Large companies with deep pockets often have community affairs departments that secure volunteer opportunities for employees. But smaller companies with fewer resources can’t spare teammates or work time to plan community outreach activities.

Yet, these small companies have hearts to serve that are just as big as those of their larger counterparts.

That’s where Entrepreneurs For North Texas comes in. As a program of Communities Foundation of Texas, EFNT facilitates community involvement and philanthropy for small to mid-sized companies who want to make a beneficial impact in their communities.

Operating as an outsourced community affairs department, EFNT serves the North Texas business community and provides it’s network of 100 member companies with the resources to develop a company culture of good corporate citizenship. The network includes early stage businesses, private equity investors, venture capitalists and a wide range of professional service providers who have made a commitment to give back to the communities in which they live and work.

Established in the summer of 2000, EFNT is a member of a national affiliation of similar organizations across the United States and in Tel Aviv, Israel. Each has its own governing body and unique business models, yet share a common mission.

EFNT helps companies harness

the power of their assets through philanthropy and community programs to serve social needs and meet corporate objectives. EFNT identifies the most strategic alliances with nonprofit organizations for member companies so that maximum impact on both the company and the community can be achieved. Additionally, EFNT hosts networking events that celebrate corporate philanthropy, tap into the wisdom of accomplished business leaders and provide an exclusive environment for a community of good corporate citizens.

SMALL BUSINESS + BIG HEARTS = GRAND IMPACT

Entrepreneurs For North Texas organized volunteer

and in-kind support for 23 Dallas-Fort Worth area charitable organizations

in 2014. Member company employees provided more

than 10,000 hours of volunteer service valued at

over $226,000.

FURTHERING IMPACTSPECIAL REPORT

Summer 2015

Dartpoints Chief Executive Officer Hugh Carspecken gardens at a Veterans Administration treatment center on Freedom Day 2014. “One of our co-founders is a veteran, so the opportunity to bring the company out to support the event, as well as his experience, was invaluable,” Carspecken said. Dartpoints is a data recovery company and a member of EFNT.

INSIDE LOOK: Q&A WITH EFNT MEMBER DHD FILMS

Q: Why did DHD Films join EFNT?

DHD Films: Service to our community and fellow man has always been a priority for us. EFNT brings an unparalleled, entrepreneurial mindset to service. EFNT equips its member companies to use their team and talents in a way that other service organizations do not. Being a part of the organization meant that we would join a group of like-minded individuals who wanted to give back and be good corporate stewards. We would also have the chance to learn from other entrepreneurial companies who value service. Our EFNT membership is an extension of our company’s beliefs, values and commitment to service within the North Texas region and beyond.

Q: In what member company activities has DHD Films participated?

DHD Films: We have been active in a variety of their initiatives. Freedom Day 2013 was our first opportunity to volunteer with the organization. It was a special day for our team, because we had one crew working hard to beautify the William H. Atwell Middle School, while another crew documented the day’s activities, which would later be pack-aged as an Event Highlights Film. Additionally, we have participated in North Texas Giving Day, Freedom Day 2014 and a Plug ‘N Play,

for which our team spent the day teaching students from the Dallas Independent School District about video production as they filmed their own music video to the song, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

Q: How was your Freedom Day 2014 experience?

DHD Films: During the event, our team volunteered alongside veterans from Honor Courage Commitment to renovate a transitional home for veterans. Serving along-side the men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedom

was not only rewarding, but also humbling. Last, this year was different because we were involved in creating the marketing collateral and a 20-minute video campaign to promote the event. Ultimately, the campaign was a success and resulted in record volunteer turnout, various media impressions and a considerable amount of sponsorships and in-kind donations. Freedom Day 2014 was a great opportunity for our team to work with EFNT throughout the strategy, planning and execution phases of the event.

Q: What do you remember most about that day?

DHD Films: Standing during the opening ceremony and experiencing an indescribable feeling. On one hand, I couldn’t help but to think about the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the lives that were lost and trans-formed. The sorrow and pain filled my heart as if the event just happened. But, as I looked around and saw the 500-plus volunteers present, I instantly felt a sense of joy and pride. We all were there to turn something evil into a force of good.

Q: How has an EFNT made DHD Films better?

DHD Films: Fifteen years ago, our company was founded in Dallas. More than a decade later, we are still thriving and operating in the city that we know and love. It is our duty to do everything we can

to give back to the city that has given us so much. Because of our EFNT membership, we have been introduced to a host of organizations, executive leaders, civic activists and volunteers who want to make a difference in the greater Dallas community. EFNT has provided our company the necessary tools and resources for us to continue strengthening our company culture of good corporate citizenship. Our membership and involvement with EFNT has been invaluable to our commitment to service, business practices and our ability to impact the North Texas region.

DHD Films, an Emmy-nominated, full service video production and motion graphics studio, joined Entrepreneurs For North Texas in 2013 in never looked back.

“Our membership has given us a platform to explore new avenues for our team to make an impact in North Texas,” said Derek K. Hubbard, DHD Films Communications and Public Relations Manager.

Read more about how the employees of DHD Films are making a difference. Learn about the EFNT member activities mentioned here at EFNT.org.

Entrepreneurs For North Texas has been invaluableto our commitment to service, business and our ability to

impact the North Texas region.

EFNT Member Companies DHD Films and Honor Courage Committment, Inc. on Freedom Day 2014