A private foundation established in 2012 by the Wilson family (Chip and Summer Wilson) based in Vancouver, BC. The foundation provides funding for land conservancy, park creation, and public art initiatives across British Columbia. Notable grants include $100M to BC Parks Foundation and $6M to the Nature Trust of BC. View Wilson 5 Foundation's website for more information.
The Wilson 5 Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2012 by Chip and Summer Wilson, based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The foundation focuses on making impactful, long-term contributions through strategic funding of environmental conservation, park development, and public art initiatives. Unlike traditional grant-making organizations with formal application processes, the foundation operates as a discretionary donor, partnering directly with established organizations to fund specific projects.
The foundation's funding priorities include:
The foundation has made several landmark donations, including the largest private donation in Canadian conservation history: $100 million to the BC Parks Foundation in 2022 to support the 25x25 Campaign aimed at protecting 25% of BC's land and sea by 2025. Other significant grants include $6 million to the Nature Trust of BC for the Englishman River Estuary restoration project, creating the 2-acre Wilson Nature Park.
Wilson 5 Foundation maximizes impact by partnering with reputable organizations rather than funding individual applicants directly. Key partners include the Nature Trust of BC, BC Parks Foundation, Loon Foundation, Vancouver Biennale, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. This collaborative approach ensures professional project management and lasting outcomes.