Profile in Philanthropy–Billie Jo Crouse

Billie Jo Crouse

The H. Dean and Billie Jo Crouse Trust

Billie Jo Crouse continued a long family tradition of philanthropy when she and her late husband Dean established their estate trust with Albuquerque Community Foundation in the early 1980s.

“It gives me great comfort to know that our estate will be distributed for the purposes we wanted,” says Billie Jo of her relationship with the Foundation. She encourages donors to reserve a seat on a Trolley Tour to see their support in action.

Billie Jo co-authored with her father, noted architect Stanley A. Moe, Right Place, Right Time!: The inspiring Adventures of Stanley A Moe, Trailblazer, World Traveler, Architect, Storyteller. An extension of the family’s own giving traditions, the book sales benefit scholarship programs at four universities important to him and Billie Jo’s mother Doris.

Education and improving the lives of youth were of special interest to the Crouses. Both Billie Jo and Dean worked in education and mental health. One third of their trust, originally set up by current Board Trustee and attorney Kenneth Leach, will fund youth and special education programs. The remaining portion is designated for college scholarships for students with special needs and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

“If you have a question about an endowment or trust, I encourage you to ask the Foundation. Someone will have a helpful answer,” says Billie Jo.

“It gives me great comfort to know that our estate will be distributed for the purposes we wanted.”

Billie Jo Crouse

Billie Jo with her father