The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a private foundation based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 2015, it supports community organizations and initiatives in Southeast Michigan and an individual recipient, focusing on active lifestyles, preparation for success, caregivers, and entrepreneurship and economic development. It plans to spend down its funds by 2035.
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation at a glance
In short: The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation gave $141.2M across 413 grants in 2024 (avg $342K), top state New York. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $141,170,822
- +2.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 413
- -21.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $341,818
- +30.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $896,526,758
- -10.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (74 of 280, 2024)
- Primary geography
- New York (49% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation
- Review Cycle
- Applications are accepted year-round; specific initiatives or RFPs may have deadlines.
- Deadline
- Applications are accepted year-round; specific initiatives or RFPs may have deadlines.
- Contact
Application contact: Ralph Wilson Jr Foundation
Mailing address: 3101 East Grand Blvd Suite 200, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 885-1895
Email: info@rcwrf.org
Website: https://ralphcwilsonjrfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation
Who The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo ($21.7M across 24 grants). Together the top 10 received $73.5M.
Organizations only. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($552,725), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
2,550 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,389 grants of 2,550 (54%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation concentrates its giving in Southeast Michigan and an individual recipient. It defines Southeast Michigan as Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston counties. An individual recipient comprises Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties.
In 2024, 49% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in an individual recipient and 45% to recipients in Michigan. The remainder went to recipients in Massachusetts (3%), Washington, D.C. (1%), and Minnesota (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 413 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 74 of 280 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $287K; repeat grants $582K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $111K repeat.
- 60% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+9%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 338% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $115.8M (2020) to $155.9M (2022). In 2024 it made 413 grants totaling $141.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Buffalo, NY | City Within a Park Fund | $10,000,000 |
| Southeast Michigan Foundation for Public Spaces Detroit, MI | Detroit Riverfront Finishline Fund | $7,500,000 |
| Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Detroit, MI | Construction Support - Ralph Wilson Park | $6,532,800 |
| Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Detroit, MI | RCWJRF Inclusive Arts & Culture Initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Buffalo, NY | RCWJRF Inclusive Arts & Culture Initiative | $5,000,000 |
| Budc Buffalo, NY | Ralph Wilson Park: Phase 1 GMP Package 2 | $4,000,000 |
| Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Buffalo, NY | Support for the Arts and Culture Sector in WNY | $3,750,000 |
| Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Detroit, MI | To sustain the Arts and Culture Sector | $3,750,000 |
| Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Inc Buffalo, NY | Ralph Wilson Park/ Shoreline Implementation & Capacity | $2,625,000 |
| Budc Buffalo, NY | Phase 1 Expansion/ Ralph Wilson Park | $2,500,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $896,526,758 | $75,826,468 | $160,094,754 | $141,170,822 | 413 | $155,338,729 | $71,420,274 | $46,001,462 |
| 2023 | $1,001,561,935 | $89,392,039 | $156,934,231 | $138,135,387 | 528 | $152,178,785 | $71,916,367 | $50,736,133 |
| 2022 | $1,027,946,333 | $53,739,016 | $174,236,047 | $155,857,838 | 533 | $166,709,982 | $36,389,235 | $55,171,148 |
| 2021 | $1,326,486,883 | $124,247,727 | $146,742,178 | $128,927,348 | 469 | $138,364,704 | $110,279,496 | $63,347,416 |
| 2020 | $1,300,036,042 | $83,081,545 | $131,088,325 | $115,831,747 | 607 | — | $48,251,044 | $59,222,779 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation reported a distributable amount of $46.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to continue Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s legacy through investments in Southeast Michigan and an individual recipient Its four focus areas are:
- Active Lifestyles: Youth sports and recreation, and parks, trails, and green design.
- Preparing for Success: Skills and supports that help people grow and adapt through life and work.
- Caregivers: Elevating and supporting people caring for older adults.
- Entrepreneurship & Economic Development: Small-business growth, place-based community and economic development, and talent attraction and retention.
A special initiative, Nonprofit Support and Innovation, aims to strengthen the nonprofit sector. The Foundation also describes direct work to bring an individual recipient community leaders together to develop a vision and support model for the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Its 2024 grantees illustrate the range of organizations it supports. The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo describes its work as improving lives in an individual recipient through goals including education, racial equity, environment, and arts and culture. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy says it works to establish, improve, operate, maintain, and expand the Detroit Riverwalk and associated green spaces. Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper describes its mission as protecting and restoring water and surrounding ecosystems, while Pedals Michigan says it works with early childhood professionals to support children’s social-emotional development.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 413 grants totaling $141,170,822. Grant amounts ranged from $81 to $10 million, with a median grant of $100,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $10 million to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for the City Within a Park Fund; $7.5 million to the Southeast Michigan Foundation for Public Spaces for the Detroit Riverfront Finishline Fund; and $6,532,800 to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy for construction support for Ralph Wilson Park. The Foundation also awarded $5 million each to the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for its Inclusive Arts & Culture Initiative.
The Foundation accepts applications year-round from organizations working in its focus areas in an individual recipient and Southeast Michigan. Applications are submitted through its online grants portal. Applicants first register and complete an eligibility questionnaire; eligible organizations may then submit a Letter of Inquiry. The LOI requests a summary of the request, project description, purpose and need, project dates, total cost and amount requested, budget and other funding sources, and supporting materials including audited financial statements, an annual report, and a board and supporters list. Staff invite organizations whose LOIs fit current interests and strategy to submit a full proposal.
The Foundation says projects outside its regions or program areas generally are not encouraged. It does not make grants that would constitute taxable expenditures under the Internal Revenue Code.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation is led by David O Egner, President & Chief Executive Officer since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 13 of 14 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David O Egner
President & Chief Executive Officer
President & Chief Excecutive Officer → President & Chief Executive Officer, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$577K (2020) → $730K (2024)
Mary M Owen
Chairman & Trustee
Trustee → Chairman & Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
$53K (2020) → $59K (2024)
David J Colligan
Trustee
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
$47K (2020) → $45K (2024)
Jeffrey C Littmann
Trustee
On filings since 2020
8 hrs/week
$67K (2020) → $59K (2024)
Mary M Wilson
Trustee
Trustee → Chairwoman & Trustee, 2021
Chairwoman & Trustee → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
$45K (2020) → $45K (2024)
W Frank Fountain
Trustee
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
$59K (2020) → $49K (2024)
Elizabeth Woike-Ganga
Trustee
On filings since 2023
4 hrs/week
$30K (2023) → $35K (2024)
Ray Telang
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gerard T Mazurikiewicz
Committee Member
Trustee → Committee Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$53K (2020) → $25K (2024)
Howard Morris
Committee Member
Trustee → Committee Member, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$12K (2020) → $14K (2024)
Maura Dewan
Secretary
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$229K (2020) → $335K (2024)
Norah M O'Brien
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$260K (2020) → $375K (2024)
Thomasina Stenhouse
Committee Member
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
$7K (2022) → $11K (2024)
Monique Wells
Committee Member
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
$11K (2024)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Eugene Driker (2020–2022) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $730K, to David O Egner (President/Chief Executive Officer). 13 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation
How much does The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation give each year?
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation gave $141.2M across 413 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $138.1M across 528 grants.
What is The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation's typical grant size?
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $100,000, and its average grant was $341,818, across 413 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation that year got $287K on average.
Where does The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation give grants?
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation's top state is New York, with 49% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest state was Michigan (45%). The most frequent recipient cities were Detroit, MI (109 grants), Buffalo, NY (75 grants), Rochester, NY (20 grants) and Lansing, MI (17 grants).
Does The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 2% of The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (7 of 413) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Employee Matching Grant" (78 grants), "Trustee Designated Grant" (34 grants) and "Trustee Matching Grant" (19 grants).
Who are The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation's largest grantees?
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo ($21,666,580 across 24 grants), Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan ($12,168,375 across 21 grants) and Budc ($10,823,000 across 6 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 2 grants to individuals ($552,725), which are not listed by name. Together they received 32% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation?
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation reported $896.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $155.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $46.0M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to continue Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s legacy through investments in Southeast Michigan and an individual recipient Its four focus areas are: See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation?
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check ralphcwilsonjrfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation's EIN?
The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-0921232. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 9, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-ralph-c-wilson-jr-foundation-morg_f8420ab81e5e4571bdaf1010923d7a3b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_450921232_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-ralph-c-wilson-jr-foundation-morg_f8420ab81e5e4571bdaf1010923d7a3b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Ralph C Wilson Jr Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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