Ask his family, colleagues, and friends, and they’ll all have at least one thing in common to say about the late Richard L. Duchossois, whom they often called “RLD”: he loved to build things.
Upon returning from serving his country in Europe during World War II, he built in his native Chicagoland a globally leading rail car business, a horseracing enterprise, a generational family business, and much more.
Shortly after his passing at the age of 100, the Richard L. Duchossois Foundation (RLDF) began to take shape, setting out to fulfill his wishes of creating an innovative approach to philanthropy that will generate meaningful, lasting change for veterans, families, and entrepreneurs – the people and communities that mattered most to Mr. Duchossois.
In August 2024, the foundation announced its newly forged philanthropic giving strategy via its new website. These areas of community investment were created in hopes of driving positive change for the people and neighborhoods of Chicago and beyond.
In addition to our giving areas, the site features RLD’s insights, a timeline of key moments that shaped who he became, and his own words. The values of the foundation aspire to reflect the values of Mr. Duchossois.
Visitors to the site will also find the foundation’s philosophy of taking a data-driven approach to philanthropy with a measurable impact. A learning mindset much needed to keep pace in the social sector today, this approach demonstrates RLDF’s commitment to exploring new ideas – a reflection of Mr. Duchossois’ own legacy in combat, business, racing, and life.
