Support the Arts

Everyone has the potential to build a legacy - to leave a mark on the world. But, most people don’t. Perhaps, it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of how you create something that lasts. A legacy isn’t built by what you do; but, rather, by who you are. Many people are often so focused on the doing that they forget the being. At O.C. Willis we believe that it is the small decisions in life, those born out of character, that pave the way for greatness. The great ones among us are those who choose to carve their names on hearts and spend their lives on something that will outlast themselves. Thank you, Professor Willis, for reminding us that legacy is not something you leave for people; it is something you leave in people.

O.C. Willis school of the arts campaigns

Annual Fund

Gifts to the Annual Fund are unrestricted and serve to bridge the gap between what parents and donors pay toward tuition and what it actually costs to run O.C Willis on a day-to-day basis. This variance averages more than $3,700 per student per school year. These funds make it possible for O.C. Willis to operate within its budget each year. Annual gifts vary in size, but not in importance as they encourage participation in fundraising efforts by trustees, faculty/staff, alumni, parents, and friends.

Tribute Gifts

If there is someone special in your life who is passionate about arts education, establishing a memorial or tribute gift is a meaningful way to honor that person or celebrate a special occasion. Your memorial or tribute gift will be a lasting tribute to that special person and will contribute to educating student artists.

Smith Fund for Professional Development

The Professional Development Fund provides support for project expenses including preparation of classroom teaching, scholarly and creative activity, and academic advising. Examples of projects include refresher or retraining courses, preparation for performances and exhibitions, course development, and workshops.

Willis Mission Fund

The Mission Fund supports major projects and equipment purchases that provide needed upgrades and improvements to campus infrastructure. Mission gifts should be considered above and beyond Annual Fund Gifts.

Aaron M. Willis Legacy Fund

The Aaron M. Willis Legacy Fund expands educational opportunity by providing scholarships to families in need so their children can experience an integrative arts education.

Day Fund for Artistic Development

The Day Fund for Artistic Development supports artists with project funding, advisory services, and career advancement resources.

Gift Acceptance Policy

O.C. Willis School of the Arts solicits and accepts gifts that are consistent with its mission.

 Donations will generally be accepted from individuals, partnerships, corporations, foundations, government agencies, or other entities, without limitations.

In the course of its regular fundraising activities, O.C. Willis School of the Arts will accept donations of money, real property, personal property, stock, and in-kind services.  Certain types of gifts must be reviewed prior to acceptance due to the special liabilities they may pose for O.C. Willis School of the Arts. Examples of gifts that will be subject to review include gifts of real property, gifts of personal property, and gifts of securities.

Constituent and Donor Privacy Policy

O.C. Willis School of the Arts understands the importance of protecting the privacy of personal information, especially in today’s increasingly electronic environment. We respect and protect the privacy of our constituents and donors and adhere to the following guidelines.

 Information about students, parents, friends, donors, and donations is handled with respect and confidentiality.

 O.C. Willis School of the Arts does not exchange, lend, rent, or sell our donor lists to third party organizations.

 The personal information you provide when making an online donation or registering for an event will not be disclosed to any unauthorized third parties.

 Donations made online a done so through a secure connection through which your information is encrypted. The secure connection is maintained until the transaction is completed or terminated.

 O.C. Willis Faculty & Staff are not permitted to use this information for any purpose other than to carry out the School’s mission.

 Providing your postal address or email address may result in periodic mailings about O.C. Willis, its programs, and upcoming events. If you prefer to not receive these mailings, please let us know by calling 817-865-5290.

 Providing your telephone number may result in telephone contact from us regarding your donation or responding to requests you may have made.