Giving: Opus Foundation Celebrates 25 Years of Impact

In 2000, the Opus Foundation was established to formally preserve our deeply rooted belief that success brings with it a responsibility to serve others. This belief traces back to our founder Gerry Rauenhorst and his upbringing during the Great Depression, when hardship met with faith and a helping hand shaped his view of the world and, ultimately, the culture and character of our business.

“The Foundation was created so this sense of responsibility would live on,” said Matt Rauenhorst, President and Gerry’s grandson. “My grandfather believed deeply that if you had the ability to help others, you should. That belief has guided our family, our company and now our Foundation for decades.”

In fact, over the last 25 years, by preserving Gerry’s philanthropic values, the Foundation has grown into a powerful force for good – investing more than $68 million in 840 organizations across 224 communities.

Kristin Ridley, the Foundation’s Executive Director since 2011, is quick to note that the Foundation’s impact begins with Opus associates themselves. They not only help drive the company’s success – which fuels the Foundation’s giving – but also play a key role in identifying organizations to support through their volunteerism, community involvement and client relationships.

“The extent to which associates are supportive of and engaged with the Foundation is a testament to Gerry’s lasting influence,” emphasized Kristin. “It speaks to the values he instilled and how they continue to guide how we show up for our communities today.”

That shared sense of responsibility has helped shape how the Foundation has evolved over time. In recent years, the Foundation has made a deliberate shift from traditional grantmaking to a more collaborative, partnership-driven approach designed to deepen impact and better respond to the needs of the communities it serves.

“When we listen first and lead second, the impact is stronger and more sustainable,” Kristin said.

That philosophy also led to the introduction of impact investing. Today, nearly 40 percent of the Foundation’s endowment is invested in values-aligned initiatives, including affordable housing, workforce development and community revitalization. Alongside grantmaking, these investments allow the Foundation to extend Gerry’s legacy even further – using every tool available to create meaningful, long-term change.

Among the hundreds of organizations the Foundation has supported over the years, two in particular illustrate what its approach looks like in practice.

Since 2015, the Foundation has invested more than $1.8 million in Minneapolis-based Construction Careers Foundation (CCF), an organization dedicated to introducing young people to careers in the construction trades through hands-on learning, mentorship and workforce training. CCF works primarily with students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them see a future in industries that offer stability, purpose and opportunity.

“The support from Opus is transformational,” said Pat Wagner, executive director of CCF. “Financially, of course, but also in the way they walk alongside us. They help us think strategically, strengthen our programs and ultimately serve more young people in meaningful ways. We truly wouldn’t be where we are today without that partnership.”

The partnership has also been deeply personal for Jeff Walker, Director of Operations, who was greatly influenced by Gerry’s authentic leadership for nearly two decades and has been actively involved with CCF over the years.

“Gerry used to say that Opus doesn’t give a handout, we give a hand up,” Jeff reflected. “Nowhere is that more evident than in our work with CCF. As a company rooted in the construction industry, it’s especially meaningful to support an organization that’s preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”

He paused before adding, “As an associate, there’s a real sense of pride in carrying Gerry’s legacy forward in such a tangible way.”

Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City has experienced a similar journey. Since 2010, the Foundation has invested more than $1.1 million to support the organization’s work serving children and families from early childhood through career readiness. Through comprehensive age-appropriate programs, students gain hands-on exposure to technology, trades and entrepreneurship – building skills, confidence and pathways to future opportunity.

Among the grants Operation Breakthrough has received, the inaugural Gerry Rauenhorst Building Community Award in 2015 holds special meaning for President and CEO Mary Esselman. The annual award was created to recognize organizations that embody Gerry’s entrepreneurial spirit and deep commitment to making a difference, with funding tied to the number of years since he founded the company.

“I never met Gerry, but it’s clear he was larger than life,” Mary shared. “To be recognized with an award that bears his name – and to be included among organizations that reflect his values – was incredibly meaningful to our team.”

She added, “Opus has been with us every step of the way. Their partnership has helped us grow in ways we couldn’t have imagined, let alone achieved, on our own.”

Oscar Healy, Regional Vice President of Construction, has worked closely with Operation Breakthrough for years. Through hands-on engagement, mentorship and ongoing collaboration, Oscar has helped the organization think bigger about what’s possible for the students it serves.

“Opus doesn’t just show up with a check,” Oscar said. “We show up with curiosity, commitment and a genuine desire to help organizations succeed. Being part of Operation Breakthrough’s journey has been incredibly meaningful, and it’s a powerful example of what happens when you invest in people and believe in their potential.”

The Opus Foundation’s 25-year legacy is measured not only in dollars invested, but in relationships built, organizations strengthened and lives changed. Guided by the values that inspired its founding – and shaped by the people who continue to carry that mission forward – the Foundation remains committed to building stronger communities for generations to come.

“This work has never been about recognition,” said Matt. “It’s about responsibility, stewardship and doing what we can to make a lasting difference. That’s a legacy we’re proud to continue.”