Vision and Mission

Vision
Young people in the Greater Philadelphia Region experience their futures in healthy, thriving, and prosperous communities where systems of racism, inequity, and injustice have been eradicated.

Mission
The Nelson Foundation acts to eliminate systemic racial and social inequities by investing for impact with partner organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region that are committed to serving young people, their families and the communities in which they live.

Our History

The Grace S. and W. Linton Nelson Foundation is a private independent foundation that was established through the generosity of the late Grace and Bill Nelson. Admiral Nelson was the founder of the Philadelphia-based investment advisory firm, Delaware Investments and served in the U.S. Navy. Mrs. Nelson worked in the Social Service Department of the University Hospital. During their 50-year marriage, The Nelsons provided personal and financial support to a variety of community, charitable and religious endeavors in the Greater Philadelphia region. 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 $30 million.

Strategy and Values

In 2021, The Nelson Foundation undertook a comprehensive, stakeholder informed strategic planning process.  Nearly one year later, the Foundation approved a new strategic plan that reflects a commitment to racial equity and social justice. This plan positioned the Foundation to be equitable in its organizational practices, including grantmaking, communications, evaluation, partnerships, and endowment management. The Foundation has committed to align 100% of its assets, investing, and spending with its mission, vision, and values. The values that center our work are accountability, equity, partnership, transparency, and humility.  A copy of the strategic plan can be found here.