The idea behind starting the nonprofit
The Forney Legacy Project was founded on a shared passion for community service and a desire to make a lasting impact in Forney. The organization’s founders—Lisa Cowan, Ashley Paulson, and Wynona Beyer—first connected while serving on the Forney ISD PTO. As small business owners in direct sales, they saw an opportunity to merge their entrepreneurial skills with their commitment to helping others.
Their journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when they organized a virtual vendor craft show to raise funds for two local students battling leukemia. The overwhelming response to that initiative highlighted the community’s generosity and the need for ongoing support. Inspired by this experience, the trio formalized their efforts, giving rise to the Forney Legacy Project. Today, the nonprofit remains dedicated to uplifting those in need and strengthening the Forney community.
Their journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when they organized a virtual vendor craft show to raise funds for two local students battling leukemia. The overwhelming response to that initiative highlighted the community’s generosity and the need for ongoing support. Inspired by this experience, the trio formalized their efforts, giving rise to the Forney Legacy Project. Today, the nonprofit remains dedicated to uplifting those in need and strengthening the Forney community.
The story behind the Forney Legacy Project name
The name Forney Legacy Project wasn’t just chosen—it was inspired by a vision of lasting impact. When Lisa Cowan, Ashley Paulson, and Wynona Beyer came together to form the nonprofit, they knew they wanted to build something that went beyond a single fundraiser or event. They wanted to create a legacy of giving, one that would continue to support Forney families for years to come.
The word Forney was essential. This community was their home, the place where they had built relationships, raised their families, and seen firsthand the needs that often go unnoticed. They wanted the name to reflect their deep connection to the people and schools of Forney.
Legacy was the heart of their mission. Their first major initiative—a virtual vendor craft show to support two students battling leukemia—showed them the power of collective generosity. They realized they weren’t just raising money; they were setting an example, inspiring others to give, and creating something that could outlive any one event. A legacy isn’t about a moment—it’s about the lasting change those moments create.
Finally, Project signified action. This wasn’t just a dream or an idea—it was something they were actively building, piece by piece, with the help of their supporters and community partners. Every donation, every volunteer effort, every family helped was another step in the ongoing project of making Forney a place where no one faces hardship alone.
Thus, the Forney Legacy Project was born—not just as a name, but as a promise to keep giving, keep helping, and keep building a stronger community for generations to come.
The word Forney was essential. This community was their home, the place where they had built relationships, raised their families, and seen firsthand the needs that often go unnoticed. They wanted the name to reflect their deep connection to the people and schools of Forney.
Legacy was the heart of their mission. Their first major initiative—a virtual vendor craft show to support two students battling leukemia—showed them the power of collective generosity. They realized they weren’t just raising money; they were setting an example, inspiring others to give, and creating something that could outlive any one event. A legacy isn’t about a moment—it’s about the lasting change those moments create.
Finally, Project signified action. This wasn’t just a dream or an idea—it was something they were actively building, piece by piece, with the help of their supporters and community partners. Every donation, every volunteer effort, every family helped was another step in the ongoing project of making Forney a place where no one faces hardship alone.
Thus, the Forney Legacy Project was born—not just as a name, but as a promise to keep giving, keep helping, and keep building a stronger community for generations to come.
The biggest challenge we have overcome
The biggest challenge the Forney Legacy Project has overcome is proving that a grassroots nonprofit can make a real, lasting impact without the backing of a large organization. When we first started, we were just three moms with a passion for giving back—no big sponsors, no established donor network, just an idea and a community we believed in.
One of our earliest hurdles was fundraising. Our first major initiative—a virtual vendor craft show to support two students battling leukemia—was born out of necessity. With the world shut down due to COVID-19, traditional fundraising methods weren’t an option. We had to get creative, leveraging our small businesses, community connections, and social media to rally support. The success of that event proved that people were willing to show up for a cause if given the opportunity.
Another challenge was building trust and recognition. Unlike national charities with name recognition, we had to establish credibility from the ground up. Gaining the support of Forney ISD, local businesses, and community members took time and persistence. But through consistent action—showing up, delivering on our promises, and always putting the community first—we earned that trust.
Today, the Forney Legacy Project is known and respected for its commitment to helping those in need. We’ve overcome the challenges of starting from scratch, proving that heart, hard work, and a strong community can turn a small idea into something truly impactful.
One of our earliest hurdles was fundraising. Our first major initiative—a virtual vendor craft show to support two students battling leukemia—was born out of necessity. With the world shut down due to COVID-19, traditional fundraising methods weren’t an option. We had to get creative, leveraging our small businesses, community connections, and social media to rally support. The success of that event proved that people were willing to show up for a cause if given the opportunity.
Another challenge was building trust and recognition. Unlike national charities with name recognition, we had to establish credibility from the ground up. Gaining the support of Forney ISD, local businesses, and community members took time and persistence. But through consistent action—showing up, delivering on our promises, and always putting the community first—we earned that trust.
Today, the Forney Legacy Project is known and respected for its commitment to helping those in need. We’ve overcome the challenges of starting from scratch, proving that heart, hard work, and a strong community can turn a small idea into something truly impactful.
Who is our ideal customer
Our ideal customer—or more accurately, your ideal supporter—includes individuals, businesses, and organizations that align with the Forney Legacy Project’s mission of community service and giving back. Here’s a breakdown of who they are:
1. Community Members Who Care
Your ideal supporters are individuals and families in Forney and surrounding areas who believe in helping their neighbors. They may not always have large financial contributions to give, but they are eager to volunteer, attend events, or spread the word about your initiatives.
2. Small Business Owners Who Value Giving Back
Much like the nonprofit’s founders, local entrepreneurs who see the value in combining business with community service are a perfect fit. They may support the Forney Legacy Project through sponsorships, event participation, or in-kind donations.
3. Corporate Sponsors & Local Businesses
Larger businesses that prioritize corporate social responsibility (CSR) and want to invest in the community are ideal partners. These businesses can provide financial backing, employee volunteer programs, or matching donation opportunities that help sustain your efforts.
4. School & Educational Leaders
Since the Forney Legacy Project has strong ties to Forney ISD, school administrators, teachers, and PTA/PTO groups who recognize the importance of community support are great allies. They can help identify families in need and connect students with available resources.
5. Philanthropic Individuals & Grant Providers
People who have the means and passion to contribute financially to local causes are key supporters. Whether through one-time donations, recurring gifts, or estate planning, these donors help ensure long-term sustainability.
6. Volunteers with a Heart for Service
From event planning to hands-on community outreach, volunteers are the backbone of many nonprofit efforts. Your ideal volunteers are those who share your passion and are willing to dedicate their time and skills to furthering the mission.
Why They Support You
Your ideal supporter values community, generosity, and long-term impact. They don’t just want to donate money—they want to see tangible change in Forney. Whether through financial support, time, or resources, they believe in your mission and want to be part of creating a lasting legacy.
Our proudest moment so far
The proudest moment for the Forney Legacy Project so far has been receiving the Forney Family Award—not once, but twice—from Forney ISD. This recognition wasn’t just about an award; it was validation that our efforts were truly making a difference in the lives of families and students in our community.
When we started, we never imagined that our small initiative—a virtual vendor craft show to support two students battling leukemia—would grow into something so impactful. But seeing our name honored by the very school district we set out to support was a full-circle moment. It meant that the work we were doing—whether it was providing financial assistance to families in crisis, donating supplies to students in need, or rallying the community for important causes—was not just appreciated but making a tangible, lasting impact.
More than the award itself, the real pride came from the stories behind it—the families who didn’t have to choose between rent and groceries, the parents who didn’t have to worry about how they would pay overwhelming medical bills, and those who didn’t have to face the unimaginable burden of burying a loved one alone. It was about easing struggles, lifting burdens, and showing families that their community stood beside them.
That recognition reinforced our mission and inspired us to keep pushing forward, knowing that every act of kindness is building a stronger, more compassionate Forney.
When we started, we never imagined that our small initiative—a virtual vendor craft show to support two students battling leukemia—would grow into something so impactful. But seeing our name honored by the very school district we set out to support was a full-circle moment. It meant that the work we were doing—whether it was providing financial assistance to families in crisis, donating supplies to students in need, or rallying the community for important causes—was not just appreciated but making a tangible, lasting impact.
More than the award itself, the real pride came from the stories behind it—the families who didn’t have to choose between rent and groceries, the parents who didn’t have to worry about how they would pay overwhelming medical bills, and those who didn’t have to face the unimaginable burden of burying a loved one alone. It was about easing struggles, lifting burdens, and showing families that their community stood beside them.
That recognition reinforced our mission and inspired us to keep pushing forward, knowing that every act of kindness is building a stronger, more compassionate Forney.
The Forney Legacy Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a lasting impact by supporting individuals and families in our community and beyond. Founded by Lisa Cowan, Ashley Paulson, and Wynona Beyer, the organization began with a virtual vendor craft show to assist two local students battling leukemia. Since then, it has grown into a broader mission of giving back, with plans to expand into other cities.
What We Do:
- Provide financial assistance to individuals and families facing hardships.
- Organize fundraising events, such as vendor markets and craft shows, to support those in need.
- Partner with local schools, businesses, and community leaders to identify and address challenges.
- Expand outreach efforts beyond Forney, with a vision to impact more communities.
What We Raise Money For:
- Helping individuals and families with medical expenses, financial hardships, or emergencies.
- Supporting students and families battling serious illnesses.
- Funding initiatives that uplift and strengthen the community.
Recognized with the Forney Family Award (twice) and backed by strong community partnerships, the Forney Legacy Project continues to grow its mission of service and support.