The Auen Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Auen Foundation is a private foundation in Palm Desert, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.1 million in 56 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $50,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$1.1 million
- Number of grants56
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$33.1 million
- New grantees42%
Giving in 2024 was up from $828,700 the year before.
42% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $828,700 | 47 | $32.2 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 56 | $33.1 million |
How to apply
The Auen Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Auen Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 55 | $1.0 million |
| Idaho | 1 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Palm Springs International Film Society | to support Senior Volunteer Programs for the 2025 film festival | $50,000 |
| Alzheimers Coachella Valley | to support services for Alzheimer's clients | $50,000 |
| Barbara Sinatra Children's Center at Eisenhower | to help expand the Forensic Medical services | $50,000 |
| Eisenhower Medical Center | to support development of Eisenhower Intergenerational Child Care Center | $50,000 |
| Rancho Mirage Writer's Festival | to continue videotaping and airing of all Festival sessions for seniors that are not able to attend | $35,000 |
| Alzheimers Coachella Valley | to fund charitable services for those living with cognitive impairment | $30,000 |
| Read With Me Volunteer Programs | Intergenerational Reading Mentoring Program | $30,000 |
| Joslyn Senior Center | to support the Aging Mastery Program | $30,000 |
| DAP Health | to help with the dental program | $30,000 |
| The Ranch Recovery Centers Inc | scholarships for seniors | $30,000 |
| Living Desert Reserve | to support Senior Volunteer Programs | $25,000 |
| Old Town Artisan Studios | to support senior programs | $25,000 |
| Desert Arc | to help purchase a forklift for the mentally and physically challenged clients | $25,000 |
| Operation Safehouse Inc | to help with repair and maintenance because of hurricane damage | $25,000 |
| Coachella Valley Symphony | to support free outdoor concerts for the entire community | $25,000 |
| Palm Springs Air Museum | Education living history teaching programs in the Ronald M. Auen Learning Center | $25,000 |
| Braille Institute of America Inc | to help with free low-vision care rehabilitation services | $25,000 |
| Coronado Island Film Festival | ease of festival and outreach for the aging population | $25,000 |
| ACT for Multiple Sclerosis | for direct services for people suffering from MS | $25,000 |
| Sharp HospiceCare Fund | to help complete construction, beautify the grounds, and properly decorate home's interior | $25,000 |
| AIDS Assistance Program | to assist in purchasing food vouchers | $25,000 |
| Coachella Valley Volunteers In Medicine | to provide no-charge primary care services to low-income residents over 55 | $25,000 |
| Coronado Hospital Foundation | to help purchase FEES equipment | $25,000 |
| Salk Institute for Biological Studies | for the molecular neurobiology to study brain forms and functions for Alzheimer's and other disorders | $20,000 |
| Well in the Desert | to Insure Food Programs | $20,000 |
| Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre | to continue your Youth Outreach Program and newly formed Theatre For Young Audiences Production | $20,000 |
| Lemhi County Historical Society and Museum | to support the sustainability of the Shirley Walker Research Center and the Lemhi County Historical Society and museum | $20,000 |
| American Heart Association - Coachella Valley Division | to help fund the SMBP program | $20,000 |
| Jewish Family Service of the Desert | In honor of Ron Snow who wakes up every morning and says "What can I do to make the world a better place?" | $20,000 |
| Mizell Senior Center | to support healthy and engaged lifestyles for seniors | $20,000 |
| Operation Safehouse Inc | to support Harrison House for at risk youths | $20,000 |
| Tools For Tomorrow | program support | $20,000 |
| Tools For Tomorrow | Intergenerational Children's Art Programs | $15,000 |
| The Desert Symphony Inc | to support intergenerational music programs | $15,000 |
| Parade Charities Inc | 2024 Golf Cart Parade Auen Foundation Senior Seating Area | $15,000 |
| Elderhelp | to help seniors remain independent in their home | $15,000 |
| Palm Springs Cultural Center | senior entertainment | $10,000 |
| Desert Theaterworks | senior programs | $10,000 |
| Coronado Promenade Concerts | providing music programs for all ages in the community | $8,000 |
| Amy's Purpose | program support | $6,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Sherrie Auen
Questions people ask
Does The Auen Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Auen Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2024, across 56 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The Auen Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Sherrie Auen (Trustee).
What does The Auen Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, seniors and arts and culture.