The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, operational since 2015, dedicates itself to continuing Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.'s legacy of generosity, innovation, and community focus primarily in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. It commits to spending down its funds by 2035, emphasizing urgent, collaborative investments that yield immediate and long-term benefits, aiming for transformative community shifts through collaboration, vision, and courage.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation focuses its investments on four key areas: Active Lifestyles, Preparing for Success, Caregivers, and Entrepreneurship & Economic Development. The goal is to support the creation of lifelong healthy habits from youth through adulthood with safe, accessible recreation spaces and programs; foster essential life and career skills for all ages; highlight and support the critical roles of caregivers; and stimulate economic recovery and growth through small business support, community development, and talent retention.
The Foundation has a particular interest in supporting projects that are not only innovative and groundbreaking but also practical and achievable. It values the potential for transformative change over adherence to conventional methods, accepting the inherent risks that come with exploring new strategies. This organization seeks to back initiatives that can serve as catalysts for significant impact and set new benchmarks. While it generally favors backing well-established organizations with a proven track record of success, it remains open to funding emerging entities when they fill a critical gap in community service no established group can address. Additionally, the Foundation is keen on fostering collaborations among organizations that tackle pressing community issues together.