The Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra has been part of this community for generations — and our endowment funds are what help keep it that way. Unlike a gift to the annual fund, an endowment gift is never spent all at once. The principal stays invested, and only a portion of the earnings is drawn each year to support the orchestra. Anyone can contribute at any level, and it’s a gift that keeps giving for years to come.
The WFSO currently holds five endowment funds:
- Wichita Falls Symphony Endowment Fund — established by Minnie R. Wood for operational support.
- Joe Prothro Endowment Fund — in honor of longtime benefactor and former WFSO Board President, Joe Prothro, was established in 2003 and provides support for annual operations.
- Aurora S. Bolin Memorial Endowment — established by Pat and Dan Bolin in honor of their mother, Aurora S. Bolin, a pianist and longtime patron of the WFSO, this fund underwrites the Music Director/Conductor position. The Bolin’s leadership gift challenged the community to invest in the orchestra’s future, and the generosity of many donors helped create a lasting endowment that continues to secure the orchestra’s artistic future.
- WFSO Donohoo Endowment — established in 2018 to support annual operations.
- Dale Prothro Piano Performance Endowment Fund – established in 2025 in honor of Dale Prothro, pianist and longtime patron of the WFSO. Made possible through gifts from the Dale Prothro and the Perkins-Prothro Foundation, this fund provides annual underwriting for guest pianists performing with the WFSO.
Together, these funds represent millions of dollars in donor generosity, carefully invested to support the orchestra for generations to come.
If you have questions about these endowment, please contact Alicia Deges, Executive Director at wfsoed@wfso.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an endowment fund?
An endowment fund is a pool of assets set aside to benefit an organization. A portion of the earnings is distributed each year to support operations, while the rest stays invested to protect the fund for the long term.
Do symphony orchestras typically have endowment funds?
An endowment fund is a pool of assets set aside to benefit an organization. A portion of the earnings is distributed each year to support operations, while the rest stays invested to protect the fund for the long term.
Who donates to the WFSO’s endowment funds?
WFSO is grateful to the individuals and families who have established and contributed to our endowment funds over the years, including named funds honoring loved ones and the causes they cared about.
How do endowment funds help the WFSO?
Endowment distributions are reviewed annually by the WFSO’s Finance Committee and approved by the Board of Directors, providing dependable, ongoing support for the orchestra’s operations.
Does giving to the endowment replace the need for annual support?
No. The WFSO still relies on ticket sales, sponsorships, and annual fund gifts to cover the season. A gift to the endowment is separate — it’s an investment in WFSO’s future, ensuring the WFSO remains strong for years to come.
Can anyone contribute to WFSO’s endowments?
Yes. Gifts of any size help build a sustainable future for the orchestra. For information on how to establish a new endowed fund or contribute to an existing one, contact Alicia Deges, Executive Director, at wfsoed@wfso.org.
