Donor Spotlight, Featuring the Bjornstad and Herman Families

The Bjornstad and Herman Families: Sue & Mark Bjornstad (right), their daughter Sara Herman and son-in-law Mike Herman (left), and granddaughters Taylor and Lauren (center)

Written by Sue Bjornstad
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“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

I’ve long understood the importance of sharing time, talent, and treasure. Over the years, I’ve seen how giving can profoundly impact both the giver and the receiver. My 35-year career in philanthropy and the nonprofit world showed me that many organizations simply couldn’t do their good work without generous donors who believe in their missions.

Even before that, my parents and grandparents shaped my early views on giving. For them, philanthropy wasn’t about writing a check—it was about showing up, helping neighbors, and offering what skills or time they could spare. That spirit of generosity left a lasting impression.

As I raised my daughter Sara, I strived to be a positive role model. Her path led to a career in nursing; a field grounded in compassion and service. But it wasn’t until I became a grandmother to Taylor and Lauren that I felt a new sense of purpose: to intentionally pass down the values of giving.

We began by volunteering together, and that has gradually grown into conversations about monetary giving. This past year, my family established an endowment at the Community Foundation as a way for us—now three generations strong—to engage in intergenerational philanthropy. Each year, we gather to discuss and decide where our gifts will go. It’s become a meaningful tradition that brings us closer and helps instill a deeper understanding of giving in the next generation.

To me, intergenerational giving means more than just passing down resources—it’s about handing down values, building traditions, and creating a culture of generosity. Through this fund, we hope to do all three:

• Values: Teaching our family the importance of sharing with others
• Traditions: Creating a shared experience around charitable decision-making
• Resources: Ensuring our giving continues into the future

Watching this come to life has been deeply fulfilling. I’m grateful to see how this journey is connecting our family in new ways while supporting the nonprofits we care about most. You don’t need great wealth to make a difference—just the willingness to start. We did, and it's already making an impact.

If you would like to discuss your philanthropic goals or learn more about establishing your own fund at the Community Foundation, please email Emberly Lietz at [email protected] or call 701-746-0668.