In 2010, the City of Sugar Land filed a certificate of formation outlining the creation of the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation (SLLF), a nonprofit corporation. This was done after an FY09 strategic project was developed to explore the establishment of a non-profit foundation to supplement the City’s ability to fund capital projects that are more related to quality-of-life enhancements and exceed the City’s financial capacity. After a great deal of research and analysis, the Finance / Audit Committee recommended the formation of a hybrid foundation to be called the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation.

The SLLF was established to support “the City of Sugar Land, Texas, in the City’s acquisition, ownership, construction, development, improvement, operation, or maintenance of land and facilities owned or controlled by the City of Sugar Land, including land, facilities, and activities for recreation, entertainment, sports, the arts, and similar activities that might benefit the citizens of the City of Sugar Land.” Accordingly, the City Council approved the bylaws in June 2010 and appointed the first Board of Directors in October 2010.

The SLLF is guided by its vision, mission and values – which are listed below:

• Vision: Leaving a Legacy by Enhancing Sugar Land’s Quality of Life
• Mission: The Sugar Land Legacy Foundation promotes community investment in facilities and activities that enhance the long-term prosperity and quality of life of Sugar Land residents
• Core Values: Advocating diversity of culture, race, ethnicity, religion and age; Ensuring transparency, accountability and fairness in all dealings; and Promoting service to the community
  
  

Since its inception, the Foundation has:

• Transferred several donations for public art to the City of Sugar Land;
• Facilitated the completion of the Veteran’s Memorial at Sugar Land Memorial Park;   
• Completed a campaign for $200,000 to fund the Universally Accessible Playground at First Colony Park;   
• Continued collecting donations for brick pavers, which honor veterans, at Sugar Land Memorial Park; and
• Begun work on City Council-identified priority projects, including further commemoration of Sugar Land Memorial Park, the support of exhibits at the Sugar Land Heritage Museum, and a pavilion at TIRZ No. 4 Plaza.

This past year, the SLLF began implementing its updated strategic plan refining its strategic goals and objectives, and increased the board by one position. In the coming year, the SLLF plans to continue executing priority projects, building its profile within the community, and working to create strategic partnerships with individuals, businesses, and other nonprofits. Also, the SLLF hosted a Business Breakfast in March 2018 and will continue to partner with the City to host the Leadership and Legacy Luncheon in Fall 2018.

As always, the SLLF will continue to identify and explore other projects that enhance the quality of life for Sugar Land residents. The City will continue to provide program administration support and assistance with the Foundation’s capital development professional services.

The SLLF bylaws state that the President is to provide an annual report to the City Council on the organization’s activities and financial condition. Accordingly, Mr. Sunil Sharma, President of the Legacy Foundation, will be providing the City Council with a summary of the previous year’s activities, as well as previewing the next steps for 2018.