The Ruppert Family Foundation

Established in 1999 by Craig and Patricia Ruppert, The Ruppert Family Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting a variety of worthy charitable causes. The Foundation originally focused its efforts, though not exclusively, on the areas of childhood illness, hardship, education, and poverty. In 2023, the next generation became more actively involved in the Foundation’s strategic direction. While we continue to support our legacy charitable partners, we have also expanded our focus to new causes and organizations. Through meaningful contributions, the Foundation aims to create a lasting impact on both the lives of individuals and the missions of the organizations it supports. Craig Ruppert serves as President, and Patricia Ruppert serves as Secretary and Treasurer.

Purpose

It is a core value of the Ruppert family that with financial success comes an obligation to give back. The purpose of the family’s success is to support the growth and well-being of all family members, and to extend that wealth to others in meaningful ways, creating positive impact for 100 years and beyond.

Mission

Our mission centers on two key priorities: advancing childhood wellness and promoting environmental justice. We are committed to responding swiftly to urgent needs while also addressing the root causes of systemic challenges. Through thoughtful giving and personal engagement, we aim to make a lasting impact—both locally and globally—and to inspire others to join us in this work.

Vision

To build a lasting legacy rooted in compassion, justice, and purposeful action—one that not only uplifts those in need today but also inspires future generations of our family and community to lead with empathy, serve with integrity, and make meaningful contributions to the world around them.

Projects We Support

  • The Montgomery County Children’s Opportunity Alliance grew out of a simple premise: Together, we can create a Montgomery County in which all children can thrive. Serving as a neutral convener and coordinator, the Alliance brings together diverse members from across the early childhood community with a call to action. Our collective mission: to advance a common agenda that eliminates barriers and advocates for an equitable system of early care and education in Montgomery County in which all young children can grow, learn, and thrive.

    To learn more, visit https://mocochildren.org/

  • Pat and Craig Ruppert have been longtime supporters of scholarships for Montgomery College students. Pat taught philosophy at Montgomery College for 13 years, where she received the NISOD Excellence Award. The Ruppert Family Foundation has also specifically pledged $1 million over five years, beginning in 2025, in to support bi-lingual academic coaches and scholarships for students pursuing careers in early childhood education.

    To learn more visit https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/alumni-friends-donors/foundation/who-we-are/ruppert-family-foundation.html

  • Easterseals make a lasting difference each year by providing essential services to children and adults with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and their families. With the generous support of donors and partners, Easterseals offers a variety of employment, health, education, and community programs and services.

    To learn more, visit https://www.easterseals.com/

  • Craig Ruppert and Chris Davitt’s connection with Food for the Poor began in 1999, when they traveled with their eldest daughters, Sophie (Ruppert) and Erin (Davitt), to Haiti and Jamaica. Their goals were to meet the organization’s staff and volunteers, witness the work being done, and connect with those impacted by its outreach. What they came away with was far greater—a new perspective on life, a deep sense of gratitude, and a commitment to help however they could.

    That first experience sparked what has become an annual parent-child building trip to Jamaica. Since then, our group has helped construct hundreds of homes and several schools, leaving a lasting mark on communities across the island. But more than bricks and mortar, these trips create bonds—between families, communities, and generations—that endure long after we return home. Every participant, regardless of age, is moved by the spirit of kindness and hope that surrounds this shared experience.

    Our next trip is scheduled for President’s Day weekend, February 13–16, 2026.

    Food For The Poor prioritizes the preservation of human dignity and the care of those in need. They address poverty through sustainable, community-driven solutions. From 2019 to 2023, they served 943 million meals and distributed $3.2 billion worth of aid.

    To learn more, visit https://foodforthepoor.org/

  • Breeze Thru the Trees is a 5k cross country run winding through Ruppert Nurseries in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. Our mission: Bringing kindness and inclusion to our community. Proceeds have supported the Children’s Opportunity Alliance, which is building a stronger early childhood system, and Red Wiggler Community Farm, where people of all abilities work, learn, and grow healthy food together.

    To learn more, visit https://www.breezethruthetrees.org/

  • The Community Foundation is a trusted advisor and navigator helping thousands of individuals, families, businesses, and government partners make a meaningful difference throughout this region and beyond. They serve as a critical link between caring donors, committed nonprofits, and local communities where potential too often exceeds resources. As the region’s largest local funder, GWCF has invested $1.7 billion since 1973 to build racially equitable, just, and thriving communities so that people of all races, places, and identities reach their full potential.

    To learn more, visit https://www.thecommunityfoundation.org/

  • Junior Achievement of Greater Washington is the premier school system advisor and implementer of equitable, rigorous, scaled and sequenced future-readiness curricula and experiences. They partner with school systems to bring our unique programming to every student from middle school through high school. They engage global, national and local business leaders in meaningful and authentic interactions with students, and they recruit and train thousands of volunteer mentors from our community to provide consistent guidance, insights and support.

    To learn more, visit https://www.myja.org/

Let’s Make an Impact

Have a project or partnership you believe aligns with the mission of the Ruppert Family Foundation?

We welcome inquiries and invite you to share key details, including timelines and goals.

Our team will review your submission and respond as promptly as possible.