The Board of Directors of City Trusts is appointed by and accountable for its actions to the Judges of the Courts of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Membership consists of 12 citizens of Philadelphia, the Mayor and the President of City Council, who serve Ex-Officio. They serve without compensation.

The Board was first created in 1869. Mr. William Welsh served as the first President of the Board.

In addition to overseeing the administration of The Estate of Stephen Girard, Girard College and Wills Eye Health System, the Board of Directors of City Trusts is charged with the administration of approximately 116 other trusts left to the City of Philadelphia for charitable purposes.

These are referred to as the “Sundry Trusts,” each maintained separately and administered according to the terms of the benefactor.