John Ware, a businessman and philanthropist, established The Ware Foundation in 1949. Mr. Ware was dedicated to improving the lives of people in need. His son, Willard Ware, followed in his footsteps by providing grants which positively impacted the community. Willard’s wife, Rhoda eventually led the board, with an emphasis on the Quaker values with which she was raised. These include equality, inclusiveness, and advocacy for marginalized populations along with a belief in the value of every life. Martha Ware, Willard and Rhoda’s daughter, was instrumental in bringing awareness to the needs of children. The current board includes 4th generation family members along with other board members.
Ware Foundation’s Inception
The legacy of the Ware family inspires the Foundation to continue the tradition of helping to improve the lives of all people.
The Ware Foundation supports many pioneering efforts, locally and globally. In addition to supÂporting Water for People and its Water and Sanitation Fellowship Program, the Martha Joan Ware family gave $1 million to the Baptist Children’s Hospital Foundation in South Florida to open the Martha Ware Rehabilitation Center. The family is also estabÂlishing the Ware Foundation Laboratory for Brain Research and Neuro-Engineering Applications in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, at Florida International University. In 2006 the family awarded its first Libertas Prize for Promoting Positive American Values, a $50,000 prize given to an individual or organization in the mass media who has done the most to improve cultural understanding between Americans and people in other countries.
Values
The Ware Foundation seeks to uphold the values of its founders.
Key among such values are:
- Demonstrating a belief in the sanctity of life
- Awareness that the suffering of one community or individual affects all of society as we are interdependent
- Supporting the principles of liberty and freedom
- An understanding of the relationship between humanity and nature such that efforts to protect the planet and other living creatures also support and protect the people who live on the planet
The Foundation’s priority is to support organizations that:
- Seek to alleviate suffering
- Value children
- Support those amongst us who are most vulnerable
The Foundation works with organizations, which exhibit:
- Integrity
- Innovation combined with prudent risk taking
- An openness to partnership, both with The Ware Foundation and with other organizations including faith based organization
- Efforts that support the highest good for all people
In all its endeavors, the Foundation strives to demonstrate compassion, respect, and collaboration.
VISION
The Ware Foundation’s directors are inspired by a vision of a more perfect world in which:
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Life and humanity are held sacred
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Suffering is greatly reduced/eliminated
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Health and well being are vastly improved
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Opportunities for education are available to all
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The environment and natural resources are cherished
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Inclusion prevails over exclusion
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Compassion trumps conflict
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Nations co-exist in harmony
Awards
National Philanthropy Day Award – Outstanding Foundation 2013
One Child International Award – 2009-2010
Conservation Partnership Award – Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge – 2008
Arthur Vining Davis Award – 2004
The Phoenix Multi-sport Empowerment award
Dr. Harry A. Edwards Professorship in Pulmonary Medicine Endowment