Palmisano Foundation Named 2025 Non Profit of the Year Honoree by New Orleans City Business
Foundation’s Commitment to Youth Development and Community Impact Earns Prestigious Recognition
The Palmisano Foundation has been selected as a 2025 Non Profit of the Year Honoree by New Orleans City Business, a distinction that recognizes the Foundation’s exceptional impact on the Greater New Orleans community and its innovative approach to youth development and workforce training.
This prestigious award celebrates the Foundation’s strategic investments in disadvantaged youth and its commitment to advancing opportunities in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Since its establishment in 2020, the Foundation has become a leading force in creating pathways to success for young people throughout the region.
Strategic Impact Across Multiple Initiatives
The Foundation’s work has touched hundreds of lives across New Orleans through strategic initiatives that demonstrate measurable community impact:
Youth Investment Partnership: The Foundation’s landmark $750,000, three-year commitment to The NOLA Coalition has provided critical funding for youth services, helping young people develop skills for well-paying careers while driving positive generational change throughout the city.
Scholarship Programs: Through initiatives like Renegade Fest sponsorships, the Foundation directly supports students pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, and construction, creating clear pathways from education to meaningful employment.
Community Infrastructure Projects: From building safe play spaces at the New Orleans Women & Children’s Shelter through Jonathan’s Play Yard to partnering with PlayBuild NOLA to transform under-utilized urban spaces, the Foundation consistently invests in projects that create lasting community value.
Workforce Development: The Foundation’s collaboration with organizations like unCommon Construction helps bridge the gap between successful early career training programs and placement of young adults into permanent, well-paying positions.
A Testament to Strategic Philanthropy
“This recognition is a testament to our entire team’s dedication and the incredible partnerships we’ve built throughout New Orleans,” said [Executive Director Name]. “Every day, we’re working to build a healthier, more equitable world by investing in the next generation of thinkers and doers. This award belongs to every young person we’ve had the privilege to serve and every partner who has joined us in this mission.”
New Orleans City Business’s Non Profit of the Year recognition highlights organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and measurable community impact. The Palmisano Foundation’s selection reflects its unique approach to philanthropy—one that combines strategic financial investment with hands-on partnership and measurable outcomes.
Excellence by Design
“From its inception, our Foundation has maintained a relentless focus on excellence in everything we do,” noted Wesley J. Palmisano, Palmisano Foundation Founder and President of the Foundation’s Board. “This recognition validates our belief that strategic, focused giving can drive positive results and create real opportunities for hundreds of young people to learn skills for well-paying jobs.”
The Foundation’s model of dedicating consistent percentages of annual profits from companies within the WJ Palmisano organizational umbrella ensures sustainable, long-term impact that grows alongside the organization’s success.
Looking Forward
As the Foundation continues to expand its reach and impact, this recognition serves as both a celebration of past achievements and motivation for future growth. With ongoing commitments through 2025 and beyond, the Palmisano Foundation remains dedicated to its core mission of empowering youth and strengthening the communities it serves.
About The Palmisano Foundation
Established in 2020, The Palmisano Foundation is the charitable arm of WJ Palmisano, a diversified holding company and majority shareholder of the nationally recognized commercial construction company, RNGD. The Foundation is committed to building a better, healthier world through partnership initiatives that positively impact disadvantaged youth and the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.
For more information about The Palmisano Foundation and its initiatives, visit palmisanofoundation.org.
