Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation

05/27/2026

The Trolley Building is more than a building. For Orleans County, it is a gathering place and a resource for local programs, businesses, and individuals.

In the latest Rural Insights for Philanthropy blog, Katie Brisson explores how listening to leaders like Robert Batt helped shape the Foundation’s investment in Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County.

Hear directly from Robert and community members about what the Trolley Building means to Orleans County.

Watch the video and read more: https://www.ralphcwilsonjrfoundation.org/rural-insights-for-philanthropy-becoming-part-of-the-tapestry/

05/26/2026

Great news from our partners at Enterprise Community Partners as they launch Phase III of Detroit’s Community Development Organization Fund, bringing together 37 community development organizations working to strengthen neighborhoods across the city.

The newly released Phase II report highlights the impact of long term, flexible support. We're proud to support this collaborative work alongside many committed partners.

Enterprise announced the largest phase of its Community Development Organization (CDO) Fund to date. Thirty-seven Detroit CDOs will work together to scale their collective impact in the city, receiving critical operating support and technical assistance over three years.

05/09/2026

Over the past year, Detroit PBS has helped elevate the crucial role caregivers play in our communities by producing stories that reflect the physical, emotional, and financial realities of caregiving, as well as the joy and connection that come with it.

We are proud to support the Detroit PBS Caregiving Initiative in its efforts to amplify caregiver voices, share resources, and raise awareness. This special program highlights the depth and impact of the initiative and the continued need to better support caregivers.

Watch the full program:

A thoughtful conversation that brings together caregivers, community leaders and caregiving experts.

05/07/2026

"...they said, ‘You wanna do more school?’ I said, heck yeah and they signed me up for the winter semester,” Jake Wigginton said.

Through Macomb Community College’s Map+ program, Jake Wigginton found a pathway into the skilled trades, landing an apprenticeship that allows him to keep learning while he works.

Read our latest story with Outlier Media to learn how “earn while you learn” models are connecting metro Detroit students and workers to opportunity: https://outliermedia.org/community-college-apprenticeships-offer-opportunities-to-earn-while-you-learn/

05/06/2026

Join Game Changers, Project Play: Southeast Michigan, and others for a free, one-of-a-kind Coaching Festival on Saturday, May 16th from 11am - 3pm. Hosted in Detroit, this event is designed to bring the community together to celebrate, equip, and support the people who show up for kids every day. Whether you’re a seasoned coach, a new volunteer, a parent, or just passionate about kids and community, this day is for you.

This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Learn more and register now to secure your spot!
Register: www.addevent.com/event/wp5vl41rymn7

04/25/2026

Today, we’re celebrating Trails Day and the power of trails to connect people, places, and communities.

We’re proud to support partners working to make these spaces more accessible, welcoming, and connected for generations to come.

Find local Trails Day events near you!

Find Celebrate Trails Day events. Explore our interactive map to see how trails are being celebrated around the country.

04/17/2026

From partnerships with organizations like KABOOM! to lessons from local leaders, Katie Brisson explores how national models can be thoughtfully adapted to meet the realities of rural communities across Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

As we continue to deepen our rural investments, we remain committed to listening first, supporting local leadership, and building on the strengths already present.

Read more: https://www.ralphcwilsonjrfoundation.org/rural-insights-for-philanthropy-adapting-national-models-to-rural-communities/

04/17/2026

As the The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) wraps up Week of the Young Child, we are proud to highlight Family Friday, led by PEDALS- Positive Emotional Development and Learning Skills and Help Me Grow WNY.

Family Friday centers the power of connection. Strong, supportive relationships between caregivers and children build confidence, resilience, and a foundation for lifelong learning.

Families and providers across WNY can access free developmental questionnaires by visiting: www.hmgwny.org/ or calling (716) 332-GROW

Help Me Grow partners with individuals and organizations to help identify developmental delays in young children and connect them with the support they need.

04/16/2026

Interview: Week of the Young Child in Erie County

04/08/2026

Unite to Ignite: Southeast Michigan Youth Sports Summit is bringing together coaches, advocates, and youth development leaders for a day of learning and connection. As a proud partner of Project Play Southeast Michigan, we’re excited to support this gathering focused on strengthening youth sports and youth development across our region.

Join leaders and changemakers at Wayne State University on April 24th for panels, networking, and interactive sessions designed to build community and expand access to play.

Register by Friday, April 17th: https://www.addevent.com/event/1t8qjb26v5ny?_hsmi=409458705

Learn more about Project Play SEMI: https://www.projectplaysemi.org/