OUR STORY
Bean Foundation 2018
"The Bean Foundation is a vision of Mr. Al Bean. Founded in 1981 with the express purpose to improve the quality of life for children, young families, and young adults."
George Neilson, Founding Board Member
When his wife passed, Mr. Bean started the Bean Foundation with a cash gift of $10,000 and six acres of land. His directions were simple: work together with government, citizens, businesses, service clubs and other foundations because together you can achieve more than working alone. Secondly, focus upon the quality of life for children, young adults and young families. Within a year, Bean Park was built. The park was constructed using his model of collaboration and to this day the work of the foundation continues to realize his goal.
Before his death, Mr. Bean donated 5 residences and 400 acres of real estate to the foundation. These assets have been instrumental in the growth and enhancement of Jefferson County. Projects have included land donations for building: Jefferson County Middle School, COCC’s Madras Campus, Madras Aquatic Center, three additional community parks, the St. Charles Madras health campus, several other community features.
OUR MISSON
Fostering Recreation, Education, Culture, and the Arts
The mission of the Bean Foundation is to stimulate and assist in the creation of opportunities that enhance the quality of life in the areas of recreation, education, culture, and arts for the residents of Jefferson County. The primary focus of the Foundation is to serve children, families, and young adults. The Foundation values enduring projects and innovative partnerships that demonstrate outstanding stewardship which will build our community.
OUR VISION
Healthy in Mind, Body, and Spirit
Al Bean, the man behind the Bean Foundation, was a visionary. This was evident not only in the economic realm, but in his social sense as well. He desired a community that is healthy in mind, body, and spirit. The Bean Foundation strives to keep that vision alive and progressing by improving the quality of life for citizens of Jefferson County.
OUR VALUES
Leadership, Service, Partnerships and Stewardship