Turtle Creek Association
Turtle Creek Association is a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1985 that provides year-round stewardship, beautification, and restoration of the Turtle Creek corridor, including 25 medians and 90 acres of urban forest, funded through memberships, events, and donations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersDallas, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Turtle Creek Association does
Turtle Creek Association (TCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1985 in Dallas, Texas, dedicated to the preservation, protection, and enhancement of the Turtle Creek corridor. It is the sole organization focused exclusively on year-round stewardship of 25 boulevard medians and 90 acres of urban hardwood forest, addressing aging infrastructure, litter, invasive plants, stormwater pollution, and homeless encampments through hands-on cleanup, restoration, and beautification. TCA operates without public funding and reports investing an average of $300,000 to over $550,000 annually in public amenities, with 93 cents of every donated dollar going directly to the mission.
TCA generates revenue through a tiered membership program (Young Professionals at $75-$150, basic tiers at $100-$500, and Patron Society levels at $1,000-$20,000), event-based fundraising (an annual Gala & Tour of Homes, Azalea Luncheon), one-time donations, corporate sponsorships ($500-$25,000 tiers), a planned giving Legacy Program, and branded merchandise (Toby Market). Its go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, targeting Dallas-area residents, corridor neighbors, young professionals, and corporate partners. The organization has 700+ individual members and nearly 100 business members, and is governed by a Board of Directors with a small core staff led by President/CEO J.D. Trueblood, VP of Development Sharon Ballew, and Director of Membership Brigitte Chorey.
The organization's strategic priorities are codified in a 5-Year Master Plan (updated with Lyda Hill Philanthropies funding) focused on Health of the Creek, Reversing Urban Decay, and Installation of Art. It has secured $1 million in City of Dallas 2024 Bond Program funding for dredging, restored eight historic bridges through the Bridges of Turtle Creek initiative, and achieved a Charity Navigator four-star rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. Key partners include the City of Dallas, Turtle Creek Conservancy, Hillwood Urban (a Perot company), Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Belmont Village Senior Living, and Trash Free Waterways. The 40-year anniversary in January 2025 underscores TCA's long-standing institutional role in Dallas environmental stewardship.
Turtle Creek Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Turtle Creek Association
- Legal name
- Turtle Creek Association
- Website
- https://turtlecreekassociation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Turtle Creek Association is a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1985 that provides year-round stewardship, beautification, and restoration of the Turtle Creek corridor, including 25 medians and 90 acres of urban forest, funded through memberships, events, and donations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Turtle Creek Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Stewardship Nonprofit Services
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Environmental Education & Outreach (BPAGAGAH), Environmental Policy, Advocacy & Litigation (BPAGAGAG), Biodiversity Conservation & Habitat Banking (AFAMAMAC)
Keywords
Where Turtle Creek Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dallas
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Turtle Creek Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership fees ranging from $75 to $20,000 across multiple tiers. Includes Young Professionals ($75-$150), basic tiers ($100-$500), Patron Society levels ($1,000-$20,000), and Protector level ($20,000+).
- One-Time Donations: One-time gifts and honor/in-memory donations from supporters. The organization states it does not receive public funding and relies on private donations.
- Event Revenue: Tickets and sponsorships for signature events including the Gala, Tour of Homes, and Azalea Luncheon. Sponsorship packages range from $500 to $25,000.
- Merchandise Sales: Toby Market sells branded merchandise including Toby Yeti tumblers ($40), stickers, and coloring books to supporters and visitors.
- Planned Giving: Legacy Program accepting planned gifts through wills, trusts, IRA rollovers, retirement plan beneficiaries, life insurance, and beneficiary designations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Young Professionals - Individual/Couple membership for those under 40 |
| Subscription | Annual | Crepe Myrtle - Basic membership tier |
| Subscription | Annual | Honey Locust - Basic membership tier |
| Subscription | Annual | Budding Hawthorn - Basic membership tier |
| Subscription | Annual | Fruitful Texas Pecan - Basic membership tier |
| Subscription | Annual | Environmentalist - Patron Society level |
| Subscription | Annual | Steward - Patron Society level |
| Subscription | Annual | Naturalist - Patron Society level |
| Subscription | Annual | Conservator - Patron Society level |
| Subscription | Annual | Visionary - Patron Society level |
| Subscription | Annual | Protector - Top Patron Society level |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Presenting Sponsor - Event sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Diamond Patron - Event sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Ruby Patron - Event sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Emerald Patron - Event sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Print Sponsor - Event sponsorship |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Turtle Creek Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Turtle Creek Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides year-round environmental stewardship of the Turtle Creek Corridor in Dallas, Texas, including creek cleanup, median maintenance across 25 medians, urban hardwood forest management across 90 acres, bridge restoration, beautification plantings, advocacy with the City of Dallas, and community education. Revenue is generated through a tiered individual membership program ($75–$20,000), signature fundraising events (Gala & Tour of Homes and Azalea Luncheon), corporate sponsorship partnerships ($500–$25,000), planned giving through the TCA Legacy Program, and branded merchandise sales through the Toby Market.
Product overview
Turtle Creek Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating as a community stewardship association rather than a technology company. The organization offers a tiered membership program with various donation levels ranging from $75 (Young Professionals) to $20,000 (Protector). Core offerings include annual fundraising events (Gala & Tour of Homes, Azalea Luncheon), the Toby Market merchandise store, interactive educational tools (Toby Games, Toby's Corner for kids), the Bridges of Turtle Creek preservation program, a planned giving Legacy Program, and a corporate Partnership Program. The organization does not develop or sell technology products; instead, it provides community engagement, environmental stewardship, and advocacy services for the Turtle Creek Corridor in Dallas, Texas.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Membership Program Tiered annual membership program for individuals, couples, and young professionals supporting Turtle Creek corridor stewardship; twelve tiers ranging from $75 (Young Professionals) to $20,000 (Protector) with benefits including event invitations, patron listings, blooming bed naming rights, and trees planted in honor.
- Gala & Tour of Homes Annual premier fundraising weekend featuring an evening gala with cocktails, dinner, live entertainment (Emerald City's Limelight band), and exclusive auction packages, combined with a self-guided Tour of Homes through select Dallas residences. Tickets sold via GiveSmart at TCA2026.givesmart.com.
- Azalea Luncheon Annual fundraising luncheon held at the Warwick Melrose Hotel to raise funds for the preservation, protection, and celebration of the Turtle Creek corridor.
- Toby Market Online merchandise store selling TCA-branded items including Toby the Turtle & Friends stickers, coloring books, Toby Yeti tumblers ($40), apparel, hats, and accessories to support TCA's mission.
- Corporate Partnership Program Three-tier corporate partnership offering (Program Partner, Event Partner, Corridor Partner) providing visibility, recognition, and community engagement for businesses supporting Turtle Creek stewardship, with a 30–60 day onboarding process and year-round visibility benefits.
- TCA Legacy Program Planned giving program offering options including bequests through wills or trusts, IRA rollover, beneficiary designation for retirement, investment, or bank accounts and life insurance, and priority gifts for long-term stewardship of Turtle Creek.
Quantifiable outcome
- 93 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to the mission
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Turtle Creek Association
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Turtle Creek Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Turtle Creek Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- City of DallascoreKey municipal partner for corridor stewardship. Includes collaboration with Dallas Park Board, Councilmember Paul Ridley, Park Board Representative Rudy Karimi, and Office of Homeless Solutions. The City allocated $1 million in 2024 Bond Program funding for creek dredging based on TCA advocacy.
- Turtle Creek ConservancycoreHistoric collaboration through the Bridges of Turtle Creek initiative to restore eight century-old bridges. The Conservancy, formerly known as Lee Park and Arlington Hall Conservancy, is responsible for renovation and preservation of Arlington Hall and Turtle Creek Park (formerly Lee Park).
- Trash Free WaterwayscoreVendor partner hired (in partnership with Hillwood Urban) to manually remove trash from the creek and surrounding parkways. Expanded services to remove all visible trash throughout the area.
- Hillwood UrbanmajorA Perot company and major corporate partner. Partnership includes collaboration on trash interceptor development and creek cleanup initiatives, as well as event sponsorship.
- Belmont Village Senior LivingminorFeatured partner and event sponsor contributing to corridor stewardship and community events.
- Dallas Southern Memorial AssociationminorPartnered with TCA and other organizations in 1995 to form the Turtle Creek Conservancy (formerly Lee Park and Arlington Hall Conservancy).
- WRMC (Worth Ross Management Company)minorCorporate sponsor and Patron Society member (Andrea Willett/WRMC at Visionary level) supporting TCA events and programs.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Turtle Creek Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Keep America Beautiful: National nonprofit focused on litter prevention, beautification, and community improvement — closely paralleling TCA's cleanup and beautification work, though at national scale through affiliate networks.
- The Trust for Public Land: National nonprofit that creates parks and protects land for public use, with significant urban park and green-space work. Comparable in mission of urban conservation and park creation, but operates at national scale with broader funding tools (land conservation, ballot measures).
- The Nature Conservancy: One of the largest global environmental nonprofits, with Texas/urban programs including Dallas-area work. Comparable as an environmental nonprofit pursuing land and water stewardship, but at vastly greater scale and broader geographic scope.
- Sierra Club: One of the oldest and largest U.S. environmental organizations with active Dallas-Fort Worth chapter. Comparable as an environmental advocacy and conservation nonprofit with membership-based funding, though its scope is far broader than urban creek stewardship.
Regional players
- Friends of the Trinity River: Dallas-based nonprofit dedicated to stewardship and improvement of the Trinity River corridor. Comparable as a peer urban waterway advocacy and beautification organization operating in the same metropolitan area with a similar membership-and-event-driven model.
- For the Love of the Lake: Lake Highlands-area nonprofit focused on Lake Highlands Lake and surrounding park stewardship. Comparable as a North Texas nonprofit using memberships, events, and volunteer cleanup days to maintain a local urban water asset.
- Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation: Manages Klyde Warren Park, a Dallas urban green space built over a freeway. Comparable as a Dallas-area nonprofit stewarding a signature public green space, relying on corporate sponsorships, events, and major donor support.
- White Rock Lake Conservancy: A Dallas-area nonprofit focused on stewardship of White Rock Lake and its surrounding parkland, trails, and natural areas. Highly comparable in structure and model: volunteer-led, donor-supported urban green-space preservation in the same metro area.
Emerging players
- American Rivers: National nonprofit focused specifically on river conservation and clean water. Directly comparable in its focus on freshwater/urban waterway protection, though it operates nationally and emphasizes policy advocacy over local hands-on stewardship.
Direct peers
- Turtle Creek Conservancy: The Conservancy (formerly Lee Park and Arlington Hall Conservancy) is TCA's closest peer and historic partner — co-formed in 1995 with TCA. It stewards adjacent Turtle Creek Park and Arlington Hall, sharing the same mission of corridor preservation and partnering on the Bridges of Turtle Creek initiative.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Turtle Creek Association social profiles
Digital presenceTurtle Creek Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Turtle Creek Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Turtle Creek Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Turtle Creek Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Turtle Creek Association
What does Turtle Creek Association do?
Turtle Creek Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides year-round environmental stewardship of the Turtle Creek Corridor in Dallas, Texas, including creek cleanup, median maintenance across 25 medians, urban hardwood forest management across 90 acres, bridge restoration, beautification plantings, advocacy with the City of Dallas, and community education. Revenue is generated through a tiered individual membership program ($75–$20,000), signature fundraising events (Gala & Tour of Homes and Azalea Luncheon), corporate sponsorship partnerships ($500–$25,000), planned giving through the TCA Legacy Program, and branded merchandise sales through the Toby Market.
Is Turtle Creek Association a public or private company?
Turtle Creek Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Turtle Creek Association founded?
Turtle Creek Association was founded in 1985. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Turtle Creek Association based?
Turtle Creek Association is headquartered in Dallas, United States, in the North America region.
How does Turtle Creek Association make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are one-Time Donations, event Revenue, merchandise Sales and planned Giving.
Who are Turtle Creek Association's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Keep America Beautiful, The Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy and Sierra Club. Regional players are Friends of the Trinity River, For the Love of the Lake, Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation and White Rock Lake Conservancy. American Rivers is listed as an emerging player. Turtle Creek Conservancy is listed as a direct peer.
Does Turtle Creek Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for Turtle Creek Association.
What industry is Turtle Creek Association in?
Turtle Creek Association's product category is Environmental Stewardship Nonprofit Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation, with a secondary code of BPAGAGAH, Environmental Education & Outreach. Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 8600.