In celebration of NTCF’s 45th Anniversary, we are proud to honor Michael V. Bourland with the Lifetime Achievement Award—recognizing decades of leadership and sustained influence that have helped shape both the Foundation and the region’s philanthropic landscape.
As founding shareholder of Bourland, Wall & Wenzel, P.C., Mike has spent decades guiding individuals, family enterprises, and nonprofits through the complexities of business, tax, estate planning, charitable giving, and governance. His distinguished legal practice reflects a deep commitment to helping clients steward resources wisely and create lasting community impact.
A Fort Worth native, Mike earned degrees from Baylor University and the University of Miami and served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps. Admitted to the Texas Bar in 1969 and Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate, he has held leadership roles with major legal and professional organizations statewide and nationally.
To reflect on the values and experiences behind his remarkable body of work, we asked Mike to share more about his passion for charitable giving and the legacy he hopes to inspire.
Why is helping your clients with their charitable goals a passion of yours?
While I was an USAF JAG Officer stationed in Florida, I studied for a Master of Laws in Taxation degree at the University of Miami. During those studies, I became intrigued with the impact charitable giving can have, turning a successful life into a life of significance. That interest has become a passion. My wife, Linda, and I believe strongly in the admonition of Luke 12: 48 “To whom much is given, much is required.” Additionally, giving back through philanthropy is very fulfilling, providing us much joy.
What does being recognized with North Texas Community Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award mean to you?
BWW has been legal counsel to the NTCF for over 35 years. I have practiced law for more than 50 years. BWW recently celebrated its 43rd anniversary. Therefore, it is understandable that I am a strong believer in the importance of longevity and a person’s or institution’s “body of work”. North Texas Community Foundation was established 45 years ago and has grown from an initial gift of $47,000 in 1981to more than $720 million in assets today, with distributions to charities of more than $550 million over its 45 year history. The Lifetime Achievement Award is very meaningful because it recognizes BWW’s and my longevity (i.e., “body of work”) in support of the NTCF’s meaningful mission to strengthen our community, its leadership, and its philanthropy.
From your perspective as a legal advisor, what makes NTCF a trusted partner for professional advisors and their clients?
NTCF, like Lady Justice to the American Justice system, is unbiased as to the charitable beneficiaries its donors seek to impact. Its hundreds of donors have differing philanthropic objectives they want to accomplish and many charitable organizations they seek to benefit. The Foundation’s primary goal is to provide its donors objective counsel and guidance in accomplishing their individually unique charitable initiatives.
Based on your personal charitable giving, what has been the most rewarding outcome of the investments you’ve made?
Ben Franklin said with regard to a loan he made to a needy friend, for his friend not to pay him back, but to find another needy friend and “Pay It Forward.” Andrew Carnegie believed that it was the responsibility of those with significant resources to share their excess wealth with those who have financial needs.
Linda and I have been blessed with excess financial resources that have allowed us to fund endowed scholarships at multiple universities whose missions we embrace. Through our fund at NTCF that we established for our testamentary charitable gift, we will be able to provide additional funding to certain of our lifetime charities that support homelessness, disaster relief, cancer research and the physical, spiritual, mental and moral development of young people.
What advice would you give to the younger generation who are interested in charitable giving?
Adopt the attitude “how can I help you” in regard to those who cross your path. Do it often and, as Aristotle wrote, “it will become habitual, as it were natural”. And when our time on earth comes to an end, we will leave a wonderful legacy from “a life well lived.”