— IN MEMORIAM
Remembering Stuart Steele
1941 to 2026
Entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and Founder of the Steele Foundation for Hope.
— A TRIBUTE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN
It is with profound sadness that we share that Stuart Steele, founder of the Steele Foundation for Hope, passed away on October 16, 2026.
Stuart was an extraordinary entrepreneur, businessman, investor, and philanthropist. Over more than five decades, he built successful businesses in real estate and technology and achieved remarkable success as an investor. But among his proudest accomplishments was the foundation he and his wife, Suzanne, created to improve the lives of people in need around the world.
Stuart approached philanthropy with the same curiosity, independence, and unconventional thinking that defined his business career. He believed advances in technology and engineering, combined with talented, determined leaders, could solve some of humanity's most difficult problems. He also believed the most lasting solutions would be those that could sustain themselves, grow, and reach more people over time.
My relationship with Stuart began long before the foundation. I have known him for most of my life, and he was one of my earliest role models. In 2021, he asked me to help launch the Steele Foundation for Hope. Over the next five years, we worked together nearly every day, developing our approach, evaluating opportunities, and planning for the foundation's future.
Stuart and I carefully and deliberately planned for that future together. Stuart and Suzanne committed extraordinary resources to this work, and the foundation has the governance, board, leadership, and long-term strength to carry their vision forward for generations. Our mission, our approach, and our commitment to the people and organizations we support remain unchanged.
I am deeply grateful for Stuart's friendship, mentorship, and trust.
Joe Exner
Chairman and CEO, Steele Foundation for HopeGo as far as you can see; when you get there, you can see farther.
— STUART STEELE
Stuart understood that meaningful accomplishments are not endpoints. They create opportunities to go further, solve harder problems, and achieve what once seemed out of reach.
— CARRYING HIS VISION FORWARD
Defined by the people we support
From the beginning, Stuart wanted the foundation to be defined by the people and organizations it supports, the solutions they create, and the lives they improve. He believed deeply that exceptional people can accomplish extraordinary things.
We honor Stuart through that work: helping our partners build stronger, sustainable organizations, develop better products and services, and reach more people. His legacy will be measured not by the foundation itself, but by what those partners accomplish in the years and decades ahead.
To learn more about Stuart Steele, please visit his bio page, found here.