About Us

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

The Wilson Family Foundation reflects the shared values and longstanding commitment to national development of Sir Franklyn Wilson, KCMG, Sharon Lady Wilson, KC, and their family.

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The Wilson Family

Through distinguished careers in business, law, public service and civic leadership, Sir Franklyn and Lady Wilson have contributed to the growth and development of The Bahamas.

Together, they have raised a family grounded in faith, education and a belief that opportunity carries a responsibility to serve. They are the parents of Franon Wilson, Sharlyn Smith and Rosel Moxey; foster parents to Bishop Neil Ellis; and grandparents of nine. The Foundation brings these shared values together in a lasting commitment to education, scholarship and service to future generations.

Our Story

A Shared Curiosity. A National Vision.

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The Wilson Awards Programme was born during an unexpected period of reflection and discovery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sir Franklyn and Lady Wilson maintained a disciplined daily routine, working at their respective stations at home from 9:00am to 3:00pm. When the workday ended, their conversations often turned to Bahamian history: the people, decisions, and events that had shaped the nation.
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Their discussions sometimes became spirited debates, each drawing on a different recollection of the past. Determined to establish the facts, they would seek out historical sources to support their views. In doing so, they became increasingly aware of how difficult it could be to find accessible, comprehensive research on aspects of Bahamian history. Those exchanges inspired a larger question: how might more Bahamian scholarship deepen the nation’s understanding of itself and help guide its future?
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They approached the then-President of the University of The Bahamas to explore how scholars might be encouraged to undertake more research focused on The Bahamas. As they learned about the challenges researchers faced, one obstacle stood out: financing. Important inquiries required time, resources, and support that were not always available. Sir Franklyn and Lady Wilson recognized that if more research was to be undertaken, scholars needed meaningful financial support to pursue their work.
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Determined to help address this need, they established the Wilson Awards Programme in partnership with the University of The Bahamas. The programme was designed to support research at two important stages: through annual grants that help scholars advance work in progress, and a major prize awarded every five years to recognize outstanding completed scholarship. A distinguished Review Board and rigorous selection process were established to uphold the quality and integrity of the awards.
What began as a husband and wife’s curiosity about their country’s history became an enduring investment in the knowledge that can help shape its future.

Our Founders

Sir Franklyn and Lady Wilson

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Sir Franklyn R. Wilson, KCMG

Business Leader, Former Parliamentarian and Philanthropist

For more than five decades, Sir Franklyn R. Wilson has been a defining figure in Bahamian business, economic development and public life. His leadership across commerce, finance and national institutions has helped shape the country’s economic landscape, while his longstanding commitment to Bahamian ownership, education and opportunity reflects a deeply held belief in the potential of The Bahamas and its people.

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Her Excellency Sharon Roena Lady Wilson, KC

Attorney, Former President of the Senate, Diplomat and Civic Leader

The advancement of justice, the strengthening of public institutions and service to the Bahamian people have been defining commitments throughout the career of Her Excellency Sharon Roena Lady Wilson. For more than four decades, her work across the judiciary, Parliament, diplomacy and civic life has contributed to the development of The Bahamas.

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What Guides Us

Our Guiding Values

The Wilson Family Foundation is grounded in the principles that have guided Sir Franklyn and Lady Wilson throughout their lives. Their shared commitment to faith, education, service and national development continues to inform the Foundation’s purpose and the values that guide its work.

Faith

Our spiritual convictions inspire our commitment to serving others.

Knowledge

We believe research and learning are essential to understanding our nation.

Excellence

We encourage scholarship of the highest quality and national significance.

Opportunity

We support scholars in pursuing research that might otherwise remain unrealized.

Perseverance

We recognize the dedication and determination required for meaningful achievement.

Legacy

We invest in knowledge and institutions whose contributions will endure.

Community

Charitable Giving and Community Impact

Beyond its research initiatives, the Foundation supports charitable and educational activities that reflect the family’s longstanding commitment to service. These efforts seek to create opportunities, strengthen communities and contribute to the well-being of Bahamian society.

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Governance

Board of Trustees

The Wilson Family Foundation is guided by a Board of Trustees responsible for providing strategic oversight, upholding its founding values and ensuring that its initiatives remain aligned with its mission.

The Board’s stewardship supports the Foundation’s long-term continuity and its commitment to serving future generations.

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For scholars and researchers

Wilson Awards Programme Inquiries

The Wilson Awards Programme is administered by the University of The Bahamas. For information about Wilson Grant and Wilson Prize eligibility, application requirements and future opportunities, please contact the University.

wilsonawards@ub.edu.bs General inquiries