years of Community Engagement
- 0
Years of Community Engagement
- Community Events
- 0+
Community Events
- Community Partners
- 0
Community Partners
Statistics are editable in src/data/site.ts — no figures are published until verified.
Let's build community together.
Whether you are a community member, funder, healthcare organization, agency, or corporate partner — there is a place for you in this work.
Dallas, Texas · (214) 334-3790