About the Vester Hughes Award
CFT created the Vester Hughes Award in honor of Vester Hughes’ legacy, his longstanding commitment to charitable causes, and his support of the organization’s philanthropic initiatives. Hughes first began working with CFT in 1958 and served as its general counsel or senior tax counsel for more than 50 years. During his tenure, CFT grew into one of the most prominent and trusted community foundations in the country. As legal counsel for W.W. Caruth, Jr., Vester helped create the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Fund here at Communities Foundation of Texas, which has granted more than $278 million dollars to nonprofits across our community since its inception. the fund continues to award millions of dollars in grants each year. Hughes embodied the principle of honoring donor intent, as he guided the foundation through the investing and grant making of the W.W. Caruth, Jr. Fund at Communities Foundation of Texas.
For honoree recommendations, please contact Carolyn A. Newham.
Watch CFT’s Vester Hughes Award video honoring David M. Rosenberg, 2025 recipient, below.
CFT’s 2025 Vester Hughes Award – Honoring David M. Rosenberg from Communities Foundation of Texas on Vimeo.
Read more about David on our blog here.
