Nancy Ransom was a teacher and for many years, a mentor of youth. Throughout her life she took an interest in young people in whom she saw potential, and helped them to succeed.

She and her mother, Constance T. Buck, established Crivitz Youth, Inc., in Wisconsin, in memory of her father, Ellsworth B. Buck. Her foundation was established in 1979 to support CYI's activities and growth.

Although the Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation is based in Monterey, California, where Nancy lived for many years, its first priority is still CYI. As the Foundation has grown, organizations in Monterey County have also benefited from her foresight and her dedication to young people of promise.