Black United Fund of Texas: A Helping Hand That’s Your Own

For more than three decad

For more than three decades, the Black United Fund of Texas (BUFTX) has been a driving force for change, empowering communities across Texas to take control of their own futures. Founded in 1987 by Mrs. Cleo Glenn-Johnson, BUFTX builds on the legacy of the National Black United Fund—established in 1968 by Walter Bremond in Los Angeles as an alternative to traditional workplace giving campaigns that often overlooked underserved neighborhoods.

Today, BUFTX continues its mission with a focus on disaster relief, food security, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and technology, serving as “The Helping Hand That is Your Own.”

Building Community Wealth: The Mission and Vision of BUFTX

At the heart of Texas’s most underserved neighborhoods, the Black United Fund of Texas (BUFTX) works as more than a nonprofit — it is a catalyst for lasting change. Acting as a statewide resource hub, BUFTX provides the tools, knowledge, and connections that help communities take charge of their own future. From fostering self-help initiatives to supporting grassroots leadership, the organization’s mission is rooted in the belief that real transformation begins within the community itself.

The vision driving BUFTX is bold yet deeply grounded: to see resource-limited communities not just survive, but thrive — developing strong institutions, building generational wealth, and creating pathways to opportunity that endure for decades. This commitment to sustainable growth ensures that every program, partnership, and investment contributes to a cycle of empowerment that strengthens both individuals and the collective fabric of Texas communities.

In essence, BUFTX is laying the groundwork for a future where opportunity isn’t limited by zip code — and where the prosperity built today continues to benefit generations tomorrow.

Flagship Programs

1. Houston Agri-Power (HAP)

HAP is a collaborative network of organizations, agricultural professionals, and community members dedicated to tackling food insecurity in low-income neighborhoods through urban agriculture.

By expanding local food production and providing job training in gardening and farming, HAP fosters healthier residents, stronger homes, and more resilient communities.

Current Highlight:
BUFTX partnered with Prairie View A&M University’s Cooperative Extension Program to expand the Phoenix Garden and Phoenix Farm—creating new opportunities for food production and workforce skill-building.

2. Vulnerable to Vibrant

Even after losing U.S. EPA funding mid-project, BUFTX persisted—successfully delivering key elements of this environmental justice and economic empowerment initiative in Houston’s Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens.

These neighborhoods have long battled disproportionate environmental challenges, from pollution to flooding. The “Vulnerable to Vibrant” program tackled these issues head-on through sustainable development, workforce training, and community-led action.

Key program components included:

• Solar Workforce Training – Free solar installation training in partnership with The Green Thumb Academy, South Union CDC, and TriSMART Solar (hiring partner).

• Tree Plantings & Flood Mitigation – Native “Super Trees” and fruit trees planted with Houston Wilderness to cool urban heat islands, improve air quality, provide fresh produce, and help prevent flooding.

• Community Engagement – Resident-led decision-making through the Houston Health Department’s Community Advisory Board.

• Resilience Hubs – Solar-powered safe havens offering resources during emergencies.

• Environmental Education – Illegal dumping clean-ups, youth outreach, and environmental awareness programs.

Why BUFTX Matters

BUFTX’s work is rooted in the belief that when we help ourselves, we uplift the entire community. By equipping residents with the tools, skills, and resources they need, BUFTX not only addresses immediate challenges but also builds the foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience.

Get Involved

From planting gardens to installing solar panels, there are countless ways to join BUFTX in transforming Texas communities. Together, we can make vulnerable neighborhoods vibrant, self-sufficient, and thriving.

Learn more at: www.buftx.org