Library Financials

The Ernest & Francille Wilson Library relies on the support of family, friends, and local institutions. Overseen by the Takoma Foundation, a federally recognized 501c3 nonprofit, the Library takes seriously its mission to honor its supporters through clarity and responsibility. Our mission is to honor the legacies of Ernest & Francille Wilson, introduce others to African American accomplishment in arts & letters, and champion new scholars in African American traditions. 

The Ernest & Francille Wilson Library is eschewing traditional institutional support in lieu of something much more intimate and telling. Between 2026 and 2029, we are not accepting donations over $250 and are working exclusively with the Wilsons' family, friends, loved ones, and close associates. Our goal is for each donor to attend our Library ribbon-cutting in Fall 2029, and see their names inscribed proudly on the dais. For despite their considerable professional accomplishments, and though they have risen to high esteem at places like Harvard, Stanford, the University of Michigan, the University of Maryland, and USC, we want to begin our journey by celebrating their basic decency, their common touch, their pragmatic and sincere approach to the world. Simply put, we want to celebrate with friends and friends to come - all who can look back gladly at this material representation of a life well lived. 

Total Donors

250 donors @ $250 per

Malik Wilson Fund (MWF) @ $5000

Donor Redemption Schedule

2026 - 50 donors

2027 - 80 donors

2028 - 120 donors

Total Money Raised, 2026-2029 

$67,500

Total Administrative Costs, 2026-2029

Program Planner $5,000

Record Keeper $5,000

Outside Legal $2,500

Total Improvement Costs, 2026-2029

$5,000

Total Fundraising Costs

Library Launch Party Fall 2029 - $12,500

Total Remaining Cash on Hand 2029

$37,500

The Ernest & Francille Wilson Library will look to broaden our reach for the second three years of our existence. Through institutional funding, we will seek to raise $1.2 million, of which $420,000 will be spent on a building renovation to further advance our mission. The goal is to celebrate the building's launch in Fall 2033. 

For the Ernest & Francille Wilson Library, our 10-year anniversary will be cause to announce a new $3.2 million campaign to entrench new collections and programs, expected taking us proudly into our second decade. 

For more information, or to support our mission, please email us at library@takoma.us