The Nelson Foundation is an independent private foundation that was founded more than 30 years ago through the generosity of the late Admiral W. Linton Nelson and Grace S. Nelson. Since its inception, the Foundation has supported a variety of programs that provide direct services to children and youth in the Philadelphia region. In 2022, the Foundation committed to a new mission that centers racial equity and social justice in its work supporting children and youth. Click to read The Foundation’s statements on mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
Learn more about The Nelson Foundation
Incorporated in 1984, the Foundation began active grantmaking in 1988 following the death of Mrs. Nelson. Since that time, the Foundation has made grants totaling more than $25 million.
What’s New at The Nelson Foundation
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT-THE MONKEY & THE ELEPHANT
The transition from foster care to adulthood is challenging. Many former foster youth face significant obstacles, such as housing instability,…
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT-NEED IN DEED
Need in Deed is dedicated to transforming teaching and learning in Philadelphia public school classrooms for grades 3-8. Our unique…
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT-YOUTH SENTENCING & REENTRY PROJECT
Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project (YSRP) aims to transform the experiences of children prosecuted in the adult criminal legal system…
Announcing Grant Awards
The Nelson Foundation is excited to announce that our Board of Directors has awarded the 2024 Core Grants as well…
We Commit to Mission-Aligned Investing
Nelson Foundation is excited to announce its new Mission-Aligned Investing (MAI) strategy, which aims to align 100 % of its…
GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT-THE ATTIC YOUTH CENTER
The mission of The Attic Youth Center is to create opportunities for LGBTQ youth to develop into healthy, independent, civic-minded…