Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative To Receive the Archibald Bush Legacy Grant

November 11, 2014

Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative is the recipient of the Archibald Bush Legacy Grant a one-time grant of $200,000 to support a nonprofit organization that embodies Archibald Bush’s legacy of working to strengthen the civic, social and cultural vitality of Saint Paul.

Beacon will use the grant as “keystone” funding for the opening of Prior Crossing, a new housing development located on the Metro Transit Green Line that will offer homes and services for 44 youth ages 18 to 21. When it opens, Prior Crossing will be the largest supportive youth housing development in Ramsey County.

The Archibald Bush Legacy Grant was made possible by contributions from the Bush Foundation and the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation. Archie Bush and his wife Edyth established the Bush Foundation in 1953. Following Archie’s death, Edyth Bush moved to Winter Park, Florida where she established the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation.

In honor of Archie’s love for and commitment to the city of Saint Paul, the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation pledged $100,000 to support a nonprofit organization that best exemplifies the legacy of Archibald Bush and his commitment to Saint Paul. The Bush Foundation decided to match the contribution.

“We’re delighted to award the Archibald Bush Legacy Grant to Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, an organization doing tremendous work in Saint Paul,” said David Odahowski, President of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation.

In September, the Bush Foundation and the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation asked residents of Saint Paul to nominate organizations it felt were making an impact on the civic, social and cultural vitality of the city. Eighty nominations were received.

Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman reviewed the nominations and selected five finalists. The finalists were then asked how they would use the grant money in a way that was a fitting tribute to Archibald’s commitment to Saint Paul. The Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation reviewed the finalists’ proposals and determined the recipient of the grant.

In addition to awarding the Legacy Grant to Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, the Bush Foundation is pleased to announce grants of $20,000 to each of the finalists for their commitment to Archibald Bush’s legacy. The finalists include: Cycles for Change, Penumbra Theatre Company, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services.

“Archie Bush would be pleased to know that his investments are going to deserving Saint Paul nonprofits,” said Jen Ford Reedy, president of the Bush Foundation.