Stage presentations at the 2023 WISE Scholarship Influencers Dinner

A family foundation. A shared purpose.

A legacy of giving.
A future of
possibility.

Opening doors through education, creativity
and a lasting commitment to community.

Discover our story

THE MARIO DOZZO FOUNDATION EST. 2007Scroll to explore

01 / Our foundation

Rooted in compassion. Looking forward.

Possibility begins
with people.

A meeting pictured on the Foundation’s existing website — People and purpose, brought together.

Built on determination.
Guided by compassion.

Established in Texas in 2007, The Mario Dozzo Foundation supports organisations that help people learn, create and thrive.

Inspired by Mario’s life and values, our work brings together education, the arts, health and community care. Different causes, connected by the belief that meaningful support can open doors.

Read our Foundation’s story

CompassionOpportunityCreativityCommunity

Mario Dozzo, founder of The Mario Dozzo Foundation — Mario Dozzo Founder1935 — 2026

02 / Mario’s legacy

The man behind
the mission.

From a small town in Italy to a life of building possibility for others.

Born in Frisanco, Italy, Mario moved to Canada at 19. He arrived in Toronto without speaking English and began working in construction. Determination became the foundation of everything that followed.

With three partners, he established Structural Formwork, Inc. The business grew across Canada and into the United States. Alongside his work, family remained at the heart of his life.

Mario passed away on January 11, 2026. His story lives on through his family, friendships and the Foundation that carries his name.

Read Mario’s full story

1935

Roots in Italy

Born in Frisanco, a village in northern Italy.

AGE 19

A new beginning

A move to Toronto and a future in construction.

1980s

Building across borders

The business expands into the Dallas area.

2007

A purpose that endures

The Mario Dozzo Foundation is established in Texas.

A family story

The family behind
the Foundation.

Joseph, Alison and David are part of the Foundation’s story and the family legacy at its heart.

03 / What we support

Care takes many forms.

Different causes.
A shared purpose.

From a young person’s next step to a community’s creative life, our history reflects a broad commitment to helping others.

Representatives of the Mario Dozzo and Steele family foundations at the 2022 WISE Scholarship Influencers Dinner — Shared values.
Meaningful relationships.WISE Scholarship Influencers Dinner · 2022

01Education & opportunity

Helping young people find the support and experiences to pursue their potential.

Our work includes support for WISE. Our history also includes the Hearing School of North Texas and Prince of Peace Christian School.

Discover our WISE partnership

02Arts & culture

Supporting creative expression and the conversations that connect communities.

Our history includes TACA — The Arts Community Alliance. We also sponsor The Arts Scene Podcast with Lynette and Ari through WISE.

Step into The Arts Scene

03Health & wellbeing

Supporting care, research and a healthier future for people and families.

The American Heart Association is part of the Foundation’s history. Phoenix Children’s Hospital also received support in 2025.

04Community & compassion

Care for vulnerable people is part of our founding purpose, including children and families facing difficult circumstances.

Historical support in 2025 included the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and Global Economic Diversity Development Initiative (GEDDI).

05Animal welfare

Extending compassion to animals in need of understanding and care.

Our history includes support for Deaf Dogs Rock, which promotes awareness and adoption opportunities for deaf dogs.

These highlights include historical support as well as the partnerships featured below.

Meet Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and GEDDI.

Explore our supported causes

Opening doors through education

Opportunity
changes
everything.

Proud supporters of the
WISE Scholarship Program™.

An initiative of The Steele Family Foundation, WISE helps high-potential young people develop through a four-year Earn to Learn journey.

Academic achievement, extracurricular activities and personal development come together to help “Stranded Superstars” grow into socially responsible global citizens.

Explore the WISE program Meet The Steele Family Foundation ↗

Guests at the 2025 WISE Scholarship Influencers Dinner — A shared belief in young people.WISE Scholarship Influencers Dinner · 2025

EDUCATIONPERSONAL GROWTHCOMMUNITYPOSSIBILITY

From the
WISE community.

Developments reported by The Steele Family Foundation. The Mario Dozzo Foundation supports WISE, whose work is delivered by The Steele Family Foundation and its partners.