Frequently Asked Questions
What does GHR fund?
GHR funds four program areas: Global Engagement, Education, Alzheimer's Prevention and Twin Cities Racial Equity. Alongside our partners around the world, the Foundation reimagines what’s possible when pursuing impact on issues related to:
Given our strategic focus this means GHR Foundation cannot support many worthwhile projects outside our program areas. GHR does not generally support:
For more information on GHR's funding priorities, feel free to review our programs.
How do I apply for a grant?
GHR Foundation takes action through partnership. Given our targeted focus GHR does not accept unsolicited grant requests, but rather proactively identifies the partners with whom we work.
If and when GHR Foundation staff determines a grant is strategically valuable, we will provide detailed instructions for submitting a proposal. If you are interested in partnering or sharing resources on GHR-funded issues, please contact us.
Do you accept unsolicited grant requests?
GHR works to respond to the needs of our communities in Minneapolis and around the world, with our focus on existing partners and individuals they serve. Unfortunately, that means we are unable to fund many extremely worthwhile efforts. While opportunities for partnership may be reviewed by GHR staff, we are unable to respond to every unsolicited request. If you are interested in sharing resources on a GHR-funded issue, please contact us.
Do you fund international organizations?
Yes. GHR Foundation works with accredited non-profit organizations and partners around the world to ensure global evidence-based and locally-relevant solutions.
Does GHR accept donations?
GHR is a private, family philanthropy that does not generally accept external contributions. However, if you are interested in partnering on a GHR-funded issue, please contact us.
How can we partner with GHR?
GHR Foundation recognizes partnership is a powerful resource for good. We partner with issue experts, like-minded donors and local leaders to both design and implement innovative solutions. If you are interested in sharing research, scaling an approach or collaborating to produce meaningful change, please contact us.
Who founded GHR Foundation?
GHR Foundation was started in 1965 by Gerald ‘Gerry’ and Henrietta ‘Hanky’ Rauenhorst, founders of the Opus companies, pioneers of the design-build approach to construction. Learn more about the history and legacy of the Foundation.
What is the relationship between GHR and Opus?
While GHR was created by Opus founders Gerry and Hanky Rauenhorst and draws inspiration from their design-build legacy, GHR now operates as private philanthropy independent of The Opus Group.
What is GHR's connection to the Catholic Church?
GHR Foundation is an independent, private family philanthropy, not allied with any institution, but we apply universal Catholic values to create models for change, and we see faith as a powerful resource for good.
Aligned with our founders' values, we regularly make grants to Catholic organizations; however, we also support a diverse portfolio of multi-religious and non-denominational efforts. Regardless of affiliation, GHR Foundation's focus is partnering with its grantees to create sustainable impact on complex social challenges.
How do I apply for a job?
In an effort to focus resources on impact, GHR Foundation operates with a small staff. However, all available positions are posted in our employment section. Please follow the instructions contained within the relevant position description to apply.
GHR funds four program areas: Global Engagement, Education, Alzheimer's Prevention and Twin Cities Racial Equity. Alongside our partners around the world, the Foundation reimagines what’s possible when pursuing impact on issues related to:
- Global Engagement: Inspired by our Catholic roots and decades of experience working with and among faith actors, GHR works to help bring to reality the world we want to live in -- one rooted in dignity, equity and care as instruments of social justice for those suffering most among us.
- Education: The Foundation’s early commitment to Catholic education is now responding to the evolving challenges that young scholars face today. GHR’s Catholic education work — tied to the Twin Cites’ Archdiocese and the alma maters of our founders — is working to center an ambitious vision of more just and inclusive learning communities.
- Alzheimer's Prevention: Helping patients and families live full lives in a world where Alzheimer’s Disease becomes a preventable condition. GHR aims to halt Alzheimer's disease prior to the onset of cognitive symptoms by supporting new diagnostic tools and prevention trials.
- Twin Cities Racial Equity: GHR works to be of service to and in partnership with Black, Indigenous, and people of color, (BI-POC) businesses and communities in the development and acquisition of assets that advance and provide access to economic opportunity and community development, education and career advancement, wellness and vitality and advocacy and awareness.
Given our strategic focus this means GHR Foundation cannot support many worthwhile projects outside our program areas. GHR does not generally support:
- Capital or endowment campaigns, unless aligned with a strategic Foundation focus
- Projects for the sole purpose of lobbying or funds earmarked for lobbying
- Government agencies unless for strategic research or training purposes
For more information on GHR's funding priorities, feel free to review our programs.
How do I apply for a grant?
GHR Foundation takes action through partnership. Given our targeted focus GHR does not accept unsolicited grant requests, but rather proactively identifies the partners with whom we work.
If and when GHR Foundation staff determines a grant is strategically valuable, we will provide detailed instructions for submitting a proposal. If you are interested in partnering or sharing resources on GHR-funded issues, please contact us.
Do you accept unsolicited grant requests?
GHR works to respond to the needs of our communities in Minneapolis and around the world, with our focus on existing partners and individuals they serve. Unfortunately, that means we are unable to fund many extremely worthwhile efforts. While opportunities for partnership may be reviewed by GHR staff, we are unable to respond to every unsolicited request. If you are interested in sharing resources on a GHR-funded issue, please contact us.
Do you fund international organizations?
Yes. GHR Foundation works with accredited non-profit organizations and partners around the world to ensure global evidence-based and locally-relevant solutions.
Does GHR accept donations?
GHR is a private, family philanthropy that does not generally accept external contributions. However, if you are interested in partnering on a GHR-funded issue, please contact us.
How can we partner with GHR?
GHR Foundation recognizes partnership is a powerful resource for good. We partner with issue experts, like-minded donors and local leaders to both design and implement innovative solutions. If you are interested in sharing research, scaling an approach or collaborating to produce meaningful change, please contact us.
Who founded GHR Foundation?
GHR Foundation was started in 1965 by Gerald ‘Gerry’ and Henrietta ‘Hanky’ Rauenhorst, founders of the Opus companies, pioneers of the design-build approach to construction. Learn more about the history and legacy of the Foundation.
What is the relationship between GHR and Opus?
While GHR was created by Opus founders Gerry and Hanky Rauenhorst and draws inspiration from their design-build legacy, GHR now operates as private philanthropy independent of The Opus Group.
What is GHR's connection to the Catholic Church?
GHR Foundation is an independent, private family philanthropy, not allied with any institution, but we apply universal Catholic values to create models for change, and we see faith as a powerful resource for good.
Aligned with our founders' values, we regularly make grants to Catholic organizations; however, we also support a diverse portfolio of multi-religious and non-denominational efforts. Regardless of affiliation, GHR Foundation's focus is partnering with its grantees to create sustainable impact on complex social challenges.
How do I apply for a job?
In an effort to focus resources on impact, GHR Foundation operates with a small staff. However, all available positions are posted in our employment section. Please follow the instructions contained within the relevant position description to apply.
