About

The Wilson Foundation was established as a private grantmaking foundation by John Wilson, a longtime resident of St. Anthony Village, Minnesota.

John is an entrepreneur dedicated to advancing human health care through biotechnology. His career is centered on inventing, developing, and commercializing tools that enable the creation of cancer‑fighting cell and gene therapy products.

This work supports and inspires the Foundation’s broader goal of empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty while strengthening communities and supporting practical programs that create an enduring impact.


The Wilson Foundation’s mission is to empower individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and to advance environmental sustainability through actions that address climate change. We will identify and support impactful organizations, programs and initiatives with the goal of improving the overall quality of life and elevating the entire community.

Values that guide the Foundation’s work:

Humility: We listen first. We learn from the experiences of people facing economic hardship and from those who have created innovative solutions to reduce poverty.

CollaborationWe believe progress is greater when people and organizations work together with shared purpose.

Pragmatism: We bring a problem‑solving mindset to everything we support and prioritize practical solutions that deliver measurable and durable impact.

Abundance MindsetWe operate with optimism and a belief in what is possible. By envisioning opportunity and the power of collective effort, we uncover more pathways, more resources, and more ways to make a difference.


Board

JOHN R. WILSON
President and Board
CEO/Wilson Wolf
CEO/ScaleReady
CEO/CellReady

TERRY O’REILLY
Treasurer and Secretary
Board Member
CFO/Wilson Wolf

DAN FICK
Board Member
Special Projects Liaison/Wilson Wolf
Director of Quality/CellReady


Staff

Andrea Nettles, Foundation Manager