Stan and Norma discuss their commitment to faith-based philanthropy, educational excellence, and strengthening the values they hope to see passed on to the next generation.
What drew you to work so closely with the Bradley Impact Fund?
STAN: We’ve been disappointed in how many community foundations have moved to the Left, injecting politics where they don’t belong. When we were looking around, it was clear that, among the biggest foundations, Bradley most clearly hadn’t drifted from their foundations. So, we got a hold of Sherry (Street), and we got involved.
The more we do with the Impact Fund, the happier we are with our decision. We’ve been on two retreats, and we always feel like we are welcomed among other donors who worked hard and were blessed with success, just like we were. Like us, they bring their Christian and conservative values to their philanthropy, and they’re just great people to be around. We have especially appreciated the conferences for bringing together serious Christian entrepreneurs and donors who share a common purpose.
What is your giving philosophy?
STAN: We were both raised in conservative Dutch communities, so we are in the Calvinist, Reformed Christian tradition. This deeply affected our values in every way. We live well, but not extravagantly. We’ve been married for thirty-one years, and we enjoy sharing our blessings with others. I had a fifty-year career in public accounting and education, so I had quite a bit of experience working with people on their finances, business planning, and even estate planning. We know the ropes and, reflecting on our years together, we’re investing in the areas where we think we can do the most good.
NORMA: After serving for thirty-one years teaching in lower elementary school and seventeen years at the university level, I’m very interested in finding ways to help schools pass on conservative values to the next generation. Many universities—even Christian schools—have drifted from their Christian roots, and it’s been disappointing.
We are big supporters of Hillsdale College, Calvin University, National Association of Scholars, and Awakening at Hope College, which is a week-long program for high school students who step up as leaders in their churches.
Locally, we also support our church, good Christian schools, and Exalta Health, which provides excellent care in one of the poorest areas of Grand Rapids. Folks just pay what they can, and they get the care they need.
STAN: In policy, we support groups that generally support smaller government and accountability, really those who bring conservative values to government. We support Heritage, Capital Research Center, Mackinac Center, and Clare Booth Luce Center.
As America approaches the semiquincentennial, what are your hopes for the nation?
STAN: I think we’ve learned that trade and efficiency only work well when all parties share a similar moral framework. Offshoring manufacturing and relying on countries with different business norms has weakened the United States and left it vulnerable in areas such as energy and rare earth minerals.
We have to re-focus on education and rediscovering common values. I also think there is far more that unites serious Christians than separates them. That’s why we’re focusing on places such as Hillsdale and in leaders who are willing to rebuild institutions on stronger moral and religious foundations.
NORMA: I find the current world situation frightening, but we remain prayerful and hopeful that the United States can again be a Christian nation. I’m encouraged when we meet college students who understand this and are excited about their faith. My parents gave me the legacy of Christian education, so a big part of our legacy will be passing on to the next generation a love for Jesus and for America.