Steven Wise and Susan Zikman Wise began their philanthropic journey over 30 years ago because of this formative statement. They have worked diligently to raise awareness and funds to make a difference in the lives of children and their families across Canada. Through their commitment, along with their children and the countless volunteers that share their vision, they have funded over $25 million dollars to more than 150 children’s charities. These funds have helped accelerate breakthroughs in the fields of research and science and have enriched educational and community-based centres for our most vulnerable children and youth.

Leadership at Autism Speaks Canada

Wise Family Foundation (formerly KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation) is a loyal supporter of Autism Speaks Canada and is proud of the work accomplished together. Since 2007, Steven Wise and Susan Zikman Wise have donated $8.6M to enhance lives and build a spectrum of solutions for autistic people and their families. We are proud to announce Wise Family Foundation’s $3.5M commitment to support Autism Speaks science programs. Read full announcement here.

Both Steven and Susan have committed their time and energy to help grow and strategically plan for Autism Speaks Canada as Board Directors. Steven has been a trusted advisor to the executive team and Susan has overseen the distribution of over $5 million in grants, to autism-focused organizations across Canada, as an integral part of the Autism Speaks Canada Community Grants committee.

MSSNG

Wise Family Foundation is a leader in empowering scientific research. In 2014, Steven Wise and Susan Zikman Wise were one of the first Canadians to commit $2M to the MSSNG project. MSSNG is a groundbreaking collaboration between Autism Speaks, Autism Speaks Canada, Verily (formerly Google Life Sciences), DNAStack, SickKids and the research community to create the world’s largest genomic database on autism. The project has led to better diagnostics, as well as more personalized and accurate treatments for autism. The success of MSSNG has resulted in an expansion of the project which seeks to bring an unprecedented level of research expertise together to understand the complex causes of autism and identify potential treatments which will help them transition to adulthood. Wise Family has made a $3.5M commitment to support this expansion of the science program. Read full announcement here.

Autism Speaks Canada Strategic Targeted Initiative Grant for ISAND

Through Autism Speaks Canada, Wise Family Foundation granted $400,000 to ISAND, a non-profit organization with an integrated team of developmental pediatricians, psychologists, clinicians, and therapists. Together we helped build ISAND’s operation and administrative infrastructure by supporting mission-critical expenses. The team works together with families to achieve the best possible outcomes for young people with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Explore Wise Family Foundation’s transformational contribution to Autism Speaks, Autism Speaks Canada, SickKids and so many others by visiting their website: https://wisefamilyfoundation.org/