This research fund supports Mayo researchers in infectious diseases who are making significant progress to address the newly emerging pathogens for COVID-19 and related viruses. As one example, Mayo experts are developing a vaccine using existing vaccine platforms, as well as gene therapy, that have been successfully applied against influenza, HIV, Ebola, Zika and Clostridium difficile. Research in emerging pathogens also lays the foundation for standard operating processes to address future pandemics.

Benefactor gifts will support ­­­­­­­­­Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 testing capacity as well as expedite processing and response time.  Gifts will support plans to offer COVID-19 testing beyond Mayo Clinic in an effort to help patients everywhere get the best care possible.

The Robert Nelson Foundation has chosen to continue Mr. Nelson’s giving to the homeless and those in need in the Los Angeles area. The foundation has given grants totaling $60,000 to the Los Angeles Mission in Mr. Nelson’s name. This gift is reflective of Mr. Nelson’s caring and generous spirit for those in need and the foundation is proud to continue that legacy.

COVID-19 Response Update

The foundation has also assisted the mission with a $5,000 gift to assist with the special needs of the COVID-19 Pandemic crisis.

COVID-19 Response Update

The foundation has also assisted the mission with a $5,000 gift to assist with the special needs of the COVID-19 Pandemic crisis.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is one of the leading children’s hospitals in the country. One of the programming components of the hospital is to assist each patient during their stay by easing some of the psychological and social adjustments of a long hospital stay. Using the tools of music, art, humor, special events and visitors, and fun, the staff of the child life program specifically focuses on providing comfort in multiple ways to children who are often very, very, sick. Another challenge that school age children face when facing a long hospital stay is keeping up with schoolwork. The hospital has a teacher on staff who helps to coordinate with the home district to keep the student/patient up to speed as much as possible during this challenging time. The child life program at the hospital is supported specifically via philanthropic donations.

The Robert Nelson Foundation is honored to have provided a gift of $10,000.00 in 2019, and a gift for the same amount in 2021, to help support these special children and the staff that take care of them each day.

Robert Nelson was a man of kindness and compassion and had a special place in his heart for the disabled population. In honor of his desire to help the disabled population, the Robert Nelson Foundation has granted $75,000.00 to the City of Grandville, MI to create a Disability Support Center in the local library in honor of Mr. Nelson. The center will consist of resources and materials to assist people looking for help in facing the challenges of a disability or life changing event. Hard copy materials, digital resources, and inspirational material will be a part of the collection with the goal to guide and lead people to the help and resources they need. A goal of the center will also to be a place of collaboration for local agencies and organizations that assist the disabled by providing a place to meet and discuss further ways to help the community. The foundation is honored to put Mr. Nelson’s name on such a special project and looks forward to see the development of this project as it moves forward.

We are excited to share an update on the progress that is underway on the new Disability Support Center…

Construction continues through the winter at the Grandville Public Library on the expansion that will house The Robert Nelson Disability Support Center. A designated room within the expansion that will hold hard copy materials, digital access to resources, and inspirational materials specifically designed for those who are facing the challenge of a disability. The foundation is honored to continue Mr. Nelson’s legacy by providing this resource for the community.

Artists Creating Together is an organization in Grand Rapids, MI that focuses on integrating the arts as a means to help people face the challenges of living with a disability. Using a multifaceted approach that combines art, music, dance, and theatre, the organization strives to encourage each person it serves to use the arts to promote individual expression and creativity. The organization also strives to use community service as a component of its programming by reaching out to local hospitals and veterans using the arts as a form of kindness and healing. The Robert Nelson Foundation is proud to support Artists Creating Together with a gift of $10,000.00 to assist in the community development programming of the organization.