FUND PROFILE

William K. Lewis Endowment

The William K. Lewis Education Endowment Fund supports Pasadena Community Foundation’s grantmaking in education. Created by his siblings, the fund honors Bill Lewis’s 30-year teaching career in Pasadena and his lasting impact on local students.

OVERVIEW

About the Fund

William Kendall “Billie” Lewis was a music lover and sports enthusiast. His team of choice – the Bruins; his instrument of choice – the drums. Bill attended Pasadena public schools. After completing his degree is Sociology at Cal State Los Angeles and earning his teaching credential, he devoted 30 years to teaching within PUSD; 27 of those years were spent at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. When he died in 2005, his siblings, Nathanial Lewis, Ronald Lewis and Saundra Knox, made contributions in his memory to create the William K. Lewis Education Endowment Fund. The endowment fund creates a permanent tribute to Bill Lewis and is a permanent charitable legacy for the community to which he dedicated his life. “The Pasadena Community Foundation was the perfect vehicle to make this happen,” says Ron Lewis. “They have the expertise to manage charitable endowments. The family gets to stay involved in the grantmaking.”

Detail shot of an Art Deco-style building showing detailed friezes and brickwork

Grand Making Impact

Through this fund, PCF has been able to

  • Support flexibility
  • Allows PCF to direct resources when and where they are needed most, respond quickly to emerging needs, and fill funding gaps that restricted gifts can’t cover.
  • Provide sustained funding
    Offer consistent financial support for local nonprofits addressing academic achievement and youth development.
  • Enhance community programs
  • Empower organizations to expand their services and reach more individuals in need.
  • Promote long-term solutions
  • Invest in programs that not only provide immediate relief but also work towards sustainable solutions for education access and youth success.

Contact Us

For more information about PCF giving opportunities, please contact
Pasadena Community Foundation
301 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 810
Pasadena, CA., 91101
626.796.2097
pcfstaff@pasadenacf.org