Press Releases
Discover the latest press releases for the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Foundation.
“City Within a Park” Collaboration Set to Lift Long-Term Support for Buffalo Parks
$25 million lead gift to endowment will fund ongoing maintenance, beautification measures in partnership with the City of Buffalo, others Buffalo, NY (June 26, 2025)—The Buffalo Common Council—in conjunction with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (BOPC), City of Buffalo’s Division of Parks and Recreation, and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo—has […]
DownloadThe Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces Addition of Ray Telang and the Honorable Victoria Roberts (Ret.) to Board of Trustees
Detroit, MI / Buffalo, NY (April 4, 2025) – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ramesh “Ray” Telang and the Honorable Victoria A. Roberts (Ret.) to its Board of Trustees. Telang, a seasoned financial expert, and Judge Roberts, a highly respected former federal judge, bring a wealth of […]
Read Full Article »Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces New Staff Hire & Promotions in 2025
Foundation adds Nicole de Beaufort to the staff; and promotes Sarah Truax, Marissa Rossman, Kate Partington, Kari Pardoe, and Eric Phamdo Detroit, MI – (April 4, 2025) – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is pleased to announce a series of staff promotions and a key new addition to its leadership team. Marissa Rossman and […]
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Exhale, The Family Caregiver Initiative Invests in Establishing Memory Café Programs at Arts and Culture Institutions Across Buffalo and WNY
The initiative is supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western and Central New York to serve caregivers and their care partners living with memory loss. BUFFALO, NY, December 3, 2024 – Today, Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative, in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Health Foundation […]
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Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative Announces 11 New Grants Across Southeast Michigan
Leveraging more than $2 million in grant funding, the program will bring together teams of 50 local organizations to create respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults DETROIT, MI, October 8, 2024 – Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative announced today funding for 11 new respite programs across Southeast Michigan made up of partnerships […]
Read Full Article »Stephanie Comai Joins the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation as Senior Program Officer
Detroit, MI (June 11, 2024) – Stephanie Comai has joined the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation as a senior program officer supporting the development and implementation of grantmaking strategies for the Foundation’s Young Adults and Working Families portfolio and initiative-level work across Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Comai is a seasoned leader in developing […]
Read Full Article »Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces New Staff Hires in 2023
Foundation adds Gary Stark, Sarah Truax, Sheila O’Hara, Faye Radcliffe, and Danielle Wilder- Hamilton to the staff; and promotes Nena Taormino Detroit, MI – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation today announced the addition of five new staff members in 2023. The new hires and positions include Gary Stark, director of grant operations; Sarah Truax, […]
DownloadRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund Make $3.7 Million Investment to Bring Exhale – the Family Caregiver Initiative to Southeast Michigan
Interested Exhale participants can now register for December and January program launch events Detroit, MI, November 13, 2023 – Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund announced today a $3.7 million commitment to expand Exhale – the Family Caregiver Initiative in Southeast Michigan. Exhale funds and supports innovative, collaborative projects that […]
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The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces Addition of Buffalo-based Elizabeth Woike-Ganga to Board of Trustees
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced today the appointment of Elizabeth Woike-Ganga to the organization’s board of trustees. Born and raised in Buffalo, Woike-Ganga was selected for her strong community leadership and deep knowledge within the non-profit sector, along with her cross-cutting experiences throughout the Western New York region and abroad. She is the first new, at-large trustee appointment to the Foundation since 2016.
DownloadRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces New Staff Hires in 2022
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation today announced the addition of five new staff members in 2022. The new hires include two new program associates: Connie Kuo and Kate Partington; a communications associate: Mercedes Pergande; a senior learning officer: Liz Gordillo; and a grants management & operations assistant: Nena Taormino. These new hires bring the […]
DownloadThe Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces New Program Committee Members
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation today announced the appointment of Monique Wells and Dr. Thomasina R. Stenhouse as non-trustee members of the Foundation’s Program Committee. The committee, currently comprised of the Foundation’s three life trustees and three at-large trustees, reviews grant requests and provides strategic direction for the Foundation’s programmatic investments prior to final […]
DownloadRequest for Qualifications: Summative Evaluation of Parks, Trails & Green Design (PTGD) Focus Area
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; […]
DownloadExhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative, Announces 12 New Grantees for 2022 Program Spanning Local Western New York Counties and Washtenaw County, MI
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 […]
DownloadRalph Wilson Park Conservancy, City of Buffalo, and Partners Break Ground on Future Ralph Wilson Park on Buffalo’s Waterfront
$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.
DownloadBuffalo Together Community Response Fund Announces Efforts to Address Community Need after Jefferson Avenue Tragedy
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 […]
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Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Partners Break Ground on Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park – Transformational 22-Acre Park on West Riverfront Designed for All
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 […]
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Ralph Wilson Gateway and Trail open on Belle Isle
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 […]
DownloadRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Establishes $10 Million Endowment at Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for Trails Maintenance Fund in WNY
Funds are part of Foundation’s $100 million Parks & Trails initiative launched in 2018.
DownloadRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation makes lead investment to support the launch of Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers’ national advocacy program
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 […]
Read Full Article »The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces New Staff Hires and Promotions
Paul Riser, Misha Stallworth West, Kari Pardoe, Marissa Rossman and Maria Suchyta join foundation
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Commits $100M to Bolster Arts & Culture Sustainability, Economic Impact and Access in Western New York
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 […]
Read Full Article »Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Commits $100M to Bolster Arts & Culture Sustainability, Economic Impact and Access in Southeast Michigan
DETROIT – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced today a $100 million commitment to transform the financial strength and long-term viability of Southeast Michigan’s arts and culture communities 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 […]
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Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western & Central New York Announce Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative’s Next Program Launch Coming in 2022
The program will host two free informational events held virtually in November and December 2021 for Western New York area organizations interested in learning more about collaborating on respite initiatives.
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Generator Z Announces $4 Million+ in Grants in Response to 1,000 Teen-generated Ideas Reimagining Afterschool Programs
More than 90 providers across Southeast Michigan and Western New York receive funding to turn ‘Gen Z’ insight into community action.
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Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Receives $1 Million to support the future Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park in Buffalo
Gift comes from trusts of Wilson’s late daughters, Edith Wilson and Linda Bogdan; Additional grants from the trusts will be provided through an endowed donor advised fund to support park maintenance & youth tennis in the region.
DownloadKABOOM! and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announce 19 Winners of Play Everywhere Design Challenge
Community groups awarded $1 million total across Western New York and Southeast Michigan for public installations that inspire play in everyday spaces.
DownloadNew Conservancy to be Launched to Manage, Preserve Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park
Wilson Foundation formalizes $10 million commitment for park’s long-term sustainability. The Imagine LaSalle project partners have announced their intent to form the Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy.
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Releases Content Series on Family Caregiving
Through two short documentaries and eight podcast episodes featuring interviews with caregivers and the loved ones they care for from Southeast Michigan and Western New York, Tight Knit, new documentary and podcast series, explores the complexity and joy involved in providing care to a family member.
Download Press ReleaseKABOOM! and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announce Play Everywhere Design Challenge to Bring Play to Everyday Spaces
Application now open for $1 million to bring creative playspaces to communities in Western New York and Southeast Michigan. The Challenge, now in its third iteration, invites communities to submit creative design ideas that make it easier for families to incorporate play into everyday moments.
Download Press ReleaseOpen4’ to Support Resilience of Small Businesses and Nonprofits Across WNY
A new initiative to connect small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Buffalo and Rochester regions with support from the public, private and philanthropic sectors to improve their long-term strength and resilience was announced today.
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Commits $1.5 Million to Support Front Line Caregivers in Acute Care Hospitals in Western New York and Southeast Michigan
Over the past four weeks, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF) has allocated more than $6 million toward COVID-19 response effort.
Download Press ReleaseInvest Detroit announces $10M grant from Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to support City of Detroit’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund
Invest Detroit announced today a $10 million grant from The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. The investment will support the Strategic Neighborhood Fund (SNF) over the next five years to help spur strong commercial corridors and catalytic parks in 10 neighborhoods across the city.
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Bringing National Campaign to Southeast Michigan and Western New York to Help Keep Kids From Quitting Sports
Following the distribution of more than $57 million in grants to bolster youth sports access and participation in Southeast Michigan and Western New York since 2015, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has announced the launch of a localized national public service campaign, #DontRetireKid.
Download Press ReleaseThe Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces Addition of Kawanza Humphrey to Program Committee
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation today announced the appointment of Kawanza Humphrey as a non-trustee member of the Foundation’s Program Committee. The committee, currently comprised of the Foundation’s four life trustees and three at-large trustees, reviews grant requests and provides strategic direction for the Foundation’s programmatic investments prior to final board approval.
Download Press ReleaseTony Hawk Foundation and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Celebrate “International Go Skateboarding Day” Weekend, June 21-23rd
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF) and Tony Hawk Foundation (THF) are celebrating “International Go Skateboarding Day” this Friday, June 21 and continuing the festivities through the weekend with a variety of skatepark events and activities hosted by their Built to Play-skatepark grantees and partners throughout Southeast Michigan.
Download Press ReleaseCleveland Clinic, Ascension Michigan and Catholic Health Announce Innovative $20 Million Partnership to Benefit Caregivers
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation funding innovative model to support caregivers and help improve retention rates. The program, called Transformational Healthcare Readiness through Innovative Vocational Education (THRIVE), was conceived by Cleveland Clinic and will be piloted across three regions over the next three years to demonstrate how health systems can better support caregivers.
Download Press ReleaseKaBOOM! and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Renew Partnership to Bring Play to More Communities in Need
KaBOOM! and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Renew Partnership to Bring Play to More Communities in Need Building upon the initial Built to Play Initiative, another $1 million is now available across Western New York and Southeast Michigan for creative ideas that incorporate play into everyday life in unexpected places
Download Press ReleaseNew Working Group Focused on Capacity Building & Strengthening Local Nonprofits Seeking Experienced Program Director
Buffalo, NY (Jan. 10, 2019) – Five local foundations and two consultants have joined together to form a new working group geared towards providing capacity building support and assistance to nonprofits organizations in Western New York, including Monroe County. The new working group is comprised of members from the following organizations: ● The Health Foundation […]
Read Full Article »Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Working to Gather 20,000 Teen Opinions Across Western New York & Southeast Michigan
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Working to Gather 20,000 Teen Opinions Across Western New York & Southeast Michigan Foundation launches “Teen Opinions Count” project to help inform future investments in afterschool programs
Read Full Article »Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces $200 Million Investment in Parks & Trails Initiative
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces $200 Million Investment in Parks & Trails Initiative The gift honors the Foundation’s namesake, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr, on the 100th anniversary of his birth and celebrates his legacy in the communities he was most devoted to. The funds will be split evenly, dedicating $100 million to each region […]
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces STEM 2035 Cohort
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has announced its cohort for STEM 2035, a $5.5-million initiative through which grant funding and technical assistance will be provided to existing afterschool and summer STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs in Western New York and Southeast Michigan.
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Expands its Opportunity to Impact Caregivers with $4 million Investment and Partnerships with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Expands its Opportunity to Impact Caregivers with $4 million Investment and Partnerships with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York RCWJRF provides $2 million grant to each organization to endow new Program Officer positions focused on strategies and program to support caregivers […]
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces STEM 2035
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces STEM 2035 Beginning today, the Foundation is requesting applications to support afterschool and summer science, technology, engineering and math programs for youth in grades 6-12
Download Press ReleaseMIT Inclusive Innovation Challenge Launches in North America, in Collaboration with Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
MIT’s 2018 Inclusive Innovation Challenge (IIC) Launches in North America; Over $1 Million to be Awarded to Organizations Reinventing the Future of Work CAMBRIDGE, MA, March 15, 2018 – Today, the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy (IDE) announced that it will expand the global reach of its Inclusive Innovation Challenge (IIC). Collaborating with the Ralph […]
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Launches Built to Play Initiative to Provide More Opportunities for Kid-Driven Free Play Across Western New York and Southeast Michigan
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF) today announced Built to Play, an initiative designed to give children and youth across Western New York and Southeast Michigan more opportunities for free play through the creation of new, interactive public play spaces. To fund and operate the initiative, the Foundation will invest up to $5 million in each region
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces Vision for a Center for Nonprofit Support in Detroit
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces Vision for a Center for Nonprofit Support in Detroit TechTown, Michigan Nonprofit Association and Community Wealth Partners to ‘build out’ the Center’s operations and early services Detroit, MI (December 4, 2017) – Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced its plans today to develop and pilot a yet-to-be-named Center […]
Download Press ReleaseThe Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Highlights 2017 Grants-to-Date
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Highlights 2017 Grants-to-Date Foundation has committed nearly $24 million in grants across 40 organizations impacting its four areas of focus Detroit, MI /Buffalo, NY (Oct. 19, 2017) – Just one year after the launch of its official grant application portal, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation today highlighted nearly […]
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and First Niagara Foundation Partner to Strengthen and Grow Mentoring across Western New York
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and First Niagara Foundation Partner to Strengthen and Grow Mentoring across Western New York $2.4 million grant to support collaborative of nine mentoring programs in the region Buffalo, N.Y. (Aug. 23, 2017) – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the First Niagara Foundation, in partnership with KeyBank, […]
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo unveil ‘State of Play’ report on youth sports in the region
More than 1,000 local voices informed Aspen Institute analysis, which reveals the bright spots, gaps and opportunities to get more kids in the game
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Rochester Area Community Foundation Unveil ‘State of Play’ Report on Youth Sports in the Region
More than 1,000 local voices informed Aspen Institute analysis, which reveals the bright spots, gaps and opportunities to get more kids in the game
Download Press ReleaseRalph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan unveil ‘State of Play’ report on youth sports in the region
More than 1,000 local voices informed Aspen Institute analysis, which reveals the bright spots, gaps and opportunities to get more kids in the game.
Download Press ReleaseThe Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Adds Eight Staff Members to Team
Foundation is now fully staffed with 17 employees to carry out mission.
Download Press ReleaseThe Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Adds Senior Advisor to Staff
James Jacobs, Ph.D., brings more than 50 years of experience to the Foundation
Download Press ReleaseTwo Executive Staff Members Added
Full executive team now in place to help carry out the vision of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.
Download Press ReleaseW. Frank Fountain, Jr. Joins Board of Trustees
Highly-regarded community leader from Detroit joins foundation as seventh board member.
Download Press ReleaseThree Senior-Level Staff Members Join RCWJF
Administrative and program management ranks expanding to support organization’s ongoing growth and development.
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