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The Ryan Foundation

Annual Giving
$19.4M
Grant Range
$0K - $19.4M

The Ryan Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $19.4 million (2023)
  • Total Assets: $1.4 billion (2023)
  • Grant Range: $2 - $19.4 million
  • Median Grant: $8,496
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Nebraska (Omaha area), with some grants in Colorado and Missouri
  • Application Method: No public application process - grants awarded at trustee discretion

Contact Details

Primary Contact:

Foundation Address: 8301 E Prentice Ave, Suite 200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Overview

The Ryan Foundation was established in 1990 by Dr. Wayne L. Ryan and Eileen A. Ryan to continue their philanthropic legacy. Dr. Ryan, founder and former CEO of Streck Labs, was a biochemistry professor and research professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), holding 63 patents in hematology and molecular diagnostics. The foundation represents the continuation of the couple's nearly 65-year partnership in charitable giving, focusing on causes that were meaningful to them throughout their lives. With total assets of $1.4 billion as of 2023, the foundation has made 947 donations to 319 different charitable organizations. The foundation is currently led by Steve Ryan (President), with board members Carol Ryan and Ramy Hanna. The foundation demonstrates a strong commitment to Nebraska-based organizations, particularly those serving the Omaha area, while also supporting select institutions in other states.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Ryan Foundation does not operate formal grant programs with published guidelines. Instead, grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on the foundation's core funding areas. Recent major grants (2023-2024) include:

Healthcare & Medical Research:

  • Nebraska Methodist Hospital Foundation: $2,300,000 (women's healthcare)
  • Children's Hospital & Medical Center of Omaha: $2,000,000 (Student-to-Nurse Pediatric Sponsorship Program)
  • Madonna School & Community Based-Services: $2,000,000 (special education and services for individuals with disabilities)
  • Heart Ministry Center: $700,000 (community health and aid programs)

Catholic Education:

  • Catholic Central Development Foundation: $3,000,000 (supporting Nebraska Catholic elementary schools, with $250,000 dedicated to schools where 30%+ of students qualify for free/reduced lunch)
  • Diocese of Lincoln's Good Shepherd Scholarship Fund: $1,500,000 (tuition assistance for families)
  • Archdiocese of Omaha Scholarship Funds: $450,000 (Eileen and Wayne Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund)
  • Evangelium Institute of Omaha: $200,000 (Catholic faith formation)

Religious & Social Services:

  • St. Vincent de Paul Society of Omaha: $800,000 (Catholic charitable work)
  • St. Wenceslaus Parish, Omaha: $10,000,000 (church construction)
  • New Cassel Foundation: $743,375 (senior assisted living operated by School Sisters of Saint Francis)
  • American Province of the Servants of Mary: $277,000
  • Essential Pregnancy Services: $224,000
  • Bethlehem House of Omaha: $175,000 (Catholic home for pregnant women)

Higher Education:

  • Creighton University: Multi-million dollar gift for athletic center construction
  • University of Nebraska Medical Center: $1,000,000 (Wayne and Eileen Ryan Surgical Simulation Suite)

Priority Areas

Based on documented giving patterns, the foundation prioritizes:

  1. Healthcare & Medical Services - Particularly hospitals, women's healthcare, pediatric care, and medical research institutions with connections to Nebraska
  2. Catholic Education - Scholarships for K-12 Catholic schools, support for Catholic universities, and programs that make Catholic education accessible to lower-income families
  3. Religious Institutions - Catholic parishes, religious orders, and faith-based service organizations
  4. Social Services - Organizations serving vulnerable populations including pregnant women, seniors, and individuals with disabilities
  5. Medical Research & Education - Supporting innovation in healthcare through research and training programs

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation does not publish explicit exclusions, giving patterns suggest they focus exclusively on:

  • Organizations aligned with Catholic values
  • Healthcare and medical research institutions
  • Nebraska-based organizations (with rare exceptions for institutions with family connections)

The foundation has not demonstrated support for secular arts, environmental causes, or international programs outside their core focus areas.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors (2023)

Steve Ryan, President

Carol Ryan, Director

  • Hours per week: 1
  • Uncompensated

Ramy Hanna, Director

  • Compensation: $7,000
  • Hours per week: 1

Walter Longo, MD, Director

  • Compensation: $3,500
  • Hours per week: 1

Key Staff

  • Kirk Gulliver, Employee: $101,871 (40 hours/week)
  • Bonnie McNamara, Accountant: $84,438 (40 hours/week)
  • Paul Keller, Employee: $60,937 (40 hours/week)

Foundation Philosophy

From the foundation's website: "The Ryan Foundation continues the philanthropic mission of its benefactors" by supporting organizations that were meaningful to Dr. Wayne and Eileen Ryan throughout their lives. The foundation emphasizes the founders' commitment to advancing healthcare, supporting Catholic education, and serving their community.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Ryan Foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of trustees based on the foundation's charitable mission and the priorities established by founders Dr. Wayne and Eileen Ryan.

According to the Grantmakers.io profile, organizations wishing to be considered should contact the foundation directly with "general background information, the amount requested, and proposed budget," though there is no guarantee of consideration without a pre-existing relationship or invitation.

Getting on Their Radar

Strong Nebraska/Omaha connections: The foundation demonstrates a clear preference for Nebraska-based organizations, particularly those serving the Omaha metropolitan area where the founders lived and worked. Organizations with ties to this geographic region are most likely to receive consideration.

Catholic institutional relationships: Organizations affiliated with the Catholic Church, Catholic education systems (particularly the Archdiocese of Omaha and Diocese of Lincoln), or Catholic healthcare networks appear to have the strongest pathway to funding.

Healthcare and medical research connections: Institutions affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center or other healthcare organizations where Dr. Ryan had professional connections have received significant support.

Board member relationships: Given the foundation's small board and staff-driven operations, relationships with board members or previous demonstration of alignment with the founders' values appear to be critical factors in grant consideration.

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publish decision timelines or board meeting schedules. With only 4 grants awarded in 2023 totaling $19.4 million, the foundation appears to make selective, high-impact gifts rather than processing numerous smaller requests on a regular schedule.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. However, the foundation's giving pattern of only 4 grants in 2023 (compared to 947 total donations to 319 organizations historically) suggests the foundation is highly selective in current grantmaking.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly available. Given the invitation-only nature of grantmaking, there is no formal reapplication process.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's private, invitation-based grantmaking model, the following factors appear critical for organizations that receive funding:

1. Geographic alignment with founders' roots: Organizations based in or serving the Omaha, Nebraska area have received the vast majority of documented grants. The founders' deep ties to this community, including Dr. Ryan's career at UNMC and Streck Labs, appear to drive geographic preferences.

2. Catholic institutional connections: The foundation's support for Catholic education and religious institutions is extensive and explicit. Recent grants to the Archdiocese of Omaha, Diocese of Lincoln, and Catholic schools demonstrate ongoing commitment to this priority. Organizations with Catholic affiliations or missions aligned with Catholic values are strongly favored.

3. Healthcare innovation and medical education: Dr. Ryan's legacy as a scientist and medical researcher with 63 patents continues through the foundation's support for healthcare institutions. Grants supporting nursing education, surgical training, and medical research honor his professional achievements.

4. Focus on vulnerable populations: Recent grants to organizations serving pregnant women (Bethlehem House, Essential Pregnancy Services), individuals with disabilities (Madonna School), and low-income families seeking Catholic education demonstrate commitment to serving those in need.

5. Capacity for large-scale impact: The foundation's grants range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, with a median grant of only $8,496 but recent major gifts of $2-3 million. Organizations should be prepared to articulate how significant funding will create substantial, lasting impact.

6. Multi-year or capital project funding: Several documented grants support capital campaigns (church construction, athletic centers, surgical simulation suites) or endowed scholarship funds, suggesting the foundation favors investments in permanent infrastructure and sustainable programs over annual operating support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is not an appropriate funder for unsolicited proposals. The Ryan Foundation operates as a private family foundation without a public application process. Grants are made at trustee discretion based on the founders' charitable intent.

  • Geographic focus is paramount. Organizations outside Nebraska, particularly those without connections to the Omaha area, are unlikely to receive funding unless they have specific ties to the Ryan family or board members.

  • Catholic affiliation is a significant advantage. The foundation's commitment to Catholic education and religious institutions is explicit and sustained across multiple grant cycles.

  • Healthcare organizations with UNMC connections should note the foundation's history. Dr. Ryan's professional legacy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center creates natural alignment for healthcare and medical research institutions in this system.

  • Large-scale projects are favored. While the median grant is modest, recent grantmaking focuses on transformational gifts of $200,000-$10,000,000 for capital projects, endowments, and program expansions.

  • Contact information is available for inquiries. Organizations with strong alignment to the foundation's mission may contact Steve Ryan directly at steve.p.ryan@ryan.foundation or (402) 306-2965, though should expect highly selective consideration.

  • Patience and relationship-building are essential. With only 4 grants awarded in 2023 from a foundation with $1.4 billion in assets, the grantmaking appears strategic and relationship-driven rather than responsive to broad community needs.

References

  1. Cause IQ - The Ryan Foundation Profile. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-ryan-foundation,363755606/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  2. Grantmakers.io - Ryan Foundation Profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/363755606-ryan-foundation/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  3. The Ryan Foundation Official Website - About Page. https://www.ryan.foundation/about/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  4. The Ryan Foundation Official Website - Homepage. https://www.ryan.foundation/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  5. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Ryan Foundation. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/363755606 (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  6. The Ryan Foundation - Charitable Mission. https://www.ryan.foundation/tag/charitable-mission/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  7. University of Nebraska Medical Center Newsroom - "Remembering Wayne Ryan, Ph.D." November 7, 2017. https://www.unmc.edu/newsroom/2017/11/07/remembering-wayne-ryan-ph-d/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  8. The Ryan Foundation - Children's Hospital of Omaha Donation. https://www.ryan.foundation/ryan-foundation-makes-2-million-gift-to-childrens-hospital-of-omaha/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  9. The Ryan Foundation - Nebraska Methodist Hospital Donation. https://www.ryan.foundation/the-ryan-foundation-supports-womens-healthcare-with-donation-to-nebraska-methodist-hospital/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  10. The Ryan Foundation - Catholic Central Development Foundation Donation. https://www.ryan.foundation/the-ryan-foundation-supports-omaha-area-catholic-schools/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  11. The Ryan Foundation - Archdiocese of Omaha Scholarship Support. https://www.ryan.foundation/the-ryan-foundation-expands-support-for-the-archdiocese-scholarship-funds/ (Accessed December 16, 2024)

  12. Omaha World-Herald - "$10 million gift to St. Wenceslaus will go toward building bigger church." https://omaha.com/news/local/article_1fa465e4-c623-5c1c-9607-a0a27dabb25a.html (Accessed December 16, 2024)

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