Community, education drive Warren’s charity work

Philanthropy has become an important pillar in the lives of Kevin Warren and his wife, Greta. Approaching their 27th wedding anniversary, the two have focused their day-to-day philanthropic efforts on strengthening communities, helping the disenfranchised and educating young people.

In December 2014, Kevin and Greta created “Carolyn’s Comforts” in conjunction with the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital and are donating $1 million to a pediatric emergency care assistance fund to honor the legacy of Kevin’s sister, Carolyn Elaine Warren-Knox, who died of brain cancer earlier that year. Since the inception of Carolyn’s Comforts, nearly 500 financial grants have been made to families in need. 

In 2017, the Warrens launched the “No Doors Closed” scholarship program, selecting high school seniors from School District 191 near Minneapolis (the communities of Eagan, Burnsville and Savage) who will be first-generation college students. Each year, four students — two men and two women — are awarded a four-year, $5,000 academic scholarship renewable for up to four years, making them potentially worth $20,000 each. The Warrens plan to continue awarding four scholarships annually until 16 students are in the program on a perpetual basis.

Last year, Kevin and Greta announced an annual $20,000 scholarship program at Grand Canyon University for two student athletes, one male and one female, who have been admitted to graduate school. The recipients each received $10,000 in 2018, and two new students will be selected in 2019 and also receive that amount. This program will occur every year in perpetuity.

The Warrens also have established the Kevin & Greta Warren Family Emergency Assistance Fund at the University of Notre Dame Law School for students in need.