The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Grosse Pointe Community Assets Fund Grant

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds: Grosse Pointe Community Assets Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Amount: US $10,000 - US $25,000
Last Updated: September 19, 2025

Summary

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds aim to provide enduring support for initiatives that resonate with Mr. Wilson's passions, including caregiving, design, youth sports, and Grosse Pointe community assets. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, with some up to $50,000 for specific funds. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities located in the five Grosse Pointe communities of Michigan, fostering local development and enrichment.

Overview

Important Note: If you think you will apply for a Wilson Legacy Fund grant, and are not already registered in our Fluxx system, you should go on the site now and register your organization. Registration only needs to happen once, but is required before you can submit an application. Deadline for registration is the preproposal deadline above. Purpose The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds were created to provide permanent, endowed support for programs and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of Mr. Wilson. Those areas of support are: Caregiving, Design & Access, Youth Sports, and Grosse Pointe Community Assets. Background On November 18, 2015, The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a series of grants to fund projects and initiatives that reflect the personal passions of the late Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., a Detroit native and the founder and longtime owner of the Buffalo Bills professional football team. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of southeastern Michigan and western New York, reflecting Mr. Wilson’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and the people of greater Buffalo, home of his Bills franchise. Among the grants announced were funds to create the permanent Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation, to align with some of the key priority areas of the Foundation in perpetuity. The Community Foundation is honored that The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation trustees, as part of their investments, have chosen to work with the Community Foundation in this way, to permanently support organizations and causes that Mr. Wilson cared about so deeply. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Funds support grants in separate key areas that honor the lifetime interests of Mr. Wilson: Grosse Pointe Community Assets Fund: support for projects of anchor nonprofit organizations that provide services and experiences to residents of the 5 Grosse Pointe communities, home to Mr. Wilson during his lifetime. Key Facts Individual grants from each of the funds will typically range between $10,000 – $25,000. Grants from the Access and Design Fund may be up to $50,000.Most grants will be for a 12-month period. However, applicants may identify other time frames that would be more beneficial to spend the grant over. For example, if it is more beneficial to the proposed project to spread the grant over an 18- or 24-month period, please simply state that in the application.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, school or government located in the 5 Grosse Pointe communities of Michigan, defined as the City of Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Shores and Grosse Pointe Woods, may apply for a grant from the Grosse Pointe Community Assets Fund. In rare circumstances, organizations not located within the Grosse Pointes but serving their residents may also be considered.

Ineligibility

No grants will be made to individuals.Low priority is given to requests for ongoing operational costs, capital campaigns, annual fund drives, conferences or other one-time events.