Auen Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $836,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (trustee-initiated grants only)
• Decision Time: 1-3 months depending on grant size
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $250,000
• Geographic Focus: Coachella Valley, California (80% of grants)

Contact Details

• Website: https://auenfoundation.org/
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed
• Application Contact: Catharine N. Reed - Senior Program Officer

Overview

The Auen Foundation, established in 1992, is a private foundation with over $33 million in assets dedicated to improving the quality of life for aging populations. Originally founded to address broad health-related needs, the foundation refined its focus in 1995 to concentrate specifically on the elderly and their emerging needs. Based in Palm Desert, California, the foundation has awarded more than 1,000 grants since inception, primarily serving organizations in the Coachella Valley region. The foundation operates under the leadership of sole trustee Sherrie S. Auen, widow of founding trustee Ronald M. Auen, and emphasizes innovative programming that creates intergenerational connections while supporting the social welfare of mature adults.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $1,000 - $125,000 (median $10,000)
• Capital Campaigns: Up to $250,000 (for major community projects)
• Applications reviewed quarterly; trustee-initiated only

Priority Areas

• Innovative programs enriching quality of life for elderly and aging populations
• Intergenerational involvement initiatives
• Healthy aging programs
• Quality end-of-life care
• Caregiving support services
• Computer training and technology access for seniors
• Food assistance for vulnerable populations with chronic illnesses
• Elder abuse prevention

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the Coachella Valley (except when specifically solicited by trustees)
• Unsolicited grant requests from unknown organizations
• Programs not aligned with aging-related focus

Governance and Leadership

Trustee: Sherrie S. Auen - Sole Trustee and Program Director, widow of founding trustee Ronald M. Auen (1932-2019)

Staff: Catharine N. Reed - Senior Program Officer (serving since 1993)

The foundation operates with a focused leadership structure, with trustee Sherrie Auen actively identifying potential grant recipients and maintaining long-term relationships with effective organizations. The foundation's philosophy emphasizes that "mature citizens are an important component of a vibrant community."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Auen Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests. All grants must be initiated by Foundation Trustees or staff who identify and approach potential recipients. Organizations must receive approval before submitting any application materials.

Once approached by the foundation:

1. Submit a two-page letter of intent
2. Include: 501(c)(3) certificate, board member list, other funders list
3. Describe organization's work, programs, funding amount sought, and impact

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's documented approach, organizations become known to trustees through:

• Active involvement in Coachella Valley aging services community
• Demonstrated track record serving elderly populations in the region
• Catharine Reed, Senior Program Officer, actively monitors effective aging programs in the valley
• Long-term partnerships - the foundation has supported some organizations for 18+ consecutive years
• Collaborations with other Coachella Valley funders focused on aging issues

Decision Timeline

• Quarterly review cycle with deadlines: January 10, April 10, August 10, November 10
• Grants $25,000 or less: Approximately 1 month from LOI to decision
• Grants over $25,000: Approximately 3 months from LOI to decision
• Recipients notified directly by foundation staff

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable as all grants are trustee-initiated. However, the foundation demonstrates strong commitment to effective organizations through multi-year support - AAP Food Samaritans has received 18+ consecutive years of funding.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of funded organizations and the foundation's patterns:

• Geographic alignment critical: 80% of grants stay within Coachella Valley - location in this region is essential
• Innovation valued: Foundation specifically seeks "innovative programs" rather than traditional services
• Intergenerational components strengthen proposals: Programs connecting different age groups align with core mission
• Long-term relationships rewarded: Organizations like AAP Food Samaritans receive decades of continuous support
• Clear demonstration of impact on elderly: Plaza Theatre grant included specific benefits for senior community access
• Reporting compliance matters: Foundation requires 3-month and 6-month progress reports - organizations with strong reporting track records likely favored

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Foundation operates exclusively through trustee-initiated grants - unsolicited applications will not be considered
• Focus area is narrowly defined: aging populations in Coachella Valley with emphasis on innovation
• Median grant of $10,000 suggests most awards are modest, though major capital support possible ($250,000 to Plaza Theatre)
• Long-term support common for effective programs - foundation values sustained relationships over one-time grants
• Quarterly review cycle provides predictable timeline once invited to apply
• Small staff (one program officer since 1993) suggests importance of building relationship with Catharine Reed
• Foundation's substantial assets ($33M+) and consistent giving indicate financial stability for multi-year commitments

References

• Auen Foundation Official Website: https://auenfoundation.org/ (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Auen Foundation 990 Forms: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/954325051 (Accessed March 2026)
• Cause IQ - Auen Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/auen-foundation,954325051/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory Profile: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=BERG048 (Accessed March 2026)
• KESQ News - Plaza Theatre Grant Announcement (July 2025)
• GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/95-4325051 (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/auen-foundation (Accessed March 2026)