If the Foundation successfully establishes an endowment fund to take care of the Park will the town cease to support the Park financially?

It is anticipated that initially the Foundation will generate only a modest amount of money from the permanent endowment for use in the Park. This will be used to supplement the town's annual operating budget. As the endowment grows and more income is generated the town's contribution to the operation of the Park will be reduced or eliminated. The care of the Park envisioned by the Foundation will then be at a level far beyond what a municipality can reasonably be expected to provide.

Why should anyone outside Cape Elizabeth contribute to the Foundation?

Traffic studies have shown that less than 15% of the visitors to the Park are residents of Cape Elizabeth. The foundation will seek support from the greater Portland area and beyond to achieve it's goal of free and open access for everyone, especially the vast majority of visitors from out of town, out of state and international.

How popular is Fort Williams with the greater Portland community?

Fort Williams was voted overwhelmingly the "Most Picturesque Picnic Spot" and "The Must See Place to Bring Visitors" in the Portland Press Herald's 2002 Audience Readers' Poll. On a romantic note, the park was also voted the "Best Place to Propose" in the same poll.

Wouldn't it be easier and lucrative to build and operate concessions (restaurant, ice cream stand, etc.) at the Park to help support it?

Establishing permanent concessions would introduce a commercial element into the Park that would conflict with the natural and visual beauty of this unique site.

How can I make a donation to the Foundation today?

Contribution checks should be made out to "Fort Williams Charitable Foundation" and mailed to: Fort Williams Foundation PO Box 6260 Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107. Gifts of securities may be made by contacting the Treasurer of the Foundation.

Can I make a contribution for a specific capital project within the Park?

Yes but the project must be one recommended by the Fort Williams Advisory Commission and approved by the Town Council. In addition to the actual cost of the project, a maintenance fund increment will be added to help defray ongoing upkeep of the project.

 

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