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Williamson College of the Trades was founded by Isaiah Vansant Williamson, a Philadelphia merchant, and philanthropist, who wanted to create opportunity for financially-disadvantaged young men to become respected members of society by providing them a free postsecondary education.

Williamson’s mission thrives more than 130 years later on that same philanthropic premise with the college’s endowment supporting 75% of daily operations. The remainder is raised through generous donations from alumni, past parents, friends, corporations and foundations.

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Williamson Fund

The Williamson Fund is the college’s core fundraising program promoting unrestricted giving (to be used where needed most), as well as restricted donations, to be used in the current fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). These funds make it possible for Williamson to operate within its budget in any given year. Annual gifts come in all sizes, but their chief characteristic is that they are made every year as college budgets are dependent on this income.

Wanamaker Society

Members of the Wanamaker Society have made a commitment to the long-term future of Williamson College of the Trades through Wills and other planned gifts. Members receive significant personal benefits such as increased income and tax reduction. Gift size is not a membership factor. Indeed, the amount of the gift and the method of giving are determined by your motivations, personal circumstances after providing for loved ones, individual financial objectives, and other special interests. 

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Endowment Support

Endowment Support is critical to Williamson. Current endowments are subject to fluctuations in the financial markets, and though they are managed with the utmost efficiency, they are not large enough to provide for every aspect of daily operations. A growing endowment is one of Williamson’s highest priorities. A substantial endowment ensures greater flexibility during fluctuations in the economy. Endowment support can be designated toward: Scholarships, Building Endowment, and Faculty Endowment.

Capital Giving

Capital Giving supports major projects and equipment purchases that provide much needed upgrades and improvements to campus infrastructure. Some capital projects that are currently in need of support are: dormitory and other campus renovations; and shop and classroom technology.

Giving to Williamson

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Matching Gifts

An important source of corporate philanthropy comes through Matching Gifts. More than 40 companies double or even triple gifts to Williamson each year. Williamson’s Matching Gift Finder allows donors to check their company’s Matching Gift policy. Retirees and spouses are often eligible for gift matching as well.

Giving Policies & Procedures

Capital Giving supports major projects and equipment purchases that provide much needed upgrades and improvements to campus infrastructure. Some capital projects that are currently in need of support are: dormitory renovations; chapel expansion and renovation; and shop and classroom technology.

Donor Disclosures

Financial information about Williamson College of the Trades can be obtained by writing the College at 106 South New Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063-5299. In addition, several states where Williamson College of the Trades is required to file financial information each year also require the following disclosures. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/.Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable solicitation law can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan:MICS No. 50027. New York: A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. Washington: The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Williamson College of the Trades is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483. REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF WILLIAMSON COLLEGE OF THE TRADES BY THE STATES.

Donor Bill of Rights

The mission of Williamson College of the Trades has not changed significantly from Isaiah Williamson’s vision as laid out in the Deed of Trust 125 years ago. The college remains true to its mission providing postsecondary trade scholarships to deserving students who could not otherwise afford higher education. The college’s uniqueness still holds true today, especially in the philanthropic support that continues to be critical to furthering Williamson’s mission as seventy-five percent of the college’s annual operating funds are shouldered by its original endowment. The gap of nearly $2 million is raised through the private support of alumni, friends, corporations and foundations each year. Special projects and programs continue to benefit from charitable gifts, as well.

Philanthropy, in general, is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life and inherent to Williamson’s time-honored mission. To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in Williamson College, we declare that all donors have these rights as communicated by the Association of Fundraising Professionals:

  • To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
  • To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
  • To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
  • To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
  • To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
  • To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
  • To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
  • To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
  • To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
  • To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.