Allan Carlson Memorial Donations
Allan, with his wife Claudia by his side, built a successful company and through that success gave generously to support our community. Allan bought EPS Security in 1970 and presided over the company for the next 35 years. In 1997, The Carlson's established a Donor Advised fund at Grand Rapids Community Foundation, which they utilized to streamline their giving and makes grants to the causes they care about. The Community Foundation always looked forward to annual meetings with the Carlsons. "We know them as unassuming, generous and kind people. They have a special place in their hearts for children and causes that support children's needs," said Diana Sieger, Community Foundation President. In 2005, the Carlsons made an unprecedented, unrestricted gift to the Community Foundation. The gift was special because "it has allowed the Foundation to drive significant social change in areas that need it most and Community Foundation leaders of the future will be able to address issues that we cannot begin to imagine," Diana Sieger stated.
The Carlsons generous spirit did not go unnoticed, in 2009 they were awarded the Jack Chaille Award for Community Philanthropy. Click here to watch the video from the 2009 Chaille Award Celebration honoring Allan and Claudia Carlson. In the following years, their generosity has only grown. Their grants have supported countless organizations in our community. When Grand Rapids Community Foundation launched the Challenge Scholars program, they were one of the first to show their support with a gift. "Children are our country's future. We need to do what we can to steer young people to make good choices about education so they can compete in college," Allan said when we interviewed him in 2006. To extend support to Challenge Scholars, the family has asked that memorial donations, in honor of Allan, be directed to the Challenge Scholars Fund.
About Challenge Scholars
The Challenge Scholars program was launched in 2011 and its goal is to help first generation, low-income students prepare for and attain a degree or high-quality credential. The program addresses the financial, academic, and social barriers to college with proven methods, and by engaging a spectrum of supports from the student's homes and school, and the community.
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation valued our relationship with Allan and we are truly saddened by his passing. We are honored to accept donations in his memory designated to support Challenge Scholars.
Please complete the form below to make a gift to the Challenge Scholars Fund in memory of Allan Carlson. If you have questions about completing this form, please call the Foundation at 616-454-1751.