The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation seeks to contract a firm or team of evaluators to conduct a summative evaluation of the Foundation’s Parks, Trails, and Green Design (PTGD) focus area. The objectives of the evaluation are 1) to document the grantmaking and non-grantmaking processes to date and analyze the associated outcomes of those efforts; and 2) to develop an evaluation plan to continue monitoring the progress of PTGD initiatives, including identifying metrics to measure outcomes…

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The program will bring together teams of local organizations to create respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults

BUFFALO, NY, September 6, 2022 – Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative, which funds innovative collaborative projects that are reimagining and increasing respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults, announced today that 12 new grantees have been selected to kick-off its 2022 program. The grantees include Western New York’s Catholic Health Continuing Care Foundation, YMCA Buffalo Niagara, Cradle Beach, Inc., Healthy Alternatives Through Healings Arts (HAHA), Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, American Cancer Society, St. John’s Home Foundation, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc., United Way of Orleans County along with Regents of the University of Michigan – Silver Club, Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels and Chelsea Senior Center, which are based in Washtenaw County, MI.

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 $110 million of collaborative investment to fulfill community’s vision to transform the former LaSalle Park into a one-of-a-kind, world-class park serving all .

Phase I Construction includes a signature pedestrian bridge for improved access, ball field improvements and shoreline rehabilitation of the inlet area.

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The Buffalo Together Community Response Fund, established in the wake of the horrific racially-motivated mass shooting at the Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue earlier this month, will begin to distribute initial support to 70 Black-led organizations that have a meaningful and long-term presence in the community, and that are working on the front lines to address urgent community need in the aftermath of the tragedy. Approximately $560,000 in grants ranging from $5,000 – $20,000 will begin to be distributed in the coming days.

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• Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park will dramatically transform the Detroit Riverfront into one of the most beautiful public spaces in the country and is a major step forward in the Conservancy’s goal of developing 5.5 miles of revitalized riverfront
• Detroit Riverfront Conservancy receives $7 million in new support for Ralph Wilson Park; DTE Energy Foundation announces $2.5 million gift

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DNR and partners complete southern trailhead for Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail and break ground on new Eugene & Elaine C. Driker Trail.

Representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation gathered today on Belle Isle for the ribbon-cutting of the first phase of the Ralph Wilson Gateway and Trail. The ceremony also celebrated the launch of construction for the new Eugene and Elaine C. Driker Trail on the east end of the Detroit island park.

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Funds are part of Foundation’s $100 million Parks & Trails initiative launched in 2018.

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Organizations come together on National Caregivers Day for shared vision for caregivers

AMERICUS, Ga., Feb. 18, 2022 – In celebration of National Caregivers Day, the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) announced today that the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has made a lead investment to support evidence-based, equitable policies that center caregivers through RCI’s new national advocacy program. The Foundation’s commitment is a three-year grant of $5,140,520.

This latest grant in the partnership between RCI and the Foundation is in direct response to a growing crisis facing caregivers. Over the course of the pandemic, caregivers have grown in numbers, their isolation has intensified, and their physical and mental health has suffered. According to a national survey of caregivers conducted by RCI, 83 percent of caregivers report increased stress related to caregiving since the start of the pandemic. As the country moves toward recovery, this investment will support an indispensable and largely invisible part of the U.S. health care system: the country’s 53 million family caregivers.

First on RCI’s policy agenda is a bold proposal to centralize support for caregivers across federal research, policy, funding, and programming via the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health at the Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to national advocacy, RCI will begin working to advance statewide policies to support caregivers in Michigan, New York, and Georgia.

For nearly 35 years, RCI has provided direct support, resources, and programming to caregivers. In that time, caregivers’ responsibilities, stress, and isolation have grown while their support systems have stagnated. Now, under the added strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, caregivers have reached a breaking point.

“History is filled with calamitous events that have propelled historic change, often reshaping policy,” said Rosalynn Carter, former first lady of the United States and founder of RCI. “COVID has demonstrated how critical caregivers are to a healthy American society, and we must seize this moment to invest in institutions that support them.”

With that charge, RCI is expanding its portfolio of work to include advocating for systems-level change to help build a national support system for the country’s family caregivers.

“Caregivers are the invisible frontline of health care in America and the past 18 months have proven that we could not function without them,” said Dr. Jennifer Olsen, chief executive officer of RCI. “Now is our moment to change systems and change lives, and with partners like the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, I believe we can finally get caregivers the support they deserve.”

Caregivers are one of the core focus areas of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the partnership between RCI and the Foundation was born out of Rosalynn Carter and Mary Wilson’s shared interest in supporting caregivers.

“Ralph long held a special place in his heart for caregivers, understanding the value and importance of their care in making our communities strong and resilient,” said Mary Wilson, board chair and life trustee of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “Now more than ever, it is important that the voices and experiences of caregivers be reflected in our state and national policies.”

About RCI: The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers promotes the health, strength, and resilience of caregivers throughout the United States. Established in 1987 by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Institute’s priority is the unpaid family caregiver: those individuals who care for a relative, friend, or loved one. To learn more about RCI, its advocacy, how to participate in programs, or build a partnership, visit www.rosalynncarter.org.

About the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation: The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect the devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.

Paul Riser, Misha Stallworth West, Kari Pardoe, Marissa Rossman and Maria Suchyta join foundation

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BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced today a $100 million commitment to transform the financial strength and long-term viability of Western New York’s arts and culture community through the establishment of an endowment that will support the sector now and forever.  

The Wilson Foundation will contribute nearly $60 million over 10 years to establish an endowment at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. This investment will create permanent operational funding streams for 13 of the region’s largest arts and culture institutions that play a critical role as economic drivers and provide an annual grant opportunity for additional arts and culture organizations across the region. Once fully funded after 10 years, the endowment will generate approximately $3.75 million in annual payout to permanently support the operations and sustainability of the region’s nonprofit arts and culture organizations.

To ensure the program has immediate impact on the sector and regional economy, the Wilson Foundation will provide an additional $3.75 million annually over nine years, for a total of $33.75 million, allowing grantmaking to begin in 2022 while the endowment is built. 

Finally, the Wilson Foundation is awarding a $5 million capital campaign gift to The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester and the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly, Albright-Knox Art Gallery).

“We are building upon years of substantial investment by critical public funding streams and philanthropic funders that have helped these institutions become the cultural treasures and economic drivers they are today,” said David Egner, president & CEO, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “As a regionally focused foundation with a limited life, we saw a unique opportunity to make this significant contribution to impact the region’s quality of life and economy through jobs, tourism and more. We hope this annual operating support will help to strengthen the financial condition of these institutions allowing them to continue to develop creative, audience-centered initiatives that make them more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible places for all.”

Of the $3.75 million in annual funding, a total of $3 million will be dedicated to the following 13 institutions including their annual grant allocation: Buffalo AKG Art Museum ($500,000 annually); Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park ($100,000 annually); Buffalo History Museum ($150,000 annually); Buffalo Museum of Science ($200,000 annually); Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra ($500,000 annually); Buffalo Zoo ($200,000 annually); Burchfield Penney Art Center ($100,000 annually); Explore & More: The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum ($200,000 annually); Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House ($100,000 annually); Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor and anchor institutions ($100,000 annually); National Comedy Center ($250,000 annually); Shea’s Performing Art Center ($100,000 annually); and The Strong National Museum of Play ($500,000 annually).

The overall impact of these gifts is significant as these unrestricted funds can be designated for general operating needs. Each organization will also co-design, in partnership with Community Foundation and national consultants, metrics and benchmarks that support their goals and strategic plans.

“Ralph had a deep and personal appreciation of the arts, and we recognize that arts and culture institutions collectively contribute to very fabric of community identity, making them essential in retaining and attracting top talent that fuel our business community. Through the Foundation’s economic development focus, we are proud to invest in the long-term health of these organizations as economic drivers – and in the cultural vibrancy of Western New York,” said Mary Wilson, life trustee, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “While our aim was to make a substantial impact, we know there is more to be done and hope this gift will inspire others to continue to fund operations and endowment of cultural organizations across the sector.”

The Wilson Foundation is also dedicating $500,000 annually to support other arts and culture nonprofits, primarily of small to medium size, across the eight counties of Western New York and Monroe County. These funds will be deployed flexibly based on organizational and community needs. Beginning in early 2022, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo will work with sector leaders to conduct listening and engagement sessions to shape the specifics of this opportunity. The first grants will be awarded by the end of 2022.

“This thoughtful and visionary endowment gift from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation recognizes that strengthening our region’s cultural assets with operational funding forever will help fuel a powerful economic engine to positively impact Western New York for generations to come,” said Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, president & CEO, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. “We are committed to deepening our community engagement with the cultural sector and ensuring that together we center inclusion and access to carry out the vision of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.” 

The remaining $250,000 in annual funding will support permanent capacity at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to manage and operate this endowment and grant program, which includes leading the efforts to advance inclusion and access within the grantee’s individual operations and sector as a whole. The Community Foundation will also be responsible for annual assessment and reporting for all aspects of the grant program.

Since its inception in 2015, the Wilson Foundation has paid out more than $540 million in grants, including nearly $100 million within its “Entrepreneurship and Economic Development” focus area. In Western New York, this has included support for major projects including Launch NY; 43North; East Side Avenues, which supports inclusive economic growth along four corridors in Buffalo; and Open4, a partnership of community-based organizations and funders who work together to connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources, support and guidance they need to thrive.

“The pandemic laid bare the fragile operational health of the arts and culture sector within both of the Foundation’s regions of focus,” said Jim Boyle, vice president of programs & communications, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “The decision by the Foundation’s trustees to advance this broader and one-time strategic approach to support this critical sector of our economies should hopefully signal to many others the value that arts and cultural organizations bring to our communities and the importance of funding the day-to-day operations that contribute to their long-term sustainability.” The mission and mechanics of the Wilson Foundation’s arts and culture funding program are mirrored in Southeast Michigan, its other region of focus, with the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan as the managing partner. The following institutions in Southeast Michigan are receiving endowment grants: Arab American National Museum; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Historical Society, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Zoological Society, Holocaust Memorial Center, Michigan Opera Theatre, Michigan Science Center, Motown Museum, and The Henry Ford.

ABOUT THE RALPH C. WILSON, JR. FOUNDATION:

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect the devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.