As a celebrity in Brazil, Bill has used his stature to build working relationships between CUFA and government politicians, musical stars, and successful filmmakers alike. Recently, the famous Brazilian songwriter Caetano Veloso, taught a mini-course on film scoring in CUFA's A/V center. Bill admits that building these relationships with public figures has helped to legitimize CUFA in the eyes of both public and private money donors.

"Without these connections, CUFA would struggle to secure funding, as is the case with many other nonprofit, youth development organizations based in poor, urban areas," he said. "The public's negative preconceptions of poor black youth in Brazil are difficult to overcome."