We are pleased to recognize the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation for their exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication, which have been instrumental in advancing our mission and creating lasting impact.

For more than a century, the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation has been a steadfast partner of Children’s Aid, upholding the Dodge family’s legacy of service and philanthropy. Committed to supporting under-resourced youth and their communities, the Foundation provides essential operational support, as well as funding for programmatic and capital projects. The Foundation’s investment in Children’s Aid’s early childhood initiatives strengthens child well-being, kindergarten readiness, and teacher professional development, while its support for community programs helps build strong families, promote academic achievement, and equip young people with valuable skills. We are grateful for the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation’s unwavering partnership and proud to honor its impact across generations.

Representing Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation - William Dodge Rueckert

William Dodge Rueckert has served as the President of the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation for 25 years. Bill is the great-grandson of Cleveland H. Dodge, who established the Foundation in 1917 to promote the wellbeing of all people by supporting educational, community, and cultural institutions through its grant-making activities. Bill continues to shepherd the Dodge family legacy of service and philanthropy, both through his leadership of the Foundation and through his deep involvement with many of New York City’s largest and oldest educational and community-based organizations. 

His Board affiliations include serving as Chairman emeritus of the Board of Trustees of Teachers College, Columbia University having chaired the board for 20 years; Trustee of the American University of Beirut (AUB); Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the YMCA Retirement Fund; Trustee and former Chairman of the Executive Committee of International House; Honorary Director of YMCA of Greater New York; Honorary Director of Wave Hill; and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Fairfield Country Day School. Bill is also Managing Member of Oyster Management Group, LLC, a fund that invests in community banks and serves on the Board of Directors of Fairfield County Bank, a community bank headquartered in Ridgefield Connecticut.