From the ETX View editor: Spring is in the air – and so is philanthropy
Published 4:58 pm Saturday, March 7, 2026
It’s spring, y’all!
Welcome to the March/April Nonprofit, Faith & Philanthropy issue. This is always a heartwarming issue to put together because through each part of the planning process, we’re reminded what a special community we have here in East Texas. Neighbors lending a hand with no strings attached. Volunteers giving back out of the goodness of their hearts. Nonprofit leaders going the extra mile for clients who need a little extra support. Tales of faith that keep people going. The next generation of youth stepping up to serve. Stories that demonstrate just that and more fill this issue of ETX View.
As you read this issue, you’ll meet groups like Longview Community Ministries, Catholic Charities, and Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center who are making a difference each and every day. We also highlighted businesses inspired by Bible verses – like Tracie Lynn’s Studio P31 (Proverbs 31) and Marshall natives Clay and Kristy Grubbs who run In The Stillness, a cabin getaway in Broken Bow that invites you to “Be Still” (Psalm 46:10). Our feature story toward the front of the magazine “gives cause for great hope” as the younger generation is leading the way at local churches in East Texas and beyond. They’re looking for something real, and they’re finding it in Jesus and community.
As we highlighted these nonprofits, I did some research and found out the impact these groups have on our region is unmatched. Did you know the nonprofit sector in East Texas is quite impressive for metros our size? According to Cause IQ, we have at least 4,147 nonprofits in the Tyler and Longview metro areas combined. Those nonprofits employ over 20,500 people in our region and each nonprofit – big and small – has a network of volunteers that help carry out the organization’s mission each day. The region’s nonprofits earn more than $2.88 billion in revenue each year, combined, and have assets of $7 billion.
With over 4,100 nonprofits, just think how many people are served by each organization. It’s a humbling reminder of how vital the work of our local nonprofits truly is.
With East Texas Giving Day coming up on April 28, don’t forget to show some love to these nonprofits. Our region has so many organizations that you’re sure to find one with a mission that resonates with you. State and federal funding can be unpredictable and grants are sometimes hard to secure – especially with the grantors having so many causes to choose from. These groups need our support, whether that’s donating money, time or just spreading the word about their mission. Every bit counts.
Speaking of support, thank you to each of you who are reading these words and have our magazine in your hands or on your digital screen. We are so glad you’re here. If you’re interested in being part of all the exciting things we have going on at ETX View, send us an email at info@etxview.com or email me directly. We’d love to hear from you.
Happy reading!
Santana Wood
About Santana Wood
Managing editor of the Tyler Morning Telegraph and ETX View Magazine. Alabama native and Troy University alumna who moved to East Texas in late 2020. While my main role is to lead our newsroom, I often find myself reporting on crime, business and breaking news, and I write for ETX View on a regular basis. I love what I do and strongly believe in the mission of local journalism. Story ideas, questions, etc. are always welcome at santana.wood@tylerpaper.com or 903-237-7749.
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