Honoring Loss Through Action, the Bauer Fund Surpasses $100,000 for Suicide Prevention and Empowers Grassroots Nonprofits for a Brighter Tomorrow
From Grief to Hope: Ten Years of the Bauer Fund
New York, N.Y. — In the heart of New York’s philanthropic community, the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Bauer Fund, a living testament to hope born out of loss.
Dr. William “Bill” Bauer, retired Marietta College professor and renowned mental health professional, established the fund in 2015 after the heartbreaking death of his son, Grant Bauer, by suicide.
In the years that followed, the Bauer Fund has galvanized more than 500 supporters and amassed over $107,000, channeled directly to mental health initiatives targeting suicide prevention and seeking to transform the landscape for vulnerable youth in the Ohio Valley.
Each year, led by Dr. Bauer, his wife Mary Ella Bauer, and their extended family, the Fund’s mission has grown.
The awards are announced on September 5, the anniversary of Grant’s passing, and are celebrated during “Grant Week”—a period marked by purposeful kindness and community action.
Reflecting its ongoing commitment, the Bauer Fund’s 2025 awards embrace the principles
that have defined its decade of service: funding grassroots organizations, spotlighting
leadership, and widening the circle of kindness that began as a father’s act of remembrance.
The 2025 Bauer Fund Grantees: Supporting Young Families and Preventing Crisis
This September, the Bauer Fund recognizes two outstanding organizations as its 2025 award recipients, advancing its twin missions of suicide prevention and community wellbeing.
The Community Baby Shower
At the core of every thriving community is the belief that every child deserves a bright future and every caregiver meaningful support. The Community Baby Shower is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to uplifting new and expecting families who face economic hardship.
Through annual events, the group provides essential safety and baby-care items, education, and access to supportive services. In just three years, the organization has directly impacted nearly 1,000 families, enhancing their ability to nurture their children with confidence and security.
Entirely volunteer-run, the Community Baby Shower fosters safety, connection, and community—embodying the very values the Bauer Fund seeks to amplify.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
stands as a critical national resource for anyone experiencing mental health struggles, emotional distress, substance use concerns, or simply in need of support. Run by a network of over 200 crisis centers, the 988 Lifeline provides confidential assistance 24/7/365, connecting individuals—in their preferred language—with compassionate, highly trained counselors.
The establishment of 988 as a three-digit emergency number was the result of landmark recommendations by the Federal Communications Commission in 2019, officially adopted on July 16, 2020, to improve access to immediate, life-saving help. By 2021, services expanded to include text, extending support to those distressed or unable to call.
The Lifeline’s inclusive approach embraces all, regardless of background—a principle the Bauer Fund shares. With an emphasis on accessibility, cultural competence, and affirmation across all identities, the 988 Lifeline has revolutionized the U.S. mental health response system while specifically serving veterans, service members, and those who support them.
Random Acts of Kindness: Remembering Grant Through Community Action
At the heart of the Bauer Fund’s activities lie “Random Acts of Kindness” (RAKs), especially during “Grant Day” (September 5) and “Grant Week” (September 5-12).
This grassroots movement, now embraced by the J. Luce Foundation and its supporters, records and celebrates thousands of acts each year—testament to the ongoing ripple effect of Grant’s legacy. In one notable year, over 5,000 documented acts of kindness multiplied Grant’s memory into tangible changes across communities.
But the Fund’s support goes further: micro-grants, social media spotlighting, and recognition through the Foundation’s Stewardship Report continually elevate organizations and leaders who drive progress in mental health, homelessness, and community service.
Vision 2050: The Bauer Fund’s Bold Path Forward
The Tenth Anniversary of the Fund unfolds alongside the “Vision 2050” campaign—a strategic plan from the J. Luce Foundation and its sister initiative, Orphans International Worldwide, celebrating 25 years of service.
In what was both a celebration and a challenge, Jim Luce, Foundation Founder, called on all Friends of Grant and supporters to help raise another $250,000 over the next quarter-century.
This visionary goal aims to dramatically expand the Bauer Fund’s reach, ensuring ongoing innovation in suicide prevention, mental health support, and leadership development for youth in the Midwest and beyond.
Gratitude, Leadership, and the Power of Collective Compassion
None of the Bauer Fund’s decade of achievement would be possible without its network—the more than 500 “Bauer Fund Fellows,” who have grown a movement from sorrow to strength.
From the Ohio Valley to Honolulu, the Fund’s micro-grants, annual recognitions, and leadership awards honor not only those lost and those at risk, but also those working tirelessly to foster hope, resilience, and lasting change.
In the words of Dr. Bauer: “Each contribution, large or small, represents a shared belief in the importance of mental health and a commitment to protecting our young people. Grant’s memory lives on through every life touched and potentially saved by these resources.”
For more information, support, or to contribute, search The Bauer Fund on the Stewardship Report or donate directly via the J. Luce Foundation (www.lucefoundation.org), earmarked “Bauer Fund.” Join the movement, embrace compassion, and help chart a hopeful path for vulnerable youth—today, tomorrow, and for decades to come.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult.
Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need
someone to talk to, caring counselors are there for you. You are not alone. WEBSITE: https://988lifeline.org
Audio Summary
The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation celebrates ten years of the Bauer Fund, founded by Dr. Bill Bauer in memory of his son, Grant. Raising over $100,000, the Fund supports youth mental health and suicide prevention in the Midwest. The 2025 Bauer Fund Award recipients are the Community Baby Shower and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Vision 2050 challenges the community to help raise $250,000 over 25 years for expanded impact and hope.
#BauerFund #YouthMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #CommunityBabyShower
#988Lifeline #Vision2050 #HopeAfterLoss #JLuceFoundation #RandomActsOfKindness
Tags: Mental health, Suicide prevention, Philanthropy, Ohio Valley, Bill Bauer, Young adults,
nonprofit, J. Luce Foundation, Vision 2050, Community support, Bauer Fund, Marietta College,
mental health advocacy, donor honor roll, Friends of Grant, charitable giving, grief transformation
