We invite you to be part of the tradition of supporting Wilder and our work to serve the disadvantaged members of our community.

The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation originated with the establishment of three trusts, totaling $2.6 million, by a wealthy Saint Paul businessman, Amherst Holcomb Wilder; his wife, Fanny Spencer Wilder; and their daughter Cornelia Day Wilder Appleby. The vision of the Wilder family, “to aid and assist the poor, sick and needy people of the City of Saint Paul,” has remained the mission of the Wilder Foundation throughout its 100 year history.  Today, Wilder directly touches the lives of 20,000 individuals each year through more than 70 programs and services.

The Wilder Foundation is not a grant making foundation, but a public charity as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Today, through careful management, the Wilder Family Endowment continues to provide for 28 percent of the Foundation’s annual operating budget with the remaining portion funded through contracts, grants, fees and private gifts.  That is why your donation is so essential.

Your donation builds strength and inspires hope in the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable people.

Your gift provides critical support to:
•  Pre-school children
•  Children struggling in school
•  Homeless adults and families 
•  Seniors and disabled adults
•  Refugees and new Americans
•  Children and adults with severe emotional or behavioral problems
•  Youth and community leaders

On behalf of the people we serve, thank you for your support. Together we are transforming lives…one child, one adult, one family at a time.

Your donation is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation respects the privacy rights of our donors. We do not sell, trade or share our donor's personal or contact information with any other organization.

Building on the Legacy Fundraising Breakfast
The annual Building on the Legacy fundraising breakfast is designed to generate support, share the Wilder story and engage the entire community to better assist the vulnerable in Saint Paul. More than 700 business and civic leaders and community members gather each year to experience an unforgettable, succinct presentation on the extraordinary work of the Wilder Foundation. The 7th Annual Building on the Legacy fundraising breakfast will take place on October 29, 2009.

Register Now

Giving options

Donate online

Donate by mail
To donate by mail, please print and complete our donation form.

Legacy Builder Society
The Legacy Builder Society includes individuals, families or businesses who have pledged $5,000 or more to be given over five or fewer years. Legacy Builder gifts provide sustainable funding for Wilder programs and services impacting the lives of more than 20,000 people each year. 

An annual recognition event is held each year to thank these special donors. For more information on becoming a Legacy Builder, please call the Office of Resource Development at 651-280-2468 or rmt@wilder.org.

Donate stock
Donating appreciated stock can be a cost-effective way to make a gift to Wilder. If you itemize on your tax return, you may receive a charitable deduction for the value of your stock and may not have to pay capital gains on the appreciated value. To arrange to donate stock, call the Office of Resource Development at 651-280-2469. 

Planned Gifts
Planned gifts include gifts made to Wilder through wills, life insurance, charitable trusts or life-income arrangements.

Heritage Partner Society
Heritage Partners are individuals who have established named endowments or included the Wilder Foundation in their estate plans through outright gifts, life-income arrangements, wills, trusts, insurance policies and other means. Estate gifts may be designated for the Wilder Endowment Fund or for a specific Foundation program, project or facility.  These gifts, together with those of other Heritage Partners, help Wilder impact the lives of thousands of Saint Paul residents today and for generations to come.

An annual recognition event celebrates and thanks these special friends. Please contact the Office of Planned Giving at 651-280-2469 or mhy@wilder.org to discuss your interest in becoming a Wilder Heritage Partner.