The Foundation was created by a generous gift from the San Angelo Health Foundation and has since been the recipient of other gifts. One of the gifts we received was from the Furth family in California, creating The Cecil Williams Legacy Fund. This fund is an endowed “field of interest” fund. (Definition below) Donors can add to this fund or may create other types of endowed funds, as described below:

1. Unrestricted Funds. Income and or growth from Unrestricted Funds may be used to support special service programs of the Foundation and to meet pressing community needs as they arise. These are discretionary funds and with Board approval may be used to meet operating costs of the Foundation.
   
   
2. Field of Interest Funds. Income and or growth from Field of Interest Funds may be used to support programs in specific broad areas of community needs. The Foundation has established education, health, arts and culture, youth programs and welfare as particular fields of interest to which contributions may be directed. Establishment of other broad fields of interest is possible.
   
   
3. Designated Funds. Gifts of Designated Funds are made to support one or more specific organizations or programs designated by the donor and may take one of two forms:
   1. Designated Endowment Funds, the principal of which may not be invaded except in special circumstances requiring approval of the Foundation's Board of Directors. The income and or growth from invested principal of Designated Endowment Funds must be used for designated organizations or programs.
      
      
   2. Pass-through Designated Funds are funds which the Foundation will generally hold for short periods on behalf of an organization or individual, and which are earmarked for a specific purpose. The income and or growth from invested principal of Pass-through Designated Funds revert to the Foundation Operations Fund.
4. Donor Advised Funds. Donors may establish an Advised Fund to benefit one or more entities of their choice and may recommend different recipients from time to time, provided such beneficiaries meet eligibility criteria as established by the Foundation. As with Designated Funds, Donor Advised Funds may be one of two kinds: (A) Donor Advised Endowment Funds, or (B) Pass-through Advised Funds, with the income and or growth from these funds treated similarly to the income from corresponding Designated Funds.
   
   
5. Scholarship Funds. Donors may establish an endowed Scholarship Fund. Distributions from Scholarship funds will be used make scholarship grants for applicants planning to attend, or already attending accredited colleges and universities.

Below is copy of the mission of The Cecil Williams Legacy Fund. We have received an additional gift from the Jackson Family Foundation as well as the offerings that were taken at the First United Methodist Church, when the Reverend Williams was in San Angelo. These two gifts along with the initial gift from the Furth’s, have The Cecil Williams Legacy Fund at approximately $22,000 as of today. Income from this fund will be used to fund grants to organizations that meet the guidelines outlined in the mission (below). A committee will review grant applications to determine which organizations would receive such grants. It is anticipated that the funds will produce enough income to award grants by the end of 2003, or early 2004. More information about the grant making process is found here.

CECIL WILLIAMS LEGACY FUND

Mission Statement

The Cecil Williams Legacy Fund is established to honor Reverend Cecil Williams and his lifetime of dedicated and unwavering service to the poor and marginalized of society and for his commitment to justice, human and civil rights, and unconditional love for all people.

The Mission of the Fund is to further the cause of Cecil Williams’ vision by supporting organizations and programs which serve marginalized population of children and youth, bring about hope and empowerment for young people to take control of their lives, affirm who they are, and celebrate the diversity of the communities in which they live.

Criteria of the Fund

Organizations qualified to apply for grants from the Cecil Williams Legacy Fund would be those which provide programs for children and youth of poor and underserved communities, and which reach out to serve diverse populations of young people.

• Academic enrichment programs; literacy and other community educational enhancement programs
• Self esteem building, culturally and gender sensitive programs
• Computer training
• Mentoring and tutorial programs
• Life skills training; youth vocational training program
• Prevention & education programs in areas such as HIV/AIDS, pregnancy and substance abuse
• Summer Camp and recreational programs
• Academic and Arts scholarship
• Creative and performing arts programs
• Family counseling