This fund has been created to support individuals who are becoming involved in the deliberative democracy movement for the first time and who have the passion, vision and commitment to create opportunities for deliberative dialogue in their organizations and communities.

Taylor L. Willingham (1957-2011) was a pioneer in the public engagement field, and in National Issues Forums (NIF) work, including her service as a National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) director. During her career Taylor designed, organized, and led numerous public engagement projects; taught university courses online; founded Texas Forums, along with her work with the LBJ Presidential Library; worked in the adult literacy field, and with the American Library Association; and wrote about public engagement, just to name a few of her many accomplishments.