The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Its mission focuses on strengthening communities through support for youth sports, early childhood education, caregiving, and community assets.

Focus Areas:

Active Lifestyles

By supporting access to safe spaces and programs that get kids physically active and moving, the Foundation aims to introduce lifelong healthy habits through its Youth Sports & Recreation grantmaking. Spanning all generations, the Foundation’s investments in Parks, Trails & Green Design look to connect people and communities to each other, nature, and recreation.

Preparing for Success

Strong work ethic, confidence, and a desire to learn are attributes that can be instilled at a young age and carried through adulthood. Our Preparing for Success focus area is centered on providing the communication, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills people need to grow and adapt throughout their lives and careers.

Caregivers

There are more than 40 million family members - spouses, daughters, sons, grandchildren - and friends in the United States caring for older adults, a number that will grow dramatically in the coming years. The Foundation aims to elevate caregivers’ critical roles by highlighting the often-hidden value and contributions they make to families and communities every day.

Eligible locations:

Southeast Michigan

• Livingston

• Monroe

• ST. Clair

• Waine

• Macomb

• Oakland

• Washtenaw

Western New York

• Allegany

• Chautauqua

• Genesee

• Niagara

• Wyoming

• Cattaraugus

• Erie

• Monroe

• Orleans

We accept grant applications year-round from nonprofit organizations impacting the communities in the following counties located in Western New York and Southeast Michigan, and strategically working within one of our focus areas.