Van Auken Family Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various human services, with a particular focus on aiding abused and neglected children, providing medical assistance, and supporting low-income families. Its mission reflects a commitment to improving health and welfare in the community, as evidenced by grants to organizations that assist with medical needs and homelessness. The foundation primarily serves local populations, with a significant emphasis on organizations in Colorado. It actively funds initiatives that promote child welfare, health charities, and affordable housing initiatives.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small Colorado-based human services or health nonprofit (often Pueblo-area) focused on child welfare, pregnancy/medical support, homeless assistance or low-income family services seeking modest grants in the $4k–$10k range.
Good Fit
- • Organization serves Pueblo or other Colorado communities.
- • Programs for abused/neglected children, pregnancy/medical aid, homeless assistance, or low-income families.
- • Request is for a clearly defined, restricted purpose with a concise budget.
- • Capacity to manage a single-year, modest-sized grant (roughly $4,000–$10,000).
- • Willingness to submit a letter or application to the named trustee and to build a direct relationship.
Geography
Giving is primarily state-focused: about 83% of 2023 dollars went to Colorado, though one smaller out-of-state grant to Texas was made, so the footprint is state-level with occasional out-of-state support.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded three distinct recipients in 2023 and five in 2022, with two organizations receiving repeat funding across the two years, indicating a moderate spread of independent grantees rather than a single captive beneficiary.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover is limited but shows at least one new recipient in 2023; combined with published application instructions, a named contact, and rolling submissions, unfamiliar applicants have a plausible path to be considered, though relationship and local fit appear important.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
