Mission Statement
The Mark Raeder Forever Foundation exists to transform lives and strengthen communities by supporting organizations that create opportunities for students to attend one of the nation's top high schools, empower underserved communities through workforce development programs, and advance research and care for those affected by aortic disease. Through strategic partnerships and targeted funding, the Foundation carries forward Mark's vision of creating pathways to prosperity while building a sustainable future.
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Environmental Stewardship: Fostering clean energy development and environmental resilience as pathways to both economic opportunity and community health.
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Workforce Empowerment: Providing funding to Jireh Workforce Solutions, an organization that empowers underserved communities by providing high-quality clean energy training programs that lead to sustainable careers.
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Health & Wellness: Funding research to detect, prevent and treat aortic aneurysms and dissections.
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Men for Others: Supporting the Mark A. Raeder Scholarship at Georgetown Preparatory School, providing financial assistance to select students who demonstrate dedication to academics, athletics and a calling to help others.
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ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Mission Statement
The Mark Raeder Forever Foundation exists to transform lives and strengthen communities by supporting organizations that create opportunities for students to attend one of the nation's top high schools, empower underserved communities through workforce development programs, and advance research and care for those affected by aortic disease. Through strategic partnerships and targeted funding, the Foundation carries forward Mark's vision of creating pathways to prosperity while building a sustainable future.
Primary Areas of Financial Support
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Environmental Stewardship: Fostering clean energy development and environmental resilience as pathways to both economic opportunity and community health.
-
Workforce Empowerment: Providing funding to JIREH Workforce Solutions, an organization that empowers underserved communities by providing high-quality clean energy training programs that lead to sustainable careers.
-
Health & Wellness: Funding research to detect, prevent and treat aortic aneurysms and dissections.
-
Men for Others: Supporting the Mark A. Raeder Scholarship at Georgetown Preparatory School, providing financial assistance to select students who demonstrate dedication to academics, athletics and a calling to help others.
OUR PARTNERSHIPS
ABOUT MARK
Mark A. Raeder (1979–2025) was a founding principal of Summit Ridge Energy and one of the most influential figures in the Illinois solar industry. A financial advisor by training, Mark co-founded his first energy company with his brother Steve in 2008.
Mark played a central role in shaping the landmark 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the Illinois Shines program, which has since supported nearly 110,000 completed or in-progress solar projects across the state. Beyond policy, Mark was a dedicated mentor and champion of equity, helping launch Summit Ridge's partnership with JIREH Workforce Solutions to create solar career pathways for people from underserved communities. Mark will be remembered not only for his contributions to the industry, but also for his character—humble, quick-witted, generous, and deeply committed to fairness and community. His legacy lives on through the work of Summit Ridge, the many lives he influenced, and the charitable foundation established in his name.
