Texas Freedom Network Education Fund

Mission Statement

The Texas Freedom Network Education Fund (TFNEF) is a statewide non-partisan, grassroots organization that is building an informed and effective movement working toward equality and social justice.

About TFN

Founded by Cecile Richards in 1995, TFN has become a progressive powerhouse with a grassroots network of more than 180,000 advocates across the state of Texas. TFN has always been an outspoken advocate and champion on behalf of reproductive freedom, LGBTQIA+ equality, voting rights, public education, religious freedom, and more. TFN brings together grassroots advocates, faith leaders, young people, and communities of color in support of a broad progressive agenda in a changing Texas. We ensure that progressive voices – especially voices of young people of color and progressive people of faith – are always at the table. We're incredibly proud of our two programs, Texas Rising and Just Texas, which seek to further uplift these voices:

Texas Rising – organizing, civic engagement, and leadership development of young people (age 18-29)

Just Texas – organizing and mobilizing faith leaders and religious communities to advocate for LGBTQIA+ equality, de-stigmatize abortion, and fight for social justice.

Texas Rising:

TFN's Texas Rising program is building the power of young people in our communities and at the ballot box by organizing and training college students and young people of color in a multi-issue, intersectional social justice framework. Texas Rising currently has a strong presence on college campuses across Texas, including several student chapters in the Central Texas area. Texas Rising seeks to:

• Establish and cultivate a robust leadership pipeline for the next generation of progressive leaders 
• Educate and empower young activists to participate in the political process and create change in their communities
• Increase voter participation and turnout among under-30s in Texas

Just Texas:

Just Texas was created in 2013 following Wendy Davis' historic filibuster speech against a harmful anti-abortion bill. While TFN has always worked alongside faith communities and clergy to advocate for progressive values and speak truth to power, Just Texas grew from a clear need for a program that organizes faith communities year-round. Today, Just Texas organizes faith leaders from diverse religious traditions to support and take action for progressive public policies. Our work focuses on three key issue areas:

• Challenge the toxic theology that creates shame and stigma around reproductive health care decisions through our Reproductive Freedom Congregations
• Support the full equality and humanity of the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to be outspoken in fighting discriminatory public policies that use faith as a weapon to divide and discriminate
• Serve as a cross-movement ally that is committed to supporting racial, economic, and social justice.

TFN's Passionate Network of Grassroots Activists

As a multi-issue progressive advocacy organization, TFN has a broad grassroots base for ongoing issue education and advocacy. Our members and activists are united by a strong commitment to the separation of church and state — genuine religious liberty — and the promotion of common-sense public policies free from the influence of religious ideology. 

Needs Statement

TFN depends on the generous support of individual donors like you. In 2026, we are facing multiple challenges at the Texas Legislature, the State Board of Education, and in local communities across the state. We need donors like you to bring your energy for change to help us throw down resources for Texas. Your contribution will help support our education and advocacy efforts at the Texas Capitol and State Board of Education, leadership development and civic engagement with young people on college campuses, and outreach and mobilization of progressive faith leaders and congregations. 

Testimonials

"I founded TFN in 1995 because the values of public education, religious freedom and civil liberties were under attack... Today, our mission has never been more important."

-- Cecile Richards, TFN Founder

Volunteer Details

TFN's work would not be possible without the energy and talent of our incredible volunteers. From helping with mailings and event planning to advocacy efforts, peer-to-peer outreach, and tabling opportunities, TFN has the most dedicated team of volunteers in the state. For more details on getting involved, please visit www.tfn.org.

Who We Are

freedom, science, state board of education, religion, religious freedom, public education, education, justice, social justice, vouchers, research, network, grassroots, advocacy, activism, activist, advocate, organize, engage, capitol, fund, leadership, vote, youth, equality, education, reproductive rights, textbook, textbooks, LGBT