Bollinger Foundation

Through the proceeds of an annual golf tournament, the Bollinger Foundation raises funds for the education and support of children who have lost one or both parents. Priority is given toward families in which either the deceased parent worked - or the surviving parent continues to work - in the field of public or affordable housing, or community and economic development. The Foundation - established in 1989 - is named after Steve Bollinger, former Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), from 1981 until his death in 1984. After his death, Steve's wife Lin and their four young children were left to cope with the emotional and financial devastation that only the loss of a spouse and parent can bring. Before his death, Steve had created an annual golf tournament. For three years, HUD staff, business associates, friends, and families would gather for a day of golf, sunshine, and companionship. After 1984, the Bollinger Open continued. But now the tournament had an additional goal: to raise funds for the Bollinger children's education. To date, the Bollinger Foundation has given away over $678,800 in grants. In 1989, the Labor Department awarded worker compensation benefits to the Bollinger family. This allowed the golf tournament to serve other families in need who suffered a similar loss of a parent. It was that year that the Foundation was launched, with Lin Bollinger herself providing a generous donation.