About Us

The Carnation Foundation exists to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to those in need.

Rooted in generosity and guided by purpose, our foundation partners with caregivers, communities, and supporters to ensure no one walks their journey alone.

Our Impact

Each year the Carnation Foundation serves hundreds of individuals and families through direct assistance, bereavement programs, and employee support – ensuring compassion reaches those who need it most.

Who We Serve

  • Patients and families navigating serious illness or end-of-life care
  • Children and families grieving the loss of a loved one
  • Employees experiencing unexpected hardship
  • Communities across the states we serve (our care network)

Meet Our Executive Director

Kristy McLellan leads the Carnation Foundation with a deep commitment to service, compassion, and community impact. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and donor engagement, Kristy is dedicated to strengthening programs that support patients, families, and employees during times of hardship.

“At the heart of our work is the belief that compassion should meet people exactly where they are. Every gift helps us walk alongside families and individuals when they need it most.”

Our Board

The Carnation Foundation is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who provide leadership, oversight, and stewardship to ensure the foundation operates with integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

Our board members bring diverse professional experience and a shared commitment to advancing compassionate care and community impact.

Our History

The Carnation Foundation was born out of compassion, community, and a deep belief that no one should face life’s hardest moments alone.

Founded in September 2022, the foundation began as an employee-led initiative. Initially known as the Carnation Fund, the mission was simple yet powerful – to support coworkers facing unexpected hardships. The fund quietly stepped in to provide help; Proof that care and generosity are deeply rooted within our organization.

In September 2023, the Foundation awarded its first official employee grant, marking an important milestone in formalizing and expanding the support process.

Impact grew. So did the vision. In October 2024, the organization officially became the Carnation Foundation, reflecting an expanded mission to support not only employees, but also the patients and families in our care. Today the Carnation Foundation provides financial assistance to patients and their families for final expenses, funeral costs, quality of life needs, and last wishes.

Since expanding its mission, the foundation has experienced tremendous growth. In 2025 alone, the Carnation Foundation was honored to serve more than 600 patients and employees, a testament to the generosity of our donors and the strength of our community.

What began as a small act of kindness has grown into a lasting legacy of compassion.