Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein Foundation transitions to private operating foundation

Uihlein Farm from the Air, photo by Eric Adsit

The following is from The Press Republican, May 1, 2026 edition. See it on their webpage here.

LAKE PLACID — The Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein Foundation, based in Lake Placid, has operated as a private foundation since 2000, providing ongoing support to regional charities.
Recently, however, the foundation has been classified by the IRS as a private operating foundation, allowing for increased engagement in community programs that align with its mission.
"Conversion to a private operating foundation will allow our foundation to have a greater impact and benefit to the public and position the foundation to better implement the guidelines and intent of our founder, Henry Uihlein (II)," Foundation Chairman John D. Leekley said in a press release.
The Uihlein Foundation owns 1,450 acres of forest land and fields in Lake Placid, an asset the trustees recognize can foster greater public benefit. With this land, the foundation aims to develop programs that provide lasting community impact, in line with the vision of its founder.
In April 1992, Uihlein expressed his vigilance about the potential sale of the property in his guidelines to the trustees: "My concern is that if the property is sold, a developer will purchase it for the purpose of developing it as a residential subdivision. While the trustees may not be able to identify an agricultural or charitable use for the property alone, it may be possible to join forces with another organization so that the land can be used for agricultural experimentation, education or research."
In his last will and testament, Uihlein stated in September 1994, "It is my intention, and I therefore request that the trustees find a use for the properties which will be of benefit to the public and in consonance with the charitable purposes of the foundation, while at the same time preserving the pastoral beauty and rural flavor of the land."
This guiding principle will shape the foundation's efforts to collaborate with local organizations, educational institutions and agricultural initiatives to ensure the land serves the community while maintaining its natural beauty.
The foundation is excited to explore innovative programs that utilize its land for educational and agricultural purposes. By fostering partnerships and engaging the community, the Uihlein Foundation aims to create a positive and lasting impact.

For more information about the Henry Uihlein II and Mildred A. Uihlein Foundation and its upcoming initiatives, visit uihleinfoundation.org.