The CL Werner Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation created by Clarence “CL” Werner, founder of Werner Enterprises, and his wife Rachel Werner. Rooted in a multigenerational family tradition of generosity, the foundation was formally established in 2008 to channel the Werners’ charitable giving in a more structured way. Since then, it has provided millions of dollars in gifts and grants to local and national charities as well as global impact organizations.
Role of CL Werner Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The foundation supports organizations that help individuals and communities reach their full potential, with a strong emphasis on four thematic pillars: faith, family, health and education. Within these broad areas, it backs initiatives that address adversity, empower people to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” and create meaningful, long-term impact.
Funding is discretionary rather than programmatic in the narrow sense: the board and leadership review potential projects and charities to determine alignment with the foundation’s mission and values. Support can take the form of grants to nonprofits, ministries, community organizations and other qualified charitable entities working in its focus areas.
Grant inquiries and general process
The CL Werner Foundation operates an open Grant Inquiries process for organizations seeking consideration. Prospective applicants are invited to submit brief information through an online inquiry form, outlining their mission, activities and how their work aligns with the foundation’s focus on faith, family, health and education. These inquiries are reviewed with care by the foundation, guided by the philanthropic ideals of CL and Rachel Werner—stewardship, compassion and meaningful impact.
The foundation notes that it may not be able to respond to every submission, but will reach out to organizations when there is interest in learning more. This structure allows the foundation to remain accessible while maintaining flexibility in how it selects and shapes its portfolio of grants.
Governance and leadership
The CL Werner Foundation is overseen by a small board composed of family members and trusted business leaders whose values align with the mission. CL Werner serves as Honorary Chairman, and Rachel Werner serves as President and Sustaining Board Member, reflecting their hands-on involvement in the foundation’s direction. Other board members contribute professional experience from sectors such as finance, corporate wellness, education and real estate.
A Grant Coordinator role supports the operational side of philanthropy, working alongside the family office (Cornerstone Legacy, LLC) that provides back-office support. Together, this structure gives the foundation the capacity to evaluate requests, manage relationships with grantees and ensure that funds are used effectively.
Publics supported and overall impact
Although the website does not list every funded program, its narrative highlights a strong commitment to people facing hardship, those striving to improve their lives, and organizations that foster spiritual, family and community wellbeing. The foundation’s giving spans its home community in Nebraska and Colorado roots, the wider United States and selected global initiatives, contributing to healthcare, education, social services, religious and community-based projects.
Through its targeted yet flexible grantmaking, the CL Werner Foundation plays a meaningful role in the charitable funding ecosystem, amplifying the Werners’ belief that wealth carries a responsibility to help others and that generosity should be a normal part of life.