Our Story

Roots & Wings is a family foundation launched in 2020 by Judy and Gordon Faulkner.

Judy Faulkner is the founder and CEO of Epic, a privately-held healthcare software company based in Wisconsin. Her husband, Gordon Faulkner, is a retired pediatrician who provided free care to children in Wisconsin for more than 15 years. Their life’s work – in business and philanthropy – has been to keep people well, help sick people get better, and create a world where all children can reach their full potential.

The seeds of a bold idea

The seeds of the Faulkners’ philanthropy were planted in 2012 when Judy and Gordon started a small family foundation called Magic Pebble. In 2015, Judy joined The Giving Pledge, committing 99 percent of her wealth to philanthropy “to help others with roots – food, warmth, shelter, healthcare, education – so they too can have wings.” Out of that commitment, the Roots & Wings Foundation was established in 2019 and launched in 2020 under the leadership of the Faulkners’ daughter, Shana Dall’Osto, who has an extensive background in nonprofits.

The idea takes root

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Roots & Wings makes grants nationally, with a particular focus on Wisconsin, Washington, and Oregon, where the Faulkners and their family reside. The foundation funds nonprofit organizations helping low-income children and families reach their full potential through prevention, early intervention, and in-depth programming that changes lives. Learn more about what we fund.

Future growth and impact

In 2023 Roots & Wings made $50 million in grants to more than 260 organizations spanning the fields of basic needs, early learning, health, safety & justice. Roots & Wings plans to grow slowly over time — through Judy and Gordon’s ongoing support — and to deepen our commitments to children and families in targeted states and across the nation.

Get to know our team

Roots & Wings’ work is powered by a small but dedicated team with deep expertise spanning the fields of public health, child and family well-being, philanthropy, nonprofit management, strategic communications, and more. Meet our team.

Learn about our current grantee partners.

We are honored to be able to support hundreds of nonprofits across the nation working to improve the lives of families and children. Click any of the links below to learn more about these remarkable organizations hard at work on the front lines of social change.