Anthony H. Kruse Foundation

The Anthony H. Kruse Foundation is the largest private non- operating charitable foundation in Boulder, Colorado and the tenth largest foundation in the state of Colorado. It was established in 2006 by entrepreneur and philanthropist George B. Boedecker, Jr. and funded through an endowment from his friend and business partner, Anthony H. Kruse. Based in Boulder, Colorado, the mission of the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation is to provide critical resources to nonprofit organizations that assist in empowering youth, their families and their community to realize their highest potential. The Primary aim of the foundation is to enhance educational, health, wellness and youth development opportunities for children worldwide. The Foundation’s three board members are George B. Boedecker, Jr., Brad Stoffer and Thomas Read Mattson, Esq.

History

The Foundation was established in 2006 by entrepreneur and philanthropist George B. Boedecker, Jr. and funded through an endowment from his friend and business partner, Anthony H. Kruse. Based in Boulder, Colorado, the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation is one of the top 10 largest foundations in Colorado with an asset base of approximately seventy-five million dollars .

When Anthony died in July 2006, he left part of his estate to charity. Acting as the trustee of Anthony’s trust estate, George B. Boedecker, Jr. established the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation to serve as the culmination of Anthony’s lifetime of giving and to be the cornerstone of his lasting legacy. As the creative force and founder of Crocs, Inc., George B. Boedecker, Jr. realized he could help share Anthony Kruse’s knowledge, drive, wealth and determination through this Foundation. Anthony hoped to provide the means for people to realize their highest potential, and in doing so, he hoped to create a more compassionate, just and prosperous world in which people could pursue and realize their dreams and aspirations.

Mission, Values, and Guiding Principles

   The mission of the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation is to provide critical resources to nonprofit organizations that assist in empowering youth, their families and their community to realize their highest potential.  The Foundation envisions a world where all young people have access to the development resources that will equip them with the skills needed to transform themselves and their communities.  Two simple values lie at the core of the work of the Anthony H. Kruse Foundation:

• We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
• Aiding individuals and responding to community needs can transform society.

Our Guiding Principles:

• Humility: With privilege comes responsibility
• Impact: Never forget the difference one person, one day, one dollar can make
• Empowerment: Provide individuals with the tools to reach their highest potential
• Tenacity: Bring unfailing drive and spirit to live the mission
• Courage: Have the courage to embrace risk and change as a way of life and business
• Unity: Support each other professionally and personally in order to make positive changes in the world
• World View: Realize that we are finite beings in an infinite world
• Enjoy: Life should be enjoyed and celebrated

Activities

   As of May, 2008, the Foundation distributed grants totaling over Five Million dollars to charitable organizations worldwide.

   The Foundation is managed by its Board of Directors, George B. Boedecker, Jr., Brad Stoffer and Thomas Read Mattson, Esq.

   The Foundation has been organized into four major divisions: investments and cash management, grant management, public relations and administration. The Foundation’s major youth development initiatives include The Family Leaning Center1, The “Q” Fund2, University of Colorado3, World Spark4, and Youth Opportunities, Inc.5 in addition to several grants to other youth development organizations worldwide.

External links

• Boedecker, Jr. receives Phoenix Award
• Phoenix Award
• Build program foundation on donations
• CU to build new indoor practice facility
• The "Q" Fund
• Round-Up a hit with fans
• Youth Opportunities
• The AHK Foundation supports vulnerable children in Zambia
• The AHK Foundation supports the charitable work of the Gary Barnett Foundation
• The AHK Foundation supports children suffering from Cancer
• The AHK Foundation supports Colorado Juvenile Council
• The AHK Foundation supports underprivileged children in La Paz, Mexico